I only have the 22LR rifle caliber and was wondering what caliber I should look into next.   I don't want to get into too many rifle calibers so I am weighing the options.

At some point, I will probably get into the (1) 223 AR platform and (2) some kind of hunting caliber.  My question is, which one to get into next?

I've weighted the pros and cons over cost for each and these are what I've come up with so far.

1) .223 Remington
   Rifle options: AR-15, IWI Tavor
   Pros:  A popular caliber and ammo cost is comparatively cheap.
   Cons: The full AR-15 rifle and accessories will probably run with a $2000 pricetag.  A bit more for the Tavor. 
               Ammo is also scarce at the moment.

2) .308 Winchester
   Rifle options: M1 Garand 308, Remington 700 308, Tikka T3 Lite 308, AR-10, Ruger Gunsite Scout
   Pros: A popular long range caliber and big stopping power for hunting. 
             Can get a decent rifle for about $1000
             The AR-10 and AR-15 rifles can share components.
   Cons: Ammo is more expensive and also scarce at the moment.

3) 30-06 Springfield
   Rifle options: M1 Garand 30-06, Remington 700 30-06, Tikka T3 Lite 30-06
   Pros: Also a popular long range caliber and big stopping power for hunting
             Can get a decent rifle for about $1000
             Ammo is relatively cheap and is plentiful
   Cons: Stronger felt recoil than the 308 Winchester.

4) 270 Winchester
    Rifle options: Remington 700 270, Tikka T3 Lite 270, other hunting rifles
    Pros: A popular hunting rifle with a flatter trajectory
              Can get a decent rifle for less than $1000
              Ammo is as cheap as the 30-06 and is plentiful
    Cons: Doesn't share ammo with the Garand.  (Oh yeah, the only reason this is a con is that one day, I will be purchasing an M1.)

If I don't want to spend too much, it seems that the 30-06 or 270 are good options next, especially if I want to get into hunting.

Or should I forget about these 2 calibers, spend more and go for the 308 caliber?

Otherwise, I could also get into the 223 but this looks to be the most expensive especially because of the initial rifle cost and ammo scarcity.

What do you think?  Thanks for your thoughts.

Go #1
Tavor. Then trade it to me
For an ar later.

Go #1
Tavor. Then trade it to me
For an ar later.

Haha.... Ok suuuuure.....

[edit] It's not quite an HK MP5 but the IWI Tavor is coming close to dislodging the MP5 as my #1 dream firearm.

Get a 7.62x39 AK type rifle.

Used ones can be had for 600-700 dollars.

They're reliable, cheap and very inexpensive to feed.

They only go up in value.

You brought up hunting a few times, so ........
308 / 30-06 / or 270 bolt gun and spend the rest on a good scope.  Having at least one good bolt gun is a must IMHO.  Recoil of these three are close enough not to matter.

Next question would be, what are you going to hunt? where?

Pigs? deer? goats? in Hawaii or mainland?

Long range I'd suggest 270 over the other 2.  Otherwse, If a Garand is on your list, 30-06 bolt gun and order greek surplus from cmp for cheap target practice ammo. Or go ahead and order a Garand from CMP.

You didn't mention any of my favorites on your list (FAL, HK/PTR 91) so no need to jump into 308 at the moment.

Another option would be a Mossberg MVP that uses AR mags and has a 5.56 chamber.  I have the 18" barrel and it is a nice, lightweight rifle.  If you are hunting smaller deer, pigs, goats, a good 223 bullet (nosler partition, etc.) will do the job if you do yours and you can start stocking up on AR mags for when you get your AR.

If you aren't planning on hunting in the mainland anytime soon and don't want to pay for overpriced semi auto's in the current market, a MVP would be my choice.

BTW, you can get a good bolt gun for way less than $1k. 

 

Do you want to hunt, 3 gun competition, home defense, zombie apocalypse?
Hey! I think I've seen this before.

Yeah, an AK 47 is the route you want to go. A used WASR goes for less than $700 (during non-panic times), and the ammo isn't going to burn a hole in your wallet.

Any guy that buys a used wasr for anywhere near $700 should shoot himself.   

AR15
you can swap uppers to a variety of calibers. speedtek got some nice stuff coming out in 7.62 flavor

Any guy that buys a used wasr for anywhere near $700 should shoot himself

Agreed. A new one will run about $700-800, but a used one should run about half that.

Figure out what you want to do, then look for the tool to do it.

I agree with the king if you Can dig up a cheap ak its the way to go.  Gonna work everytime you pull the trigger.

As for hunt options I'd say .30.06 its a beast of a round but has been used world wide for hunting men and animals.  Its cheap ammo from cmp. 

