I admit I didn't read every post so I apologize if I am stepping on somebody elses "wise" information. How about not worrying about a "starter" rifle. Pick one that's going to be with you for as long as you stay in the game. I would suggest a Howa, or Weatherby Vanguard, a Cooper, a CZ, or a Kimber, in .223 or 22-250. I would get a 1:9 twist in the.223 and a faster than the standard 1:14 in the 22.250 so you can take advantage of both light and heavy, short and long bullets. I have heard great things about the fast twist 22-250's and I love both of my 1:9 223s. Get a good quality rifle you want to keep forever. DW

There are a number of cartridges that are flat shooting with bullet energy for shots that range out to several hundered yards at coyotes and bobcats . Unlike prairie dog shooting the number of shots taken per day at coyotes and bobcats will be somewhat limited . A rifle shooting the hotter .224 calibers like the 22-250 and Swift rounds would last a life time with bullet energy to spare even at 350 yards. Take a look at Cooper rifles with a Leupold 6-18 X AO scope. There are some other brands of bolt action rifles that are quite accurate but the one you would get may not be. Over the years I have owned a number of different rifle brands fireing various cartridges and have found that some needed a tune up to get them to shoot sub 3/4 inch 100 yard groups.

I'll vote SAVAGE rifle for right out of the box accuracy! Now if your looking for a stationary rifle with heavy barrel I'll mention the model 12 Savage.

Caliber: I like the .204-Ruger for being able to see through the scope at what you pulled the trigger on down range. Next my favorite is the 22-250 for further distance.

The .223 is really cheaper to shoot and especially if you hand load, brass at the ranges is easy to pick up etc. Now for over 350 yard shots, it is either the .243 or my 25-06 that gets the nod ok.

Mcvstb.......If your looking for great out of the box accuracy, I will recommend 2 rifles. The CZ model 527 or the SAVAGE rifle.

Now the calibers: 204 is the fanstastic new KID on the block! A caliber that you can watch the effects of the bullet striking its mark through your scope, very fast at 4000fps. The wind does affect this lighter round more especially past 250 yards.

The .223 is the cheapest to shoot, lots of ammo or brass around and it is a very good choice too out to 300 yards. It too is very accurate.

The 22-250 is a much faster round and can handle more bullet weight depending on the twist of your barrel. It is an "all time favorite" with many hunters.

I also like the .243 caliber for occasional varmint hunting and taking of predators, using a 75 grain bullet. It is dual purpose caliber, will kill whitetail deer very well with proper 100 grain bullet.

We have 2 CZ rifles and 4 of those Savage model 12's for our battery of varmint/predator guns. They all shot 1-MOA or better with factory ammo. Our handloads took them down to .500-MOA or less.