For punching paper out to 300yd and a bit beyond the .223 makes a lot more sense. Cheaper all around and more than capable. And yes gthe HB is heavy barrel. Walmart did a run of the Axis II XP in camo with heavy barrels. I snatched one up when I saw it in .223 (a lot of them were also done in .22-250 and 6.5CM).

The Axis has 1:9 twist which is great for the 69gn Matchking bullets.

I think you'll be happy with either of the calibers so it is really what you want to do.

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