Welcome Sean223!
You're right regarding the 60 grain 223 round for your Howa 1500. The 1:12 twist rate for a 223 won't stabilize rounds above 62 grains, and really does best for rounds from 40-55 grains, with the good ol' 55 grain being the optimal for that twist rate. That said, depending on your altitude (higher is more ballistically friendly) you can reach out to 500-600+ meters with the 55 grain 223 loaded to ~2900 fps at 70 degrees Farenheight. That is what I shoot with my Rem 700 223.
For your beginning LR practice, I definitely recommend using your Howa 1500, getting REALLY familiar with it, and practicing all the fundamentals (like those suggested in the "The Basics" conversations.
What scope do you have on your rifles? I run a Vortex Viper PA 6.5-20x50 on my Rem 700. It has an MOA reticle that is decent for ranging targets out past 1000 meters and I like its durability and accuracy. It tracks flawlessly, always returns to zero, and has really good glass for a $350 scope.
I definitely agree with the guys about not being afraid to ask questions. We all started out by knowing nothing and now have something to share. So no question is too trivial to ask.