About anything will work just fine for 300 and closer.. If you think your going to hunt big game like bear, I would suggest something in 30 cal or 7mm Mag 300WSM, 300WM, 300RUM, .308 is a great gun and plenty of ammo available for it. Dont get the Mosin, you will never find quality ammo for it. The people that said 50 are either joking or idiots. Mini 14 is not what you want. Honestly, your budget of 800 with a rifle, scope, rings, and a base is on the low side especially if you want to buy new.