I don't own a 223,but I have a 222 that shoots between a 1/4" to 1/2" consistantly.My Optima Elite shoots my 45 70,30 06,243,300 Win mag,and the 222 more consitant than my Handi's did. The felt recoil and muzzleclimb on the Optima Elite is far less than the Handi's with the same caliber's and loads. Digger