My Rock Ribver Varminter is the best darn short range(under 400 yards) ground hog and coyote rifle I have ever owned. And I have been hunting them for close to 40 years. IMO the AR platform extends the range of the 223 Remington about 100 yards, because it allows the delivery of an instant double tap. This double tap stops crawl off. And I hate crawl offs. I use a 50 grain V-Max bullet. Tom.