I have to agree with Mac and Nitro on the mid calibers. I just got back from a 3 day Ground squirrel shoot where I was able to put 100 rounds through both my .303 and 9.3x74R Doubles. Also 10 .577s and 10 8 bores. Along with 300 .223 and a 200 .22s.

They are easy targets, you can shoot from 25-500 yards but alot of shots are inside 100 yards. These are perfect for off hand practice with any hunting rifle and especially Doubles.

A first Double should be something that can be fired frequently and relativly cheaply. The 9.3 and the euro calibers fit the bill for affordable rifles and ease of reloading.

By the way, I figure I'm about a 50% shooter offhand on these critters. It wouldn't take long to become really good at it but the 7 hour drive is a bit much for daily practice.