Bergara hmr
looking form something with a top rail and a free float handguard.
If you want a factory configuration the tikka tac a1 is super solid. I went tikka ctr and then I dropped it in the chassis of my choice. You could do the same and be under your $1500 price point.
If you are going to go aftermarket chassis, there's little reason to pay the premium for the CTR versus getting a cheaper Tikka A3 in th caliber you want. Heck, I know some buy the very cheapest $600 Tikka and rebarrel and drop in the chassis and you'll have something that runs with or surpasses the Tac A1 at comparable cost.
I think the Tikka is the best action you can get that's not a full custom. The Howas are nice, so are the bergaras. But he Tikka is the best production action I've ever cycled.
Savage 10 BA Stealth, you'll save $200+ to add to your scope budget.
I'm evidently one of a small number of people that just could not get comfortable behind a RPR. Mine was a 223, it was fairly accurate and you could run the bolt extremely fast...but I found getting 'locked in' difficult, specifically using a rear squeeze bag while prone. I found I *much* prefer a McMillan A3/A5 or Manners T2-style stock to a pistol grip chassis.
For that reason, I say Bergara HMR.
The pistol grip will throw your shots off. Your lower fingers push on the grip because your thumb isn't pointing forward.