Curramore: Interest read/information on you and what and how you do. Yes too bad the 204R is headed out, due to supplies. It is one fine cartridge, which you well know. The 223 will work for you and it is a good one, but not as much fun as the 204, in my humble opinion and I do also own a couple 223 Rem, but they don't get the use that my 17 & 20 calibers do on various critters.
Thank you for your information, and maybe a few photos of your area and such, would be a nice addition, as we love photo's.