I've been offered a great deal on a left handed action and have to decide what material (ss or chrome-moly), size and bolt configuration that I want it in. My choices are a short or x-long action with either a standard or magnum bolt face.

I already have rifles in 223 (2), 22.250 (2), 243 (2), 6.5x284, 308, 7Mag, 300WSM and 375H&H. I'm mostly a varmint shooter with the annual deer/antelope trip and plan on going to Africa next year.

What action should I get just to have for a future build?

Frank, sounds like you're pretty well set on short action rifles. If I were you I'd grab the extralong one.

Uh.... oh, no, you need the short action (and PM me where I can pick up the other one )

Get a short-action so you can build a .17 (they're a lot of fun; I have a Cooper .17 Mach IV and a Kimber (of Oregon) .17 Remington). A Mach IV would turn ground squirrels into a fine red mist.

Or, get an extra-long for a future .470 Capstick or .470 AR.

George

Looks like you're fully stocked on short-action cartridges. I'd say get the x-long and use it to build some kind of monster....458 Lott, 416 Rem, etc. You never know when those varmints will evolve into man-eaters!