My daughter is now 13. Been shooting with me couple of years. Bought her a Winchester 22lr Lever action. As its nice and short for a kid. 2 Years back decided to step it up. And got fascinated with the Gentleman's Caliber the 22 Hornet. But year ago sold it off and got a 222Rem for her to shoot. The 222Rem use to be a competition caliber years ago. And is renowned for accuracy. And since it was for range use only. I went with it for her. 222rem is more or less stuck to 52gr. 223 has more wieght options depending on twist rates. But 222rem case design although very slightly different then 223 gives better accuracy apparently. Will she ever need the small accuracy benefit over the 223. Maybe not. But since its a range rifle so far. I went with 222rem over 223.