I sold my .223Rem Handi-Rifle for the money to buy a Super-16 .223Rem barrel for my T/C Contender frame and a walnut forearm. Included a NEF .22Rem Jet barrel for the SB2/Handi-Rifle in the deal for a really nice ambidextrous butt stock for the Contender and a really cool carry bag. Very happy with the swap. The Handi-Rifle is MoV accurate (Minute of Varmint) but it's not a target rifle. Wasn't designed for target shooting, isn't intended for target shooting, never was meant for target shooting beyond sighting in and "plinking." I have Handi-Rifles in .22Hornet and .357Magnum chamber-reamed to .357Maximum. The former has sat in the vault un-used for ten years. The latter has taken a few wild pigs at just-past-pistol ranges. It's MoP accurate (Minute of Pig) which is fine.
For $288 OTD I can suggest better rifles for punching paper in .223Rem. $290 is about what I paid for my Ruger American carbine. It's not MOA either but it's a lot better than the H&R.