Dale, lots of questions, and as you say, the field is pretty wide open. FWIW, to shoot a lot and be fun, you can't go wrong with a .22 CF, like the .223. For even more fun on the cheap, and to help learn to shoot in the wind and allow for it, the .22 Hornet would be a real challenge at distance. From there on up, it's all a matter of personal preference, and surely there's SOME caliber that will peak your interest? Sometimes an about face from what you're used to can provide a good spark to ignite your passions again, like maybe going to a .45/70. Getting into casting your own bullets for it can get to be a pursuit all on its own, too. Lubes, sizing, bullet weights and designs, performance at long range - all this can add a LOT of spice to your shooting, and if you ever get to shoot with the sun behind you, you can actually see those silvery bullet bases as they arc toward the target, and THAT adds a neat aspect to your shooting and understanding of ballistics that few other pursuits can match. We ALL do better when we're drawn a picture, or see a graphic example of the theories that are written out on paper and mulled over in the mind.
The key here is that there IS no "wrong" answer. I know guys who've killed many deer with the .22 LR, and up to the heavy loaded .45/70 and some .338 WM's. All eat venison, and regularly so. They just have to hunt differently when they use the itty bitty calibers.
With the cost of .22 LR's having skyrocketed, going to a RF won't save much money, and if you cast your own bullets, you can shoot .38 Spec. and quite a few other calibers cheaper than .22 LR now - not entirely a bad deal. Some barrels are available for your Contender in .38 Spec., and a better plinker you'll not find. The long barrels are a lot quieter than pistol barrels, too, and in particular the revolvers with their barrel/cylinder gaps. For the Contender, go to edstcs.com and see if there's not some barrels there (note the plural!) that pique your interest.
And FWIW, I've noted that when a man gets bored with his shooting, it's usually a good idea to get into something different, and long range rifle shooting is one of the most interesting and challenging pursuits ever. You never really master it. You just go and play the game and see how you do that particular day, with whatever winds exist for that time.
And like you, I had a recent face-to-face with my own mortality, and it DOES change a man's perspective. Nothing quite like finally realizing we're not REALLY 10 ft. tall, bullet proof and immortal! It makes a man think, and it's really hard to find thoughts today that are really appropriate to that, but if I may, let me recommend:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-C-Le...amp;keywords=cs+lewis+signature+classicsHe was an atheist and set out to PROVE his stance was right, but instead, he got converted. Dealing with one's own mortality ain't no small thing! It calls for sobriety and serious consideration, and that merits some legitimate exploration. Lewis is the best you can do in that regard, though G.K. Chesterton is a mighty force in that regard as well, but he writes short essays mostly, and doesn't have time or space to get into things to the depth that Lewis does. And the best part is they're both so enjoyably readable. They don't care what the Truth is, they just want the REAL thing, and that alone is rare these days. Just a FWIW for your consideration .... and enjoyment, to boot. Good luck. I wish you well.
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