.243WIN is fine....... though just about any common caliber would be fine, too, within reason.
With your budget, one of the Savage scoped entry level rifles would work just fine for your purposes.
Check the used racks, as well- this time of year, especially- Christmas bills hit about the same time construction work is at it's slowest, and the Income Tax refunds have not hit. Deer caliber rifles don't get shot that much, generally (varmit calibers are a different story!), so as long as it's in working order (nothing broken) and well taken care of (not rusted and the bore's in good shape) then it'll likely be a better deal than new rifles.
If you learn to handload, chambering becomes even less important- you can make a .270 perform like a .30-06 (only flatter) or a .30/30, or turn near any deer rifle into a prairie dog gun ...... all depending on how you tailor your loads ..... and shoot a whole lot more for the same money.
With your budget, one of the Savage scoped entry level rifles would work just fine for your purposes.
Check the used racks, as well- this time of year, especially- Christmas bills hit about the same time construction work is at it's slowest, and the Income Tax refunds have not hit. Deer caliber rifles don't get shot that much, generally (varmit calibers are a different story!), so as long as it's in working order (nothing broken) and well taken care of (not rusted and the bore's in good shape) then it'll likely be a better deal than new rifles.
If you learn to handload, chambering becomes even less important- you can make a .270 perform like a .30-06 (only flatter) or a .30/30, or turn near any deer rifle into a prairie dog gun ...... all depending on how you tailor your loads ..... and shoot a whole lot more for the same money.