[bill1952]

Money isn't too big an issue, but I'm not going crazy on it.

A couple/few k would be upper end, and I'd like to invest less at first, save the money to practice a lot, learn the new arms, then think about the next step up.

I'm not looking to compete nationally or anything like that.

Too expensive.
Now getting the wife interested with a rifle of her own might be interesting, as well. :^)

[absolootezer0]

if you're gonna practice alot, i'd say get a nice heavy barrel .308. a .30-06 kicks significantly more, and is not as common in bench rest rifles. plus, either buying ammo, or the reloading components will be cheaper in .308.
also you should spend about as much on the scope as you do the rifle. optics are very important- you can't hit what you can't see.