Unless you're the gambling type, I'd strongly suggest going with an SAR-1,WUM-1, or MAK-90...
Basically, anything in 7.62 X 39.
The AK's were originally designed around this cartridge...
I had a BAD experience with an SAR-3 in .223, a few months ago...
1st time at the range, it only fired single shots...
The bolt was not reaching far enough into the mag, to push out the rounds.
I fooled with different mags/ammo and even ordered Vepr style followers...
All efforts failed, and I finally returned the gun to my dealer...
He apologized, and I left with a nice Romanian WUM-1 in 7.62 X 39... I've shot probably 3000+ rounds through it so far, and never had any sort of problem...
I've "bump-fired" numerous 30 round mags through it, and even a 100 round drum...All without even a hiccup...
If you're hell-bent on a .223, I've heard good things about the VEPR II rifles from Robinson Armament...
I haven't owned one, but I understand they make high quality AK look-a-likes in .308,.223,and 7.62X39...
They have a full page ad in Shotgun News...
ROBINSON ARMAMENT CO.
PO BOX 16776
SALT LAKE CITY ,UT 84116-0776
Tel # (801) 355-0401
or online at: [red][url]http://www.robarm.com[/url][/red]
Just my $.02