I own a Vanguard, 2006 version, in 300WBY. IMO these are the best value on the market today.
The test target on mine was .6". I can't quite get that, but 300WBY is challenging to shoot accurately consistently.
The Howa-Vanguard was or is actually a Sako L61, the design being purchased by Roy Weatherby to provide a more affordable, yet high quality rifle, to the market.
The L61/Howa/Vanguard is as solid a rifle available to the consumer.
The competition in it's price category Rem 700, Tikka, MarlinX, Savage, Rem 783 are all drilled bar stock, fused, alloyed, or partially ho;;ow bolts with washered recoil lugs.
The receiver on the Howas are machined from a solid billet, with a machined recoil lug, the bolts are again machined from a solid billet, bolt handle and all.
I have owned many rifles in my lifetime, Mdl 700's, Savaghes, Interarms MKX, Ruger 77 ect. I would not trade my Vanguard for two Mdl 700's.
All the others are quite serviceable, but just feel cheap amnd flimsy after getting your hands on a Weatherby of any model. I also own a MKV in 340WBY, as well a a Cooper Mdl 22 Montana Varminter, 6.5-284 Norma, so maybe I'm a snob, but quality speaks for itself
I'm a big enthusiast of Weatherby rifles, along with any other solid system, Win 70 Ruger77, Sako 75,85 and Mausers.
IMO you can't go wrong with a L61-Howa-Vanguard.