I would say if you were really trying to save money and you didn't reload a H&R in .223 would be a good choice. If you just wanted a decent rifle without spending an arm and a leg and you reload I would get a savage with the accu trigger in 22-250 and a good scope. Considering you already have rifles for other things this would be a varmint rifle only. The 22-250 is not that expensive and is an excellent varmint round. It's accurate and can really reach out there with devastating effects on small game.

If you didn't already have some other rifles I would suggest the .243 since it is a decent all around gun for deer sized game and under.

Nothing wrong with the .223 though, proven round with plenty of rifles and loads available. But when you start talking about reloading or buying premium ammo the price difference probably isn't that big.

Paul