Budget is <$3k with an optic and bipod (feel free to provide your recommendations for that). I’m fairly new to shooting. I’ve only had my PAL for about 2 years now. I want something decent for range shooting that I can also eventually use for hunting if I get into that as well.

I previously owned a Ruger Precision chambered in 6.5 creedmor with a 24” barrel. I was forced to sell it last year when I had back surgery; I was hurting for cash. I’m looking to get something else now. I loved that rifle, but I’ve read it doesn’t offer great value anymore. I see that they’re still discounted on Tenda, which is where I bought mine, so I’ve been tempted to buy another. It shot amazing at 200 yards. My only complaint was the stock.

Anyways, I don’t think I want something quite as budget as a Ruger American. I’m okay going up a little bit. And maybe 6.5 creedmor is a bit overkill? The ammo being expensive kinda sucked, but I want something powerful enough to shoot deer in the future if I decide I want to hunt. Should I get something in .223 or .556 if I’m doing mostly range shooting?