I own a Weatheryby Vanguard in 22-250, complete with a Tupperware stock, that is an outstanding shooter.
In reality, by design, the Howa action is similar to the Mauser 98 and the Winchester Model 70 with its flat bottomed receiver and its integral recoil lug. From a bedding point of view, this makes it considerably different from a Rem 700 or a Savage cylindrical action.
Technically, it has a slow lock time and heavy striker force comparable to the old 98 Mauser, but in typical field conditions for a hunting rifle, that is a mute point in terms of "shootability". That fact may keep it off a few BR tables where a shooter is looking for every accuracy "advantage" he can find, but it will not affect the typical hunter using a Howa in any way shape or form while hunting.
For the money, they are probably as good as any other action you might put on a hunting rifle.
-BCB