If you don't reload and you shoot a good bit, a .223 is the way to go for anything bigger than squirrels and rabbits. You cannot beat the price and quality of the Black Hills ammo. There is a bunch of different combo's of loads that they have. And ~$20 for 50rounds is pretty awesome. I have also shot the .223 45gr winchester white box varmint hp's. They shot good out of my gun and they are devastating.