RE: Howa/Weatherby Vanguard Stainless or Tikka T3 Lite Stainless?
If I was buying 1 rifle only it would be a stainless synthetic bolt action rifle with a 3x9 quality scope in 30-06.With 150 gr bullets it shoots plenty flat and with 180 gr it will drop moose sized game easily ( done it a few times).That will handle anything you are likely to ever hunt. Buy the rifle that fits you best and balances well in your hands. Make sure you are wearing the same hunting coat you normally wear when inthe field.
Look they are all good nowadays (except for the remington 710) and personal prefernce should play the biggest part. I have owned ruger, browning,remington,sako and have friends who own winchester and Tikka. They are all fine. If on a budget I would buy a Tikka T3 or Ruger. If spending more then a Sako has my vote ( my favourite rifle). Pick the one that snaps up nicely when you throw it to your shoulder, oh and buy a leupold VXII 3x9x40 for it.