JMack, get a rifle that will be FUN and rewarding to shoot! For all-around target shooting and basic hunting with lots of cheap ammo, go with a .22. This is especially important if 22 rifles are the only legal rifle we may have left.
In the middle ground a .223 is fun to shoot and cheap - though not as cheap as a .22 or .22mag nor as effective on large game as a .243. If you don't reload, then figure that 1000 rounds will cost you $35 for .22, $200 for .223, and $600 for .243
For something for larger game and longer reach with more wind-resistant ballistics, go with the .243 or some other in the 6mm class which can use 100 grain bullets. Did I say fun? Yes a 30-06 or 7mm mag has more reach, etc. but they are not FUN to shoot a few boxes of ammo.
Pesonally, I like the .22magnum.
