So... The other thread about .22LR being expensive is getting me thinking. What caliber rifle would be a good replacement for the verenable .22 for cast boolits. Some priorities:
1) reloadable centerfire brass
2) works well with cast boolits
3) Cheap to shoot!
4) Not too big a caliber - good for shooting squirrels. Hopefully less than 50 grains.
5) good out to at least the same ranges as .22lr
some things that would be nice:
6) availability of rifles and brass (hopefully for a reasonable price
7) maybe 20% or so more power/velocity as .22lr - but still not too big for squirrel hunting and easy plinking
8) rifles in bolt action (not just single shot) for under $500. Hopefully less. Semi-auto a plus but noc neccesary.
Any ideas out there? the other thread mentions a 25-20 but rifles are expensive and scarce. How about 22 hornet? I already have a .243 that could fit the bill, but was trying to get a closer replacement to the .22LR.