Sorry, I should have reread your opening question. IMO, 500+ yards, without reloading, puts you in a whole new category of gun/cartridge selection. Sooner or later you're going to want to use the rifle on game out to that range and the .22 center fires and 6mm just don't cut the mustard at that distance.

If you are looking at $$$$$ scopes, you might as well eliminate the one "off the shelf" gun idea.

If it were me, and it's not, I would go with a 30 caliber (308 or 30-06) and RCBS.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa