1st thing to do that is cheap is to order a "target" trigger spring. These are actually varmint accutrigger springs that allow you to set the trigger pull down to a reasonable level for target shooting. If you want a seriously lighter trigger pull, you can go aftermarket or buy a target accutrigger (with the red blade) on this site when one comes up. I've bought a couple and they shoot great.

The great thing about the 223 is that there is plentiful and cheap ammo, much of which will shoot very well out of your 24 inch 1/9 twist barrel. I've found that American Eagle 50 grain Tipped Varmint will often shoot as well as a very good hand load. It's cheap, often on sale at $9 a box at Cabelas (at least before Bass Pro bought them out). P/N AE223GTV if you want to search online. Another is Australian Outback 69 SMK. Again, around $9 on sale and shoots great.

Learn to clean your new barrel properly to maintain accuracy, and shoot often. Also read up on torquing the action screws for best accuracy. You can learn a lot without spending a lot.

BTW: you'll never save a dime by hand loading 223 ammo. Not with all the cheap ammo on the shelves. Hand loading is for accuracy and consistency.