ORIGINAL: retrieverman
I would scrap the Remington and Howa and go with a Thompson Encore. For accuracy, I would use a Match Grade Machine custom barrel in 223. This would give you more versatility if you ever wanted to change barrels (calibers) and use the gun for something else.
I have a TC Encore with a factory SS heavy barrel in 223. It's a tackdriver right out of the box.An EA Brown custom barrel in 280Rem is right around the corner though!