Not really a fair analogy IMO.
30.06 and 45-70 may be old, but they are far more available, both in rifles and ammo, than is .222
If I go to Cabelas website and search “.222” and filter it to just firearms related categories, I get 6 products…3 ammo, 1 dies, 1 shell plate, and a cleaning kit. Zero firearms.
If I did the same thing with 30.06 or 45-70, I’d get much more products including a variety of ammo, guns, etc.
I’m NOT saying there is anything inherently wrong with the .222 and I know many of you have beautiful and accurate rifles you are justifiably proud of. I understand .
But today, in 2025, if a person asks whether they should buy a .222 or a .223, based on performance, availability, cost, accessibility, options, and variety, the most practical and logical answer is .223. BUT…it’s not necessarily the RIGHT answer.
If someone is looking for nostalgia …something different…etc., and they understand the current limitations, by all means go the .222 option.