I have 2 Howa Mini Action rifles in 223 and both shoot exceptionally well. I have no issues with them in the factory form. I did buy one as a barreled action and it is in a B&C stock with factory bottom and magazine.
I have a 6.5x55 weatherby vanguard which is a howa 1500 and a Tikka 223. The Tikka is much nicer, but accuracy and function I don't think the howa would disappoint you. Europptic has the Tikka for 670 I think I'd pay the difference
I have both a Howa 1500 and Tikka T3, both in .223. The Tikka is definitely more accurate. The Howa is plenty accurate but not to the tune of the Tikka. If I had to do again, I’d just go the Tikka.