The 222 Rem is one of the better rifle calibers, given the choice I would take a 222 over the boring and much over rated 223, sure any caliber is capable of shooting ragged holes but with the 222 and 223 cartridges if both were in the same brand rifle the 222 would be most thinking shooters first choice.
Remember the BR caliber before the 6mm PPC took over was the 222 Remington, The overpriced Sako still make a 222, as does Tikka and several other rifle makers, but the best and likely the cheapest option is to find a S/H Rem 700 rifle in 223 or similar which is in good condition, send it off to your favourite re-barrel shop and re- caliber it to 222 with a match grade barrel.
The option I am currently chasing is the right Remington SPS Stainless Varmint model with too many rounds in the barrel, but have it converted over to shoot 222 Rem.
Factory ammo is not a huge problem unless in small towns way out in the scrub but like all handloaders (meaning anyone using a 222), you must buy top quality brass, either Sako or Rem cases will do, and then do your homework for bullet and matching powder choices, the rest usually sorts itself out.
