Now granted, a 30/30 might be overkill for a 'yote, but its a good all around cartridge for just about anything and the platform can be had for far less than most semi-auto .223 setups. More than a few people will attest to the fact that a 30/30 is one of the best truck guns in existance... And now that I've said that somebody will scramble to debate the fact
I know you want to maintain common calibers, but get something different just for fun. It's not as if 30/30 will dry up anytime soon and it allows you a bit more leeway for heavier game (yes, yes, we all know somebody out there has taken a zombie yeti with just a .223 and proper shot placement). Plus levers are just dang fun and that's the best reason of all.
If you have to have a .223, I vote for that keltec pictured above. Owned it, loved it.
I know you want to maintain common calibers, but get something different just for fun. It's not as if 30/30 will dry up anytime soon and it allows you a bit more leeway for heavier game (yes, yes, we all know somebody out there has taken a zombie yeti with just a .223 and proper shot placement). Plus levers are just dang fun and that's the best reason of all.
If you have to have a .223, I vote for that keltec pictured above. Owned it, loved it.