to me, sounds like you are wanting an entry level bolt gun
Ruger, Savage, Winchester makes some good ones to name a few
they can be had for under 500, my Ruger American was under 400. its plenty good enough for punching paper at Kokohead
if you want better quality rifle and its in your budget, go for it!
I can understand your desire to shoot a bigger caliber, or just something different
I feel the same way about rifles and handguns. I don't need a 44mag handgun, but I enjoy shooting it a lot.
sometimes you just want to shoot something bigger, nothing wrong with that.
good luck in your quest.
