IMO it is not so much the gun nor the caliber what might get you excited but what you do with it.
Two calibers quickly come two mind, specially if cost could be an issue. Both amazing calibers often overlooked.
A) 223/5.56 ...B) 308
If you reload this will give you amazing possibilities in very reasonable budget, specially the 223.
You also have endless options including affordable rifles that shoot fairly well out of the box.
The biggest issue with the 223 bolt action is that makers seem to resist installing barrels with 8 or 7 twist like we have in service carbines.
But this is not a huge thing for many, unless you want to get good at long range or hunt with the heavier bullets.
Whatever you save from either caliber you can put towards reloading equipment and glass.
I bet there is nothing you need to do with a rifle that you cannot do with these calibers with great accuracy.
Furthermore there is nothing other calibers mentioned before can do that you cannot do with the 308 in practical terms.
If you reload you can push 110gr pills like laser beams and 180gr loads that will take down the largest game if needed.
So in practical terms the thing could become a "243, a 6.5, a 7mm and 338" all together including hunting with premium hunting loads
but amazing deals in budget / training.
The 223 reloaded can produce amazing accuracy and it is an excellent all around caliber to have easy to maintain that means you shoot
more that means more fun.
Extreme accuracy and getting good at it is something should get anyone who likes shooting excited.
And remember, it is not a bad idea to have rifles in current service rounds and if you reload even better.
components will be always there.
I woudl consider a savage, even an old stevens 200 (same thing). Those are good actions and allow you to swap calibers very
easily and inexpensively if needed, perhaps between seasons and still get great accuracy. The thing is anytihng with the accustock
is going to be better than the other stocks like the xp.
Perhaps one of the best values is this 308 with a 5R barrel and accustock that is not the greatest stock in the world but it is aluminun
bedded and it works vs. the tupperware stocks you get with most budget rifles.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo...ctical-bolt-action-rifle/1695199.uts?slotId=3
Check out the reports in the forums and folks are getting 1/2 moa with federal gold match and black hills ammo that is crazy for something out of the box
with that price.
There are othe like the predator (not the xp) with the accustock but those are
more expensive and why spend more right?