IF you are in the LA area, you can shoot my sks sometime and decide if it's good for you. Don't have a mini, but do have an ar, you can shoot that too.
Three excellent choices considering your criteria and price range in order for you are:
1. SKS
2. MINI-14/30
3. M1 GARAND
You are not going to find any disadvantage in speed reloading any of these rifles. The Garand is going to have the most power, the SKS and Ruger Mini 14/30 will be a little cheaper to shoot than a 30.06 Garand.
I'll add a recommendation for the M1 Carbine, assuming it's not illegal in CA. It's a great little rifle, and for 100 yards or less, I really fun plinker.
I'd also recommend you consider moving to a non-socialist state.
Geez, Is Kali really that bad one you guys with the limitations. I read your posts here, I read the auctions and it seems as though soon they are going to take your Daisy Red Riders away. I feel for you guys surfing the net, auctions and all the stuff that can't be shipped
I have a Mini 14 and an SKS. Both are great shooters for what they are. Granted they do not match my AR by any means, but they are fun in their own way. The SKS is easy to load with the stripper clips and is rock solid.
My next purchase is gonna be an M1 Carbine. They are just so cool, even if underpowered.
My Mini 14 is quite accurate with a cheapo hand me down scope on it. I have the Ranch model, and it spits empty cases REALLY far!