Ted it might be cheaper to order a Shaw barrel for it in 222 Rem and save the 223 barrel for a later date if you decide to sell it or turn the 223 barrel and help pay for the 222 Rem barrel.
The axis is usually a very accurate rifle, not much to look at but they do shoot well.
I have one of those Model 70's in 222 Rem, it kills coyotes just fine.
I need to shoot a shorter length of pull on my stocks and the wood stock was too nice to cut so I dropped it into a Model 70 synthetic and adjusted the LOP for me.
