CPH, have you looked at the H & R rifles? I currently have two of them, and absolutely love them. I really like single shots, very simplistic actions, solid lockup, and short overall firearm length. I bought an H&R Ultra varmint hunter in .223. Then since I know a couple of topnotch machinists, had the .223 converted to a .22-250. This is quite a rifle now. These rifles are reasonably inexpensive, shoot very well, and come in cartridges like the .243 and .25-06 which are the rounds I would recommend to you, specifically the .25-06. It is really tough to meet all your requirements for cheap, but if you wanted to save a few cents/round, buy some inexpensive reloading equipment, and reload yourself. I have an RCBS Rockchucker press, and associated equipment that I don't use anymore, that I would part with pretty reasonably. Have not been looking to sell the equipment, but it is just sitting on the bench in my shop going to waste. Good luck.