I'd go for (in order):

- 270
- 30-06
- 30-30
- .223 (not sure that I would even use that for deer, getting pretty small, although I'm not familar with the ballistics on this cartidge).

If you don't want to pay a lot for the rifle, why put a 3-9x50 on it? A fixed 4x or 6x power would probably run you less. Although if you are going to be shooting at 20yds, I'd go for iron sights any day.

[ This Message was edited by: bitmasher on 2003-08-26 22:32 ]

I have an old tasco 3-9 x50 that i used before i got my leupold so i plan to put it on. as for the .223 i had almost ruled it out myself except a friend that swears by it said to ask someone b/c he thinks it is the best of the four calibers

What do you expect to be shooting? Do you really expect this cheap rifle to take game at 500 yds!?! I think that's asking a bit much.

First off its my opinion that any gun can be acurate at 500 yards. I know that i can hit a soda can at 100 yards with my 100 dollar savage single shot 22 LR but as for takin 500 yard shots at game animals with a 223 now this is my opinion it is unethical to do so. Although if you are goin to use the 223 for like you said walkin through the woods scouting in brush where u will not be takin long shot 223 would be a great gun. Just because alot of people like big guns and say the smaller calibers are a waste dont belive it i hunt wiht a 243. I do think if u like the 223 get one get good with it and u will have a great hunt that u will remember for a life time.

You might want to check your regulations, hunting big game in CO with a 223 is illegal. Needs to be a 6mm (.24) or larger. Of course your regulations maybe different, but just a heads up.

If you want a smaller caliber, like Zippy said, the 243 is a great caliber.

As I re-read your post, I'm not quite understanding what you want with this rifle. You said it is for scouting, but not hunting because you have a browning. Are you shooting varmits? If so, I'd sight in each one and take the tightest grouper of the bunch (and if none of them shoot tight groups, I'd get a better gun :smile:), because plinking a coyote at 500 yards, is a lot more about markmanship than caliber selection.

[ This Message was edited by: bitmasher on 2003-08-29 23:50 ]

I want a rifle to carry with me in my vehicle to use when i'm just out and about.The idea of my browning A-bolt or BAR doesn't sit as well as a cheaper rilfe with a decent scope. Lots of times i see coyotes and varmints as well as deer that i would like to take a shot at. now as for the 500 yard shot i shurely wouldn't attempt that on a deer b/c of the chance of injuring it but i would chance it on a coyote. We have so many of those around here it wouldn't hurt o lose a few Thanks for the advice

Well a deer is a living animal and so is a coyote so its not a good shot to take if u think u might just injure him, I wont even take a shot on a huge buck if I that it wont be a clean kill. But like Bitmasher said in some places u have to at least a 24 calliber or so many Ft Lbs at so many yards to be legal. But also think do u want a single shot high power I wont even use a Ruger #1 its a great gun but I want to know that if I do take that bad shot i can follow up with the kill shot. The only time I hunt with a single shot is for my favorite of all seasons Black Powder.

bitmasher is correct.here in Fla a .223 would be illegal to use for hunting big game,ie: Deer and Hog and no rifle at all for game birds so please check your local laws concerning minimum caliber size.
I personally just carry my $109.00 Marlin .22 cal auto for scouting, but only during pre-season scouting and only for snakes and such. During the hunting season there is no "just scouting or walking thru the woods" I AM HUNTIN!!!!! ALWAYS!! So buy yourself a soft gun case and carry tha Browning.
One last note...can you actually SEE a coyote in the woods at 500 yards?

[ This Message was edited by: JTapia on 2003-08-30 20:48 ]

In the woods NO! if you can see 500 yards in the woods then your NOT in the woods. Up here in alabama we have almost as much clear-cut land and long powerline clearings that it would be possible to see just about anything at 500 yards if you were lookin' for it. I took a .223 to the range the other day just to see how ti shot i was really suprised at the tiny hole that a winchester FMJ left i have definetly ruled the .223 out so i will probably just use the .270 A-bolt and deal with any dings.

[ This Message was edited by: bnow0707 on 2003-09-01 16:32 ]

Only time I have seen coyote at that distance has been when they were in an open area and I had been sitting and watching the area for awhile. They blend in well and it is easy to miss them.