Rifle for my fiancée

[Art Eatman]

If paper-punching is a primary consideration, the .223 ammo is generally less expensive than .243 ammo. The same holds true for reloading your own, as well.

As far as effectiveness on varmints, the .223 is equal to the 243. Might not reach out as far, but that's generally of little importance. Far more shots are taken inside 200 yards than on out past that...

 

[jimbob86]

For dedicated poking of paper with a centerfire, .223 is it, unless you handload.

I handload, so if it were me, I'd want a .221 Fireball....... same paper-punching-ness, 1/2 the powder......