Have you considered going rimfire for your first rifle? I know it's not exactly "long range" but it can be a great way to develop fundamentals, and you can get good gear for the right price.
I have since reading your comment lol, I seen a Marlin 22 Mag for $150 and Nice Nikon, RedField Revenge and Leupold all for under 200$ at my local gun store this morning just to get me started. He also had a Remington 700 22-250 for 650$ with Nice Optic included.
It may make more sense because to be honest we don't have any large hills on the farm to even stop a .308 round neither 300 yard gun ranges within 2 hours where I am located. So maybe A 22 or 22-250 is better for the practicality of my situation and experience.