I'm a firm believer in buying a nice gun and shooting cheap. That's why I'm an advocate of the 223. Of the 3 choices you gave, I'd buy the 22 Hornet. Then I'd trade it for a 223 !!! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> <img src=icon_smile_clown.gif border=0 align=middle> <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>