Not exactly a precision rifle. I'm looking at an Axis II in 223.
If had the cash I'd spend the extra couple hundred and get a Mossberg MVP or Ruger Ranch. I have a bunch of warmish loads with TAC loaded for the AR, my question is have any of you had pressure issues with shooting 5.56 spec loads from the savage 223 chambers? Leade long enough to handle it with out pressure spikes and blowing primers?

I moved mine.  It kept sticking 5.56 brass in the chamber.  Did not check check for burrs, but just got tired of it ripping rims off.  So, she gone.  

Wished they made the Ruger Predator in 5.56 that took AR mags.  The Ranch, at 16”, might as well just get a PSA AR Carbine….

I’d get the Ruger Ranch if you really must get a bolt gun in this case.  And I’m a huge Savage fan, still owning several.  Just not the Axis series in .223.

I too would like to see the  Predator cambered in 5.56 . I'm thinking I have to save my pennies a little longer.

If you are after accuracy on a budget, instead of the Axis look at the $420ish 12FV as offered by BassPro/Cabelas.

It's hard to beat the Savage heavy Varmint barrels when it comes to accuracy on a budget. The "V" in the model designation stated for Varmint which is Savage's heavy barrel. I would snag one of those Model 12FV's in a heart beat if they were available in a left hand version. My older Model 12 FVL in 308 is a tack driver as are my MkII GVL in 17m2 and MkII BTVLSS in 22lr.

Have you considered a Howa Mini Action 223 ?