If you handload, I
strongly recommend getting a .223. While factory ammo is far louder in .223 than in .22 Hornet, by handloading with BlueDot powder you can reduce the report and recoil very significantly, and the accuracy and velocity will be as good or better than the Hornet or Bee. Plus you have the option to load up to full power if needed.
When I first read the praises of BlueDot in the .223 I was dubious, but after I tried it in my 10" T/C I was
hooked. A google search will bring up plenty of sites with load data, but here is one by our fearless leader:
http://www.reloadingroom.com/page33.html