U can get a garand from cmp for about $600 or buy a "american enfeild m1917" eddystone or other sporter.  That revicer is uber strong.
The ruger American according to most reviews is the best value for under $500 but sale close to $300 leaves money for ammo and a decent scope.

Thanks for the suggestions and replies so far, guys. They are all good and making me think this through.

Yeah I don't know why I ruled out the 7.62x39 AK Platform. Maybe it's my desire for a Tavor that is making me want to start on the 223.

Teichi, you asked what I want to do with it so here goes...  I want to (1) learn long range shooting / marksmanship kind of like what you guys do at Puuloa and (2) learn to hunt (mostly here in Hawaii and maybe one day go to the mainland when I am more experienced.).

Puuloa - I'm thinking at least an M1 Garand or AR15, but yes perhaps a good AK should be on my list. Do you guys shoot AKs for Puuloa?

Hunting - I am a novice but am seriously wanting to get into hunting so I am leaning towards the lighter rifles (Tikka T3 lite). As far as hunt what, I will probably be trying out all game types in Hawaii so I am interested in a good all around rifle if that is possible. Yes this doesn't include the shotgun needed for fowl.

Pit808, thanks for suggesting the Mossberg MVP. Yes, the the MVP actually does sound like a good idea especially if I can use it for hunting small game in Hawaii. I've been looking at it several times at SA and like that it's not  expensive at all.  I also like that it can share ammo and magazines with an AR later.

Would the .223 and a Mossberg MVP be an okay starting choice for doing both Puuloa marksmanship shooing and various hunting in Hawaii?  This assumes I can find decently priced 223 ammo of course.

Otherwise, the other best option at the moment seem to be the CMP 30-06 with a M1 Garand. 

Or an AK if I can take it long range shooting and hunting.  (No right?)

I never shot at puuloa.  I thought you had to use service rifles? Maybe that's just certain days?

As far as ammo price, 223 will be cheaper than.30 Cal.  You could probably pick up a MVP, decent scope, and a single stage reloading kit for about 1k (maybe even a turret if you shop around).   There are a BUNCH of bullets for this caliber for doing pretty much anything short of larger game.

I wouldn't want to hunt with a Garand due to weight, unless you are stationary.

Ak for hunting?  Maybe for pigs in thick woods, otherwise, a iron sighted ak wouldn't be my first or second choice for hunting or precision. If we are talking shtf, ak is 

F Class NRA competitions are conducted at Puuloa. 30-06 or ballistic equivalent is allowed. AKs are not recommended due to the lack of mid range accuracy. We start the course of fire at 200 yards and don't want people shooting up the benches, portapotties, and lane markers.shooters will need at least a 100 yards zero before you try to shoot at Puuloa.

Thanks Pit808.

Yes, as far as I know, Puuloa service rifles include the AR15, M1 Garand and M1A only. Too bad it doesn't include the AK47 platform.

They have an open tactical category that allows more than just service rifles. However it is prone only, and I will probably get smoked by the high end competitors and tacticooled firearms there.

Based on this thread so far, it sounds like I need to delineate between small game vs big game and need to plan on 2-3 rifles because of 2-3 purposes (CMP vs small game hunting vs large game hunting).  I'm just trying to think through if there is an optimum plan.

OPTIMIZED FOR AMMO:

Purpose and caliber narrowed down to the following:
1) small game (and SHTF) - 223
2) big game and long range CMP - 30-06 (or 308)

If I decide to build on the 223 first, rifle options are:
1. hunting small game - Mossberg MVP / (AR15?)
2. CMP competition - AR15

If I decide on the 30-06 or 308 first, rifle options are:
1. hunting large game - Tikka T3, Rem 700, Ruger American, Ruger Gunsite Scout (308 only)
2. CMP competition - M1 Garand / AR-10

OPTIMIZED FOR RIFLE:

Only the AR platform seems to have the flexibility for different barrels and receivers:
1. 223 for SHTF and small game
2. 308 for CMP and large game

The other rifles can be extra later.

Am I on the right track?

I'd say the ruger american and a garand from cmp you can get away with for $1100.  That way you can hunt with the ruger and its accurate and reliable. 
Then the garand from cmp for puuloa comps.
Both share .30-06 can buy greek ball ammo 200 rnds for about $110 shipped in a can to hi from cmp

Remm 700. 30-06 cuz the ammo is easy to find and it's one big as bullet

Thanks!  I like those suggestions.  They are optimized for $$$! 

I got a Remington 700 30-06 cause it's a great overall rifle and caliber. 
+ Lots of ammunition selection.  65 cent CMP military surplus to match grade ammo
+ Ammunition can be loaded down to .308 levels or up to near 300 winmag.
+ Good long range accuracy
+ Can be used to hunt almost anything in the US
+ Buy a garand later and you have 2 rifles in the same caliber.
+ Most powerful thing you can shoot at Puuloa