Re: Why bolt .223 over AR platform?
Accurate at what distance?
For shorter distances 500yd and under, a good varmint-optimized AR (I suggest CLE) will be a tackdriver.
Longer distances require heavier (longer) projectiles to maintain good accuracy, and cartridge length will usually grow to accomodate seating depths and longer projectiles. This will either require some compromises to permit magazine feeding, or skipping mag feeding altogether, which totally negates the reasoning behind having a semi in the first place.
So, get both; AR for under 500 and a faster firing cadence, bolt gun for any distance and slow(er) fire.
Now, then; if you're going to rebarrel a bolt gun, or maybe configure a switch barrel gun, the Savage works out better/cheaper because all you buy is the barrel, you can headspace it yourself, without any gunsmithing/machining involved. You <span style="font-style: italic">do</span> need to buy(, beg, or borrow...) a Savage barrel nut wrench.
Finished, chambered, crowned high quality barrels, threaded for owner installation on Savage actions, can be had from L-W for <span style="font-style: italic">well</span> below $500, mine listed at $300.
Greg