There is no such animal as "best". Everyone see's things a bit different. I've only had two and a 222Rem. Mod L461 Sako in 223 was a fine rifle. M788 Rem one in 223 and one in 222Rem were fine rifles. The best shooting of the three, 222 Rem hands down.

I think if I was to get one today I'd see if I could get it in either the Stevens 200 or the new Marlin. A 223 for me is more of a beat around gun. If I had my way, my 223 would be a 222, Don't know if they are even chambered any more.

My 222 in the 788 would not move off the target at all when fired, both my 223's did just enough I couldn't watch the bullet hit.