James B, I know as far as I am concerned, it was availability for the 223. For avid 223 hunters I know, I feel its alot about a challenge, bragging rights, proving to others that they need to take thier time on shots and get the right shot, a multitude of reasons. Good and bad. But these guys are dad gone good. For me, I love my Quartering to me shoulder thru the heart shot with a 308 or 270 below 100 yards. Devastating. I have more choices now.