I got into the scope market recently and I actually settled on 2 of them... The Nikon Prostaff and the Bushnell Elite. I have to admit that I had a 'thing' for a new Nikon for quite a while, but I also took into consideration what was being said of the Bushnell Elites. I ended up being so undecided about which one to buy, I bought one of each. Both were in the area of $150.
Out of the box, I like the Nikon better but I am told that the Bushnell Elite may be the better of the two in performance.
I have the Elite mounted on a VTR and I will be putting the Prostaff on a 673. I anticipate both to be great performers, considering the ratings they have gotten here by some of the better shooters in this country that visit this website.
One thing is for sure, you can shoot any caliber out of any rifle, but it is the optics that will prove to be the difference. What ever you saved by buying a less expensive rifle should be spent on a better scope, IMO. Kind of like a Fishing outfit....any old cheap pole will do, however, it is the reel that can make the difference.