There are 2 schools of thought on where to go with a " starter rifle " either go with a 308 until it gets comfortable and then upgrade or just go with one of the hotrod calibers to start . There is merit in both positions and it probably boils down to whether you are going to stick with it for sure or still in the feeling things out phase .

The first question before caliber selection is are you going to load for this ? With the interest in the 260 I will assume yes as factory loaded 260 match ammo is expensive and relatively hard to come by .

For a builder 700 the easiest way to go unless you find a good deal on a used one is to get one of the bottom end SPS ADL hunting guns at wally world or one of the big box stores . These can usually be had for around 4 - 500 depending on sales and what not . Look for a gun with the same bolt face as a 308 .Off the top of my head 22/250 , 243 , 260 , 7-08 , and 308 all have this bolt face .

From there save up the cash or start acquiring the parts and go see Fritz at TJ's and have him build You a 260 . Be prepared to spend in the neighborhood of 2-3K for a rifle with quality proven components depending on the choices you make . And then spend between 1-4K on a piece of glass to put on top of it .

For a starter gun to test the waters with I'd look at either the 5R or a PSS in 308 which are both proven performers in the 3/4 - 1 MOA range out of the box . These can be had for around 1K plus or minus a little . From there get an EGW 20 MOA base , some Burris XTR rings , and an SWFA Super Sniper scope . All of this together depending on whether you go fixed power , cheaper , or variable , more expensive , will set you back about 1K . This set up will be more than accurate enough to learn on and the scope also has a track record of working properly so as not to complicate things doing the cheap scope doesn't track right dance . These guns will hold there value well and if you sell the set up it will net you the biggest return on your money .

If Your going to stick with it cutting to the good rifle from the git go will save some cash in the long run .

Plan on screwing a new barrel on a 260 every 3-4K rounds and 6-10K on a 308 . For most of us that works out to a barrel every other year on the 260 depending on how many rifles share the load . The guys with one gun are around every year .

More info can be found here , http://demigodllc.com/articles/