I am looking to purchase a new rifle, but I am not sure on the caliber. It is between the 223, 243, and 270. I am looking for something that will go out to 500 yds (as this is as far as the range will allow) and is cheap and readily available. This will befor the rangeand maybe some hunting. I already have a 7mm mag so the hunting is not priority. Thanks.

If I already had a 7MM Mag, I would get the 223. Its not really a 500 yard rifle but none of the ones you mentioned are real good 500 yard choices. Unless you are talking only smaller varmints. The 270 will reach out there but its pretty close to the 7 Mag for uses.

500 yds for what? paper, varmints? Other than that, there really isn't a need to shoot 500 yds. The 270 would surely take a deer at 500 yds but like James said, you already have a 7mm mag. The .243 would dipatch coyotes and smaller out to 500 yds but you would really be stretching the 223. And to consistantly hit anything at 500 yds, you would have to start with an accurate rifle. A rifle that can only shoot a 2" group at 100 yds is going to shoot 10" groups at 500. And that isn't accounting for wind drift which could be substantial at that yardage.

Since you already have the 7mag, .223 would be a good choice. Ammo is plentiful and cheap. 500 yards is a stretch, but you can get out that far if you are willing to spend the bucks on a good rifle and good ammo to do it.

25-06 is another good caliber. You probably can't get the ammo at Wal-Mart, but any gun store should have it.

The range that I shoot at has metal targets that are set at 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards, so that is really what it would be used for, and maybe some yotes and prairie dogs. I am actually leaning towards the 22-250. Thanks for the replies.

Another vote for the 25-06.

Another vote for a 25-06! Its my antelope gun. It will do the job on them out to 500 yards. The ammo is pretty much avaiable anywhere now days.

Thanks for all the replies. I chose the Savage 16FSS "Weather Warrior" in 22-250. I will post picks and range report later.

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