Given the stated purpose and the budget issue I agree the NEF in 223 is a good choice. I've had a couple and for the money they're pretty good. Now, for anyone else considering the 223 WSSM I'll just say I couldn't be happier with my Browning Stainless Stalker. Short, easy to maneuver, accurate with everything I've handloaded. Have varmint rifles in 223 Rem, 22-250, 220 Swift and like them all. . .but this 223 WSSM is a whole new ball game. Shot a deer in the Texas Panhandle last month with a 70 grain Speer and dropped it in its tracks; which admittedlythe others could do too with the right bullet placement. I'll keep using the others but the 223 WSSM is rapidly becoming my favorite.