THe .223 is much louder than a .22, but a little quieter than a .243. If your considering a NEF, get the Ultra Varmiter. I bought one a couple of years ago and I love this gun. I topped it off with a Simmons 6-24 x 50mm scope and it is a tackdriver. At 100 yards I typically get 5 shot groups that can be covered with a dime, and I'm not tha great of a shooter. It's a good looking gun and shoots great, expecially for the money. I have a little over $300 in the gun & scope.