i dont know much but i dont think you really want a pistol cartridge....they lack accuracy and power..may be fun to shoot and all...but it sounds like you want to do a little animal shooting too...an sks would be fine for just shooting whatever you want...and at 150 yds i hit steel plates easily freehand with one..the plat was probally 2 sq foot but thats free hand at 150yds dont forget..thats pretty good shooting when i wasnt really trying..i would send round after round..the first round wouldne be there yet and the second one was already fierd..i dont know where that one came from...it was pretty accurate for what it was...im sure it would be perfect for you unless you want real accuracy...i really cant think of any other good semi auto carbines much under 500 bucks or so...good luck....