Try a PSL. Nearly the range, ammo is cheaper and the rifle can be had for around $700 with scope. I like harder hitting rifles with more range, but I have two Goloni Galils for .223.
I’m converting some MG13 mags for the Yugo M76 so I can have some 25 rounders for it.
“ammo is cheaper”
True that, though my local range has just started banning steel core ammo., which is the cheap stuff. Still yugo non -mag out there.