Best cartridge for a starter centerfire?

[Jguy101]

I was thinking for a while about getting an SKS or Saiga for my first centerfire rifle, but I've decided to just save up and make my first semiauto the rifle I really want: an STG-556. In the meantime, though, I'd like a an inexpensive and relatively low-recoil utility rifle that I can reload for easily; i.e., probably not a Saiga or SKS (both throw brass pretty far, and the Saiga has its case-identifying features for the Russian market in some calibers that might make reloading unsafe). So, I'm thinking of going with a low-cost bolt-action in a short-action caliber that I could put some Nikon or Vortex glass on and call things good for a little informal target shooting or social work if necessary. What rifles and cartridge should I look at? Stevens 200 in .223? Marlin XS7 in 7mm-08 for a bit more oomph?

 

[wlewisiii]

I can recommend the Marlin as I picked one up this summer. Well made, inexpensive bolt action. The 7mm-08 is a really fine cartridge with the pluses of the 7mm added to the already very good .308. If it only came with iron sights, the rifle would be a perfect beginners rifle.

Aside from that, I've been thinking of adding a Handi-Rifle in .223 as well.

 

[courtgreene]

How long is "the mean time?" If it's going to be years, get something you can hunt/target shoot with (stevens 200, 308 is my suggestion but more people will tell you to get a marlin 30-30). If it's going to be a couple months, stock up on ammo, accessories, targets, etc... for the gun you "really want."
There's no reason to buy something and sink money into it when that may cause you to have to wait longer for what you will inevitably pine for while shooting this stop-gap gun.

 

[NCsmitty]

If you want to keep costs down, especially ammo costs, then something in a 223 certainly makes sense, and negligible recoil comes with that round.

Go to a gun store that handles different makes and handle each brand that interests you. Nothing like getting the feel that each one has before making a decision.



NCsmitty

 

[MolleMan]

i'm currently looking at marlin xs7 in a .308 myself, i was impressed at the adjustible trigger pull, fluted bolt and the soft butt pad. and all for $299 I thought was a really good deal but interested to see your feedback

 

[Jguy101]

How long is "the mean time?"

Probably a couple of years. It won't just be a stop-gap gun, though; I'd like to have a gun like this if I had an STG already. I'm just going for the cheaper want first.

If you want to keep costs down, especially ammo costs, then something in a 223 certainly makes sense, and negligible recoil comes with that round.

Go to a gun store that handles different makes and handle each brand that interests you. Nothing like getting the feel that each one has before making a decision.

.223 is making a lot of sense, especially since I'll already have the reloading accessories I need once I get the STG. Word is, though, that betwen the 200 and the XS7--which doesn't come in .223--the latter is usually more enjoyed by those who don't plan on customizing their rifle too much, and the only modification I'm considering is maybe chopping the barrel down to 20". I'm definitely going to have to go to a store that stocks both and check them out before I make up my mind.

 

[pikid89]

either a savage 223 or a marlin 336 in .30-30

 

[DIM]

223 then cheap to load shoots well

 

[ol' scratch]

.223/5.56. Great round and cheap.

 

[cbrgator]

223 or 243

 

[BusMaster007]

Remington 7400 in .30-06 or .308