I believe that .223 barrel has a much quicker twist than the long time 1-14 standard for the .222. That doesn't mean your .222 wouldn't shoot, only that it may be finicky where it's normally an easy cartridge to get to cooperate. Two other thoughts I'd have are, I'd ask the smith if they can fit Savage's nut system into the set back barrel contour. And, Savage has gone to what they named the accutrigger for their good trigger, and someone may be disappointed with the regular trigger.
Not trying to seem negative about your choice, only thinking out loud. Once you add the price of a modest type after market barrel like Oskar mentions, your favorable price may slip away some. Glad you are keeping the .222 possibility alive.
