My question to those far more knowledgeble than me is, can .223 be reloaded to be below the range max velocity, are there special powders for this and is it safe?[/QUOTE]

Yes to all the of the above.
If there are members at your club already doing this with 223 then you need to talk to them.
No special powders needed, just the right one(s)!
A powder manufacturers starting load may be all you will need.
HTH
Tony