hey russ, great choice, i just got an axis heavy barrel .308 win.
from what rosco posted, all the axis models are long action, but (as in the case of the heavy barrel models) it's the cartridge/magazine that matters, and yours and mine are short action cartridges.
i wouldn't get a cleaning kit, just get the right cleaning tools. for me that means a tipton carbon fiber rod, a bore rider delrin jag (or just a brass 8-32 jag), a nylon or bronze brush, butch's bore shine (the cleaner) and break free clp (the cleaner/lube/preserver). of course you'd want a rod and jag and brush sized for the .223 caliber. i use arsenal 2" patches and roll patch patches. it is absolutely imperative to use a bore guide, so you don't bugger the chamber. ALL cleaning is done from the chamber side, never the muzzle.
ps - i'll add, some folks just lock, load and shoot a new firearm. i'd rather "break in" a barrel - cleaning out the barrel after every shot for the first 5 to 10 shots, then every 5 shots for the next 30 to 40 shots. new barrels, particularly stock "production" barrels aren't all that clean or smooth, so the beginning use with jacketed bullets will help "polish" the bore and you want to clean out any residual metal residue.
above all have fun - and if yer unsure about something with yer axis or ammo or shooting, ask first!
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