Was the ammo originally fired in that Handi or another gun? If it was fired in another gun you'll need to full length size it.
I've had a bunch of 223 Handi's and they've all been good shooters. My latest 223 has the 1 in 9 twist barrel and is topped with a Redfield 2-7.
Is yours a 1 in 12 or 1 in 9 barrel? What do you plan on using it for? Tell us more!
Ohhhh... and welcome to the obsession.
Spanky