Any more ideas on rifles I've overlooked?
I'll answer your question, with a couple of questions....
How much of your shooting do you intend to be "longer range target", and what do
you define as "longer range?"
And, do you handload??
There's another thread running about the .270 vs. the .30-06.
Ballistically, they're nearly identical. But, there's a huge selection of high BC target bullets in .30 cal, and relatively few in .277.
If you have not considered the .260 Remington, or the 7mm-.08
IF you handload. Otherwise, factory match ammo is tough to come by, and expensive.
If you
don't handload, I would really consider the .308.
Most versatile selection of hunting
and match target factory ammo, which makes it an extremely versatile choice. There's a reason why it's one of the most common calibers used for the purposes you describe, it does many things very well. Kind of a "jack of all trades, master of none"...
Far as manufacturer, I again would ask- do you intend to customize, or accurize the rifle down the road?
If so, I would go with Savage or a Remington 700.
We own several of both, aftermarket stocks and accessories are most plentiful for the 700, with Savage a close second nowadays.
I prefer the Savage because I prefer the ability to change calibers and re-barrel if I so choose. Makes "project guns"- without a gunsmith, easy-peasy.
I've got a 7mm-.08 varmint barrel on the way, to change a hunting barrel, to a heavy long range target barrel. If I ever decide to take the rifle hunting, I can just screw the lightweight, 20" factory countour barrel back on, and I'm back to a lightweight mountain rifle.
I've no experience with Howa, but have heard nothing but good things about them. Downside is limited aftermarket accessories, and gunsmiths to work on them. Good luck!