Phil, most ammo is easy to find if you got a cabelas, gander mtn, bass pro shop or other major sporting goods store near you. I wanted a low recoil round that performed well at longer range. The 6.5 CM has the recoil of a .243 and BCE of a .300 WM. It not hard to find ammo for it. My point was.. Research the round that best fits what your looking to do and go with that. Ammo is easy to find when you know what your looking for. I'll agree with Green on the Ruger rifles. I really like my hawkeye. The Savage Axis rifles are cheap (similar to Ruger american).. and you get what you pay for. Best bang for the buck IMO is the T/C venture if you dont mind synthetic stocks. As far as the round of choice. the .308 is tuff to beat. Its hands down the most versatile round. Moderate recoil, great ballistics and the factory ammo options are endless. My 2nd choice would be the .270 win. The 30-06 is nice, I just feel its a bit heavy on the recoil for what your looking to do with it. I would stay clear of the Mag's.. ammo is priced much higher and not practical for a do all rifle.