Distance shooting - getting started

Question
QUESTION: Hi Paul -

I've gotten into target shooting over the last year and the gun-bug has bit me but good.  Lately I've been trying rifle benchrest shooting and I'm enjoying myself but I fear I may have made a poor decision when choosing a rifle.  I selected a Savage 93R17 .17HMR rifle as a birthday present (partially due to price) and, between the price of ammunition for it and it's very limited range, I'm wondering if a .223 wouldn't have been a better choice.  The .17HMR, from what I can see, is effectively limited to under 200 yards and the M-16 I carried in the Army was effective out to over 300 yards.

When my goal is to get out to the 500-600 yard range, is there value in keeping this rifle?  Should I be looking to sell it and re-invest into a .223?  I love the Savage otherwise and will likely look to another AccuTrigger unit.

Thanks!

ANSWER: The .223 round fired from a compitition tuned AR-Style rifle
can be accurate at 600 yards. I'm not sure if Savage can get there. I have not used one. Basically you will want a longer and heavier bullet than the typical 55 grain bullet.
Rifles firing .223 have started to win at Camp Perry.
They are shooting against M1 Garand and M1a/M14.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So is that "yes, replace the .17HMR?  

If not the Savage (I was thinking the 10FP), what recommendations would you have for a bolt-action .223?  The AR-style stuff is likely beyond my price range, especially if I'm pursuing distance and accuracy.

Answer
Yes it would be go to .223.
I was not recommending against the Savage rifle.
I simply withheld an opinion because I have not used one.

The Remington Rangemaster is a fine choose.
http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/xR-100_rangemaster_