New build is for a .223 , box mag , 1:12 or 1:14 barrel , throated to suit 40gn vmax ,, years ago built one on rem700 , in AI thumbhole stock , been out of shooting last couple of years , is there any better option than a 700 action , apart from full custom , is tikka or Ruger worth a look , needs a proper rigid stock too , not the crappy grs I just bought
Are you planning on buying the action to customize?
Since you mentioned being throated for a specific bullet, I'm assuming that is your intent.
I'm not sure what is available to you commercially there.
A 700 is still a viable build option, the triggers are really hit or miss, I have one good one, several were crap and had to be replaced.
Since you intend on sticking with light bullets, I would stay with the 1-12 and no faster than 1-9.
I have seen 1-8 barrels that wouldn't shoot 55 grain bullets at all, let alone something lighter.
Howa makes a fine rifle, the weatherby vanguard is the same rifle and may be sold locally to you.
They are nice, mauser style flat bottomed actions with one piece bolts and m-16 style extractors.
Tikka's, of course, are awesome. Again, made on your side of the pond, and should be available.
A butt ugly gun that seems to check most of your boxes is the Savage walking varminter model in the laminated stock.
Here is a link to the EU CZ site and the varmint laminated model:
https://www.czub.cz/en/produkty/kulovnice/cz-527-varmint-laminated.html