Since you are just going to shoot for fun then I agree that something like the 6.5 creedmore (creedmore ammo tends to be cheaper than 260 ammo) would be a better choice. Of course you could also use the 223 that you have and get to 1000 yards with 75gr or heavier bullets. The 75/77 grain bullets will stabilize in a 9 twist. Not sure about anything heavier.