i know nothing about 223,however i have 3 savage rifles 25/06,250 savage(rebarrel),and 308. all three shoot .750" or better at 100 if i'm having a good day. the 25/06 is a 110fp and consistantly shoots under an inch at 200 once again if i can do my part. old hands and old eyes are always a handicap; some days better, some worse. for OTB accuracy you won't go wrong with savage,IMO.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!