Most of the major manufacturers chamber their "deer rifle" bolt guns in .223.
A Remington, a Ruger, a Browning, a Savage etc.
These guns are sweet shooters in .223 because the standard barrel profile for these guns is medium heavy for .223 and they have nice, comfortable stocks too.
I think a Browning X-Bolt Hunter, or Medallion in .223 would be a particularly nice rifle that would last you a lifetime.
Remember that we spend at least as much time admiring our guns as we do shooting them, if not more so, so it stands to reason that an admirable gun will bring you much more pleasure over the years.