Re: .223 for newbie
I have a Remington VSSF .223.
Now, I am kind of biased here since my 1st rifle ever was a Rem 700 ADL (from what I remember) caliber .308, and I have always had an affection for the 700-action.
This one came with the HS Precision stock, fluted 26" SS barrel 1-12 twist.
The rifle was pretty much gtg from the box, groups about 1/2" at 100+ without trying too hard.
As with any .223, recoil is not much of an issue and it is well balanced, perfect for a "training" rifle with relatively cost-effective fodder.
This particular one was bought before the X-mark trigger came into play, but I have never had any issues tuning a stock Remington 700 trigger to my liking, there are holes in the trigger sideplates that reveals the trigger/sear engagement so one can be sure it is engaging properly after adjustment.
That said, mess with it at own risk... <---(PC statement)
Overall the gun is a great little plinker, only a couple of points;
The stock has two sling adapters up front, with a Harris 6-9" I have not been able to utilize the #2 adapter for my sling so before I have the time to rework a bipod for it, the front sling goes on the bipod sling adapter (a bit awkward to say the least...)
One thing that can be a PITA with the 700 action in .223 is reloading, especially in the snow with gloves or similar, due to the fact that the bolt travels a bit too far to the rear (since it is basically a universal action designed for other cartridges as well), making the aft end of the cartridge to catch on the receiver below the bolt and dip bulletfirst into the mag.
Quickest fix when this happens is sometimes to dump it all through the hinged mag bottom and start over, although with a little practice you learn to slide the bolt slightly forward and lock it with your thumb to make sure there is a straight edge the cartridges can slide down.
I have been toying with the thought of making another bottom metal from T6 something and try to fit AR mags, just because I have a bunch of those in different shapes though, but that is a different story...
The SPS stock compared to the HS of the VSSF is a piece of rubber, so I have no doubt that if I was to buy another one I would either buy SPS just to get the action and barrel and replace stock ASAP or step up a notch.
The lovable thing about the 700 is the simplicity, and the availability of alternative parts, along with its outstanding history for both military and civilian applications.
It is basically up to everyone what they want and how bad they want it.
Oh, and as for the 5.56 - I would buy the .223, shoot the heck out of it with .223, and when you shoot as well as the rifle and it is time to step up, have it re-barreled with a 1:8 or 1:7 twist and re-chambered for 5.56 if you really need the 5.56.
In an AR platform for "shorter" range mixing 5.56 and .223 aint that bad, but if you want to stretch the rifle all the way you are most likely limited to the chambered caliber to retain max precision.
John - out
PS
ost #100...a frickin aniversary!