The idea of pre made rifles is good.

I would use the M98 because that way most of the action "upgrade" is from your own work.

I would do 404 Jeffery and 500 Jeffery. I think most poeople in this market are happy and often keen to brake away from the normal. The combination of those two calibres and the M98 allows you to make a replica of the original rifles.

I think the price is up to about $2500US. While a lot of people have a strong dislike for Weatherby rifles they do completely dominate the higher priced rifle area and the 378 to 460 are in the 2200 to 2500 bracket. I think Weatherby learnt a long time ago where the top price was, at least for 99% of shooters.

My experience in Australia is that most custom projects come to a screeching halt when the shooter has to find an action or he has to pull apart some rifle such as the CZ.

Another advantage of sticking with 404 and 500 Jeffery is they are not available elsewhere, at least in the 460 Wby price range.

Mike

I think Ray has hit the nail on the head. I would make a Mauser actioned rifle to copy the original British Bolt rifles. They fit and feel great. Their stocks are what I would call the "minimilist" patern. As for calibers I would start with the 375 H&H, 416 Rigby, 458 Lott, and later one of the 500's. All these calibers except the 500 are standard factory items. As much as I like the concept of the 404 Jeffery there is just no factory ammo.
If you could make a no frills "working" Bolt Rifle that works, for less than 3K I think you would have a winner.