Took the 223 to the range to zero, after about 10 rss, I settled in and shot some 3 shot groups with hand loads and factory letting it cool some between 3 shot groups. I had some flat based match 60 53 gr loads tha were well under 1/2 inch. Gsm relaoads were all within 1/2 or close to it, a tad bigger. Fed. Bulk pack 45 gr hps shot about 3/4 even. Not bad for a rifle and scope yahat cost $400 total, and with a pencil barrel.