To the OP get yourself a RACompact (18" barrel) SS in .223, plus a RAR SS in .243 or 708 which ever suits your fancy and cut the barrel to 20"..
If you don't mind blued then get a RAPredator in 6.5 Creed..
Haven't spent much time with Creed but most 5 shot groups at 300M are running around 2.8" with the best being 1.97" using IMR4451 under 140gr. A-Max's..
And to you "squirrel boy" keep up the good work! You are doing "grate"..