IMHO

Avoid the bargain part of the lines, Axis, American etc. Too many good deals on the top of the line stuff.

If your Walmart has the 700 SPS for $400 then buy it. Mine doesn't.

Otherwise find a deal on a leftover Tikka t3 if you can, if not a Howa for $350 or the CDNN Rugers are great places to start.

.270 is perfect, especially in a lighter synthetic stocked rifle.