Originally Posted by
big honkin jeep
Josh,
I'm going to throw out another suggestion if you hand load. Why not go with a 22-250? Only difference in components affecting cost is a couple of cents per round worth of powder. Then you could stay with a much more prolific bolt head size and still have a .22 cal centerfire that's zipping right along and the only necessary conversion would be the barrel. Also would be able to go back to .308 at your leisure if the need arises.
Just my old curmudgeonly cheap straightforward and simple $.02
Best bet for an inexpensive donor or a ready to rock .223 is probably gonna be penny auctions at the big auction site and some patience.
Good luck BHJ