It doesn't get much easier to work up a load for a short action caliber. It usually takes me 1/2 the time to find a good load for a 308 than it does with a 30-06. I think the 308 is about the most perfect deer round you can get.

I think I would go 6.5X55, 6.5x.284, 7X57 or .257RobertsAI. I just like being different.

As Johan said, keep it classic and preferably in a Mauser or Brenneke caliber.

Regards

Well

I would consider a these as suitable calibers for your action:
6,5X55
6,5X57
6,5X65
6,9X64
7X57
7X64
8X57
9,3X62

A magnum requires a new floorpalte and magazine box to function reliable, opening of boltface, modify the extractor and the actions magazine rails. Not very cheap at all.

The excisting magazine will handle with some minor modfications be able to handle most standard rounds. If you want a 6,X55 the boltface and extractor be alterd a bit.

A mauser shall not be camberd in a cartridge that is shorter than the action is intended for from start.

Stick with a classic cartridge, it will save the secondhand value

/ JOHAN

Johan,you sound very metric to me

But your choices are the best. For my overall selection it would be an aboundantly throated 7mmX57mm with a twist that would accomodate a 175gr. bullet; surpassing anything a mere.308 can do When you give people too many choices it only tends to lead to their confusion. roger