I have never been in the market for this particular caliber rifle, but what am I looking at for a cheap straight shooting 223 rifle/scope package, and should I try the local gun show.

I have hunters sympathy so I have never tried varmint hunting, but I'm thinking about giving it a try and I really don't wont to shell out when I may never use it but once to see if I can enjoy varmint hunting.

Check the classifieds here sometimes there are some good deals.

If you are just testing out varmint hunting, why do you feel you need a .223? What other smaller calliber rifles do you have? You Polly could save money usin a lighter bullet weight in your standard deer rig.

22-250

30.30 and 2.70

I even thought about maybe a .22 mag but the 223 would be a better all around.

If you are just wanting a reason to get another rifle then .223 or .22-250 would be great additions. But the .270 in a small grain bullet will work great. Just have to shoot it to see where it is hitting with you setup.

Yep in my opinion best varmite gun out there and good for deer and hog. If you want good quality look into Howa axiums, find a good used one and you'll love it, buyin a new one might be kinda high.

I started the same quest about a year ago; I spent months trying to find a cheap bolt .223 (for under $300).

Got tired of waiting so bought a cheap .243 (for under $200). Loaded it (I have reloading gear) with 55gr v-max, and the thing shoots like a laser cannon. After comparing the ballistics on the 243 (loaded light) and a 223, I'm happy, and gonna stick with the 243. YMMV.

-OO

223 is cheap to shoot , ammo is plentiful but remember,

Do Not Shoot 5.56 Mil-Spec Ammo out of a gun chambered for 223 and not 5.56.

The pressures are higher on the 5.56 ammo and could have disastrous results!

If you aren't worried about pelts or trying to get anything mounted you might as well use your .270 with 130gr or less loads. No need for a fancy varmint ballistic projectile. A 130gr psp has been the death of plenty coyotes. Many of which drop dead but aren't too tore up also.

There are plenty of good .223's outtherethat are very reasonable on price. I don't know your price range, but I had an ar15 built for me and I love it. Even if you decide you don't want to hunt varmints then your left with a nice sweet shooting gun.

Savage Axis .223 is a good low end rifle ( less than $300). Bought one for my bro-in-law and it will shoot 1" groups with good ammo.

Get a rangersales.com ar15 or maybe a modelsales.com rifle then work out the few problems they're gonna have and you'll save some money and have a good rifle, then later you can get a different upper receiver so it can be a 204, 223, 22-250, 22 or bigger so can try out which varmint caliber you like best and use the others for something else.