Man, you are poking a stick in the Hornets nest with this question. So I'll sting ya!
I am a firm believer in Savage rifles. Anytime this question comes up, you can chase all of my posts and find that I promote, Savage, then Howa, then something else. The reason I go in this order is affordability, quality of action, and accuracy out of the box with little or no work to the rifle. Price is just that... PRICE! You can buy the most expensive rifle in the world and not be able to shoot near as well as some under priced jalopy that isn't bought because of prejudice. Chances are the most expensive rifle in the world is a laser beam with pin point accuracy, but I hope you follow me.
I have yet to see either the Howa or the Savage prove me wrong. Yes sometimes there is a lemon, but that happens with any rifle manufacturer. From posts on here there are more and more guys complaining about the lack of QC from Remington. Would I buy another Remington.... maybe, but an older model to build off of for a custom. The Vanguard Weatherby is often suggested... guess what action they use for that rifle? It is a Howa M1500. You can only do better with the Mark V, but then you still need some smithing to really make it meet its potential.
So there is lies the question. Do you want out of the box performance? Or do you want a semi-custom or full custom rig? For semi custom, look for the Savage/Stevens (target action or hunting repeaters. equally strong and very capable), Mark V, Howa, Vanguard, Winchester, or Remington. Another option that is very affordable and will help you build a really nice custom is the Stevens action (Savage Action). Put a new trigger on it, custom barrel, aftermarket stock, custom bottom metal, and custom trigger. New rifle for around $1000 or less. Depending if you do it yourself which is very doable with Savage/Stevens products or a smith building it for you.
Yet another option is using the Savage Target action and getting high dollar quality in a production action that has proven itself. So that is my thoughts. My nod would go to the Mod 12 series and Mod 11/111 series Savage. The Law enforcement Savage line also has some really nice equipment.
Tank