I have:

1 pre-64 FW

1 post-64 classic (CRF)

2 pre-64 standard

All 30-06s currently. What would you build? Optics, barrels, stocks, etc. - suggestions welcome. TIA...

I was going to say 264 win mag,338 win mag ,416 rem mag and maybe a 35 whelen but its a standard action.I guess 25-06,270,338-06,35 whelen. like the first list alot better though.

9.3, you have most of the calibers based on a 06 head anyway don't you?
I would build a light wt. .280, 23" ft.wt. bbl. Leup. 3x-9x comp. nice trim wood stock w/ steel butt plate (kind of like mine)
Then of course you need a .338-06, same bbl. length, maybe #3 in a laminated stock w/ a VXIII 2.5x8 (kind of like mine).
Then a 9.3x62 in a classic rigby style stock w/ a 24"#4 bbl., 1/4 rib & banded front. Top it w/ a VXIII 1.75x6 in det. mounts.
Maybe keep the last one in 06 as a loner?

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:
9.3, you have most of the calibers based on a 06 head anyway don't you?

Oh yeah, many times over in some cases. But that won't deter me from making more...

9.3,

I wouldn't worry too much about the action size. If you want a magnum, it won't be a problem to convert the action to accept magnum cartridges.

Not to say that you do want a magnum. Just a reminder that it is an option.

The rifles you desire should be based on what you intend to hunt.

I would consider:

243 Win/257 Roberts for a varmint/light deer rifle.

270/280/30-06...7/300 Magnums for medium game

338-06/35 Whelen/338 Magnum for elk and up

375 H&H/458 Win mag for big and nasties.

Just my thoughts on cartridges that will cover the spectrum.

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:
9.3, you have most of the calibers based on a 06 head anyway don't you?
I would build a light wt. .280, 23" ft.wt. bbl. Leup. 3x-9x comp. nice trim wood stock w/ steel butt plate (kind of like mine)
Then of course you need a .338-06, same bbl. length, maybe #3 in a laminated stock w/ a VXIII 2.5x8 (kind of like mine).
Then a 9.3x62 in a classic rigby style stock w/ a 24"#4 bbl., 1/4 rib & banded front. Top it w/ a VXIII 1.75x6 in det. mounts.
Maybe keep the last one in 06 as a loner?

I like they way you think - some of your suggestions are very close to some ideas I have on the drawing board.

I'm thinking hard about a 9.3x64, but I am always loath to start modifying bolt face. But I may go for it this time.

quote:

Originally posted by Scrollcutter:
9.3,

I wouldn't worry too much about the action size. If you want a magnum, it won't be a problem to convert the action to accept magnum cartridges.

I may be up for a conversion, if I go to a 9.3x64. But I am bit concerned about getting it to feed right, etc. Makes me nervous, especially when they all feed 30-06-sized (280, 338-06, Whelen) cases perfectly just now.

quote:

Originally posted by 9.3x62:
I have:

1 pre-64 FW

1 post-64 classic (CRF)

2 pre-64 standard

All 30-06s currently. What would you build? Optics, barrels, stocks, etc. - suggestions welcome. TIA...

I would keep them as they are or sell them to someone who wants them as they are.

You only have to look at the gun classifieds and auctions at the "customs" for sale at a 1/4 of the cost and how they appeal to very few as they are now modified.

quote:

Originally posted by Savage99:
I would keep them as they are or sell them to someone who wants them as they are.

You only have to look at the gun classifieds and auctions at the "customs" for sale at a 1/4 of the cost and how they appeal to very few as they are now modified.

They have all been modified and/or worn enough that they would hardly fetch top dollar. I generally prefer to keep a classic rifle as original as possible, but these are fairly good "donor action" candidates...

I like the old M70 Featherweights. I would touch that one up and put a pad on it with my LOP if it's not good now. Then I would take it hunting.

The Standard Grade 30-06's are kind of heavy but if you put a McMillian Edge (lightweight) stock on them they would balance better and weight a lot less. Other than that there is no improving the calibers so if they shoot ok just use them or sell them

You could alwyas go classic 7x57 done to match a good 9.3, 1/4 rib, etc. A walk around varminter in 6mm REm.