Is Newengland arms A good Rifel macker and is so which cal. is best? and which scope should I yous 8.5-25x40 or a strate power leupold?

A lot of the NEF rifles are good. But the companies quality control is not what it should be. You could get a stinker, possibly, but I doubt it.

I just stuck a vari X I 3X9 on my .223. Works for me!

What cal is best? I have no idea what you plan on doing with it. They don't make any big magnums for it...like 300 Winchester or .375 H&H (to my knowlage). If you need a "knock-em-down-&-stomp-on-em caliber, they offer 45-70, though.

You might find some good answers at their web~site. They have a forum there, where many NEF owners could help you out.

http://www.hr1871.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi