This is my Remington 700 VLS in .223. It has a 26" heavy barrel, juled bold, hinged floorplate, laminated stock and can touch holes at 100 yards. The gun cost $600 the scope is a tasco Mag IV in 4-16x40. When I can afford it I will put a Bushnell Elite 4200 in 4-16x50 on it.

These are some of the groups my 700 VLS can shoot, these are not my best groups but they are very good groups. I reload Barnes 40 gr VLCs with 30gr of H335 which gives my gun velocities about 4000 fps. It will shoot just under .5 inch with factory Winchester 45gr hollow points at 3600 fps in the 40 round value pack for $11.00.

Shot my savage 10fp today.I haven't got around to having it bedded yet but will sometime and put a decent scope on it too,I think if I had a better scope on it it would do a little better,It has a simons on it now.

An accurate inexpensive .223 is the NEF Handi rile with a heavy bbl. The metal work isn't the best nor is the wood to metal fit. But I'll tell you what - the darn things shoot like a house on fire. I have a Tasco 4-16X Target scope on it and I don't think it will shoot any worse than a rifle 5 times its price. I'll take function over looks anytime.
Hell - just look at my wife....... just kidding.

You may also wish to consider the Weatherby Vanguard in .223 or the Howa 1500..Basically the same rifle as they are made in the same factory. I load my vanguard with the 64 grain winchester pp bullets and I regularly use it to shoot midi clay birds at 300 yards. It is topped with a cheap 8x32x50 AO scope but it has a clear sight picture and it does the job. The trigger on the vanguard is fully adjustable..mine is set at 2lb 6 ounces.
I paid $390.00 for the weatherby out the door.

Add another vote for the NEF hadi-rifle. Also the Ruger VT is simply awesome.


NBH

I also have an NEF .223 and can touch holes @ 100yds. These are very good rifles for the money spent!