Just to go out and shoot I would prefer the 223. For just a day of shooting fun, I will shoot a couple hundred rounds and not many of the high power rifles stay fun for that many shots. I can really enjoy a nice day at the range with a 223 and a 38 special. Of coure the 22 rimfire is usually in the jeep. For hunting the 7mm-08 and 270 WSM are my go to guns. I will always own a 308, but it's usually not required for hunting.