Paper only at a max of 5-600yds... I'ld get a .223. It's cheap to hand load, factory ammo is cheap and plentiful. You can shoot American Eagle factory loads and keep the brass for reloading at 7.50 a box for FMJ. I'ld be looking for a 1-7 to 1-9 twist for heavier bullets like the a-max or SMK, they're more forgiving with wind calls. They will drop faster, but it's easier for me to adjust elevation than windage.
My opinion on barrels is standards are just as accurate but may string shots vertically when getting hot. It takes longer for the heavy barrel to get hot, but it's also slower to cool.
223 is gentle on recoil.
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