In .223 I load mostly Hornady 55 gr FMJ BTs. Based on some (but not extensive) objective data I think they provide a very good balance of good quality FMJs (as far as FMJs go) vs price. They can be had very reasonably. I also load Hornady 53 gr Match bullets. (All my .223 loads are being shot out of an M&P 15 Sport.)

I use CCI primers, H335 powder and mixed headstamp brass.

For plinking I find these components provide more-than-adequate loads. (Sorry - I decided a while ago to not put specific powder charges in posts.) In fact just yesterday I was at the range and these loads were effectively pinging steel out at 400+ yds very consistently.