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The only action that I would consider for a "classic" bolt action rifle is the Mauser 98.
The standard length 98 is suitable for the .425 WR,9.3x62,9.3x64,and even the .404 Jeffrey (with minor weakening of the action behind the lower recoil lug). I do not think it inappropriate to consider the .416 Ruger or the excellent .375 Ruger for such a rifle.(.375 requires too much metal to be removed).
Genuine Magnum Mausers are not easy to find and even harder to finance.The Granite Mountain,and newly manufactured German Mausers are also out of reach of the average budget. The CZ 550 Magnum can handle a .505 Gibbs or even a .585 Nyati but it is not a true Mauser and the finish is average at best.
The trick is to find the best standard 98 action available and select a cartridge that suits the action as well as your requirements.(I will exclude wildcats from this debate).

The finest Mauser 98 action I have owned was an original 1920 Oberndorf in a Type B .30-06.
This one had the in the bow floor-plate release and the action was incredibly smooth.
Good military Mauser actions made in Germany, Austria,Czechoslovakia,are becoming hard to find.
Post war, 1946-47 FN produced hi quality Mauser 98 actions that were sold to other manufacturers such as Husqvarna. I had the opportunity to acquire a Husqvarna Hi-Power 9.3x62 with a true 98 action, thumb cut,rear bridge hump and clip slot. This action is among the finest I have ever handled and it has the advantage of having an original factory FN low bolt handle and no holes drilled for peep or scope sights. In 1948 such actions were modified to become the FN Deluxe action.

I own 5 Browning FN Safari Grade Hi-Power rifles in 7mm Rem.,.300 Win.,.375 H&H and .458 Win. All magnums.I prefer the 24" barrels and all have double cross-bolts and a barrel mounted recoil lug.These rifles use a sightly modified (bolt release)FN Supreme action. Some have steel trigger guard assemblies and some have the anodized aluminum which are not castings as they have the same milling marks as the steel ones.I also own a mint BRNO ZG47 .30-06 These are extremely fine guns but neither action has the vintage look of the 98.

My choice is the 47 FN manufactured 98 action.
Modifications: Single square bridge and straight down bolt handle.
Sunny hill drop box bottom metal with straddled floor-plate.
Caliber .404 Jeffrey.

Please let me know your thoughts on this posting.

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