I also have an NEF .223. Mine cost me right at $200 if I remember right. I put a $200 scope on it, and added a Harris Bipod. I can shoot about 1" groups at 100 yds with my handloads which will work just fine for coyotes and jack rabbits out to around 300 yards or so.

I got a .17HMR that works great on all the small varmints and a Savage FLVSS in the .22-250 that i just got, which will be for longs shots and stuff up to yotes.

I have to agree with Sixgun. The .17 is a GREAT round for small game/predators. If you're going to use one though, go with the CCI 20 gr hollow points, as they penetrate deeper before expanding as opposed to the Hornady ballistic tips. The rifle will usually run you under $200, and the rounds are running around $7 per 50. It sounds like a lot when compared to other rimfires like the .22, but whereas the .22 will drop 2-4 inches at 100 yds, the .17 will move only a fraction of an inch out to 125 yds. Also, if you were to go with a .22-250 or .223, the prices for ammo would generally be about the same with the same results. All in all, the rifle itself is just plain cheaper than a .223 or .22-250.

Hope this helps.