Scopes for this type of rig are extremely important. Some of the finer units I've owned actually cost more than the rifle itself. A simple rule of thumb is the higher the power ( magnification,) the smaller the field of view. This isn't so critical for hitting a target or long range small game animal. For a quick acquisition site picture the lower powers are prefered. I used a 1.5x 4 variable when I fancied myself a Nimrod on my 7MM Mauser. My .300 H&H sported a 2x7. Most of the time I seemed to be using 4x for everything, and single power advocates like it, or a 6x for distance. You should probably talk to the people who shoot the .223 in matches. there are other considerations ; crosshair vs various post or dot reticles, mounting systems and even detachable mounts. It makes me miss my Westly-Richards .318. It had a peepsite on the cocking piece, 3 leaf express sights and a side mount 2.5x scope <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />