um the 223 there is absolutly no kick for me. but that is considering i am prty muscular, and i shoot a mod 870 12 gauge and a 30-06 the 223 feels like a 22 kick but it is as loud as my 06. i would get the 223. i got a 223 not long ago and paid 375 for it used. with scope. i shot a squarill at 55 yrds took its head right off. and shot a rabbit with it. made kinda big hole. i was shootin winchester jhp holopoint 45 grain. they are prty cheap. they are like 11$ for a box of 40. but i think u made the right choice. we have killed many deer with my uncles 223 with in a hundred yards. but if ur goina do some deer hunting the 243 is the right choice. and if ur lookin for a cheap one. the one i can recemend is the NE handi rifle. go to the guns forum and ask for a website. but its a single shot break action. for like 205 i beleive. but dont think u will find a new bolt action for that price. maybe find a used one. hope that helps