Someone on another forum was saying that the 223 is just about a 22 mag and another guy said its just a bigger handgun cartridge whats with the bad rap its seems too me this round get the job done or why would the military still be using it.

Just people posting about things they obviously know nothing about.

Some people know not about they speak.

22 Mag energy Federal load 767 in Ft-Lbs

Muzzle 325

50 yards 205

100 yards 130

150 yards 85


.223 energy Federal load 223B in Ft-Lbs

muzzle 1280

100 yards 1060

200 yards 875

300 yards 710

400 yards 575

500 yards 460

The .223 has more energy at 500 yards than the 22 mag does at the muzzle. Hardly comparable and proves most of the opinions you come across on the web are to be taken with a very large grain of salt.  

On to the pistol comparison.

44 Mag Federal load C44B in Ft-Lbs

muzzle 1035

25 yards 875

50 yards 750

75 yards 640

100 yards 555


At 400 yards the .223 has more energy than the 44 Mag at 100 yards.

I'd hate to be shot with any of these loads but the .223 is a fine cartridge capable of many tasks and has served us well in its military role.