I have a Howa 1500 Varmint in .223 shoots well putting 55gr Normas through it, been shooting crows out at 215 yrd's and rabbits that are a problem to get to with the .22.
Nice little rifle and a good price comes on a package deal scope and mod,. if you've got the cash then id be looking at T3's and a like ....
hope thats helps
NS