Looking to get into precision rifle shooting. My rifle range only goes out to 200-yards and 99% of my "long" range shooting will be done there with one opportunity per year to shoot out to 500 on private land.

I am seriously interested in 6.5 Creedmore but, given my 200-yard max, I feel like I should be looking at a .223 setup. Is 6.5 Creedmore a bad choice for a 200-yard range? I think I might just be wasting money shooting that cartridge at just 200-yards.

Additionally, whether I choose .223 or 6.5 CM, what are the general thoughts on the Savage Axis II Precision? A $1,000 rifle, paired with a $1,000 scope, and a bipod seems like a decent starter setup but I'm curious if anyone thinks I should avoid this rifle. I have read some mixed reviews but, I have to admit, it looks damn nice with the black and OD green.

Edit: I already own a CZ 457 LUX 22lr rifle that I love and shoot very well. I just want something different because I like buying guns and I need something that can, on rare occasions go out to 500 yards, which .22lr can't do.