.223 Hornady has factory loads at 3800 fps with a 40gr v-max, 25 rounds for about $12.00 and Winchester has a 45gr load at 3600 fps, 40 rounds for $11.00. Handloading I can get my .223 up to 4000fps with the Barnes 40gr XLCs and 31gr of H335. The hornadys and the barnes touch holes at 100 yards out of my 700 VLS and the Winchesters shoot about a .5" group at 100 yards. The .223 with the lighter bullets can get speeds close to a 243 or 22-250 with les powder and recoil and cheaper ammo.