Well you stated that this will be used for varmint/long range so I'm assuming this wont be a carry rifle. I would go with a bull barrel in a factory rig and possibly go the fluted route if you are going to build it (I'm thinking about how hot mine gets during p-dog season). For longer ranges you will want to shoot bullets 60gns and above, for that I'd go with a 9 twist or faster. Barrel length should be 18" or longer in my opinion. Their are calculations that show the optimum barrel length for a .223 but I don't remember what it is. Longer barrels will give you more velocity but not by much so don't wrap your head around needing a super long barrel, Find what works for you. I tend to like shorter barrels in my varmint rigs because I can flip then around inside the truck faster... I mean, manage the rifle better! Go with the mod 12 and customize later if you need to!
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