I have a high-number SA Springfield that needs a new barrel. Although properly drilled and tapped for a scope, it currently wears an old Redfield aperture sight, and sits in a pretty sound but basic aftermarket stock. Safety is original, bolt unbent. If you had a Springfield just lying about and wanted something with at least as much oomph as the .30-06 and possibly more, what might you rebarrel/rework to?

I'd be tempted to keep the .30-06 since it is so versatile but since you want to go bigger my choice would be the .338-06. However, the .35 Whelen is "the" classic large bore '03 cartridge.

30 - '06 or 35 Whelen. Two classics

8mm-06, 338-06, 35 Whelen, 9.3X62, and 400 Whelen/411 Hawk all come to mind if you are wanting something with a little more oomph than a 30-06. I hae also seen 03's built into 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, and 416 Rem Mag. 416 Taylor would then be an option as well.

I was in this same dilema a while ago. My 30-06 is nearing completion and my 35 Whelen is in the works. Both are on SA Double Heat Treated Model of 1903 Actions.

Its sure hard to beat a good ole 30-06.

As others have mentioned the 30-06 is never a mistake. The 35 and 400 Whelens would be nice also, but one DHT 03 action and a Douglas barrel in my safe will become a 375 Ruger when the specs and reamers become available.

You could make it look like this! The work of the late great Ottmar. I've never seen a nicer Springfield.
gunmaker

While certainly not in the same category as Mr. Maurice Ottmar, here are a couple more.

Ohhhhhh hell Bill --

Thump it out to 45/70 and join the crew!

Thanks, guys. The shop where I got it has a couple of good Springfield barrels; I may just swap mine out, although I have always had a real yen for a 9.3X62.
.45/70: My current .45-70 is a Trapdoor Model 1884. I do have a Marlin in .444 but cannot warm to it.

quote:

I do have a Marlin in .444 but cannot warm to it.

Funny, that's how I feel about the 35 Whelen. Yet I love the .338-06 and 9.3x62. I think you just answered your own question. Go with 9.3x62 and never look back.

Oddly enough I want a .444. I like my .45-70's but want a .444 too.

I have a Remington made 1903 redone as a sporter in .308 Norma Magnum. First rifle I ever bought (1967). Great rifle!

Redo it in any caliber that fits your hunting needs. .338-06, .338 Win Mag, .358 Norma Mag, 9,3x62 and .458 AR all come to mind.

Turn it into one of these:

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/...=745103094#745103094