there are several mftrs makeing the 700 clones, Stiller Predator (next shipment available in Mar), Bordens, Pierce, are the more popular. Just custom actions with better specs than the Rem and true to start with, no extra gunsmithing needed.
About 2 yrs ago, I went exactly the route you propose. Kind of rehashing what I knew I should not do and the clones were just coming out, could not get one at that time. So went with the 300 WSM, Rem SPS. Tried to make the factory barrel shoot and would not. Oh by the way riveted extractor broke first 20 shots. Month in the warranty shop. Replaced the factory barrel with Lilja #4, Bruce Baer Thumbhole butternut stock (2.5 lbs) and tried again. Good groups and went to Midwest hunting in Nov. 3rd shot to confirm zero and same **** riveted extractor broke again. Gun is now in warranty shop to have another rem extractor put in. As soon as it comes out it is going to my smith for fitting of a Dave Kiff bolt with properly located Sako extractor. While replacing the barrel, had to true front of rcvr (lug was very good, so we used it)
BH