Where can you get cheap bolt handles for a Tikka? I've been looking for a swept back one, but I haven't been able to find anything cheaper than $70-80.I have 3 Tikka actions dedicated as "switch barrels" in 6.5 CM, 6.5x47 Lapua and 6XC and a 4th one that still remains stock (6.5CM CTR) The switch barrel ones have PVA nut barrels and Bugholes bugnut barrels. I made them during the las three years using factory Tikkas as donors that cost me around $450 each, just had to add the rails, bolt handles and Yodave or Elay springs (less than $100 of added parts) All of them shoot less than 3/8 MOA with my handloads. I did all these before the new budged friendly actions like Nucleus and Origin came out to the market. Should I' do it again now? Its difficult to say but I think I'll do it. Price wise Im spending half of the price, and performance wise IMHO I don't think I could get better accuracy and repeatability that what I'm getting right now with my Tikkas.
Anyway, the budget customs will have arguably better ergonomics than the Tikka. Also, the cost savings you mentioned are generally not as straight forward, because certain aftermarket components for the R700, like stocks or barrel prefits, often cost less than for the Tikka. Aside from that, I think your builds are certainly still good options. However, if you take a $450 Tikka action, add $200 Sterk bolt handle and shroud combo, $125 Murphy precision rail and a $40 Mountain Tactical bolt stop, you're suddenly in Bighorn Origin territory.