I have recently bought a couple of 03A3 actions. Got scope mounts and the whole 9 yards. Just need barrels and stocks and we are ready to go. I am decided on a 9.3x62 in one of them but don't know about the other yet. I already have a 6.5-06, .270, .280, '06, 8mm-06, .338-06. Is there something else with the .473" head other than the other '06 derivitives? I have plenty of 6.5's on the shelf right now.

Take a serious look at some of the metric options besides your 9.3. There are several excellent 8mm's and dont forget the good old 7x57 or 7x64.

But personally I feel a Springfield is just begging for 35 Whelen.

I say Whelen too on a springfield. You could go smaller and do a 257 Roberts, 25 winters, 224 Clark, or go 375 whelen, 375 Hawk, 400 whelen, 411 hawk.

Red

I turned my 03 into a .338. Personally, a classic action like that deserves a .338-06.

One chambering I considered for my 1903 was the 358 Norma, that is a classic round for a classic action.

After much deliberation, I opted for some off the wall chambering that I noticed isnt on your list, something called a 30-06..

I'll second going to a magnum boltface. You've got the .473 covered. Any standard-length magnum; though a .375 Taylor would be a nifty job.

Swap the two 03A3 actions for one original double heat treated 03 from Springfield or Rock Island.

If you want the 9,3x62 then forget the 35 whelen; but get a 375 whelen. Personally I'd get another a3 action and do the same set ups in 30-06, 35 whelen and 375 whelen. Its pretty cool seeing someone have the same looking custom rifles but in different calibers. I hope to do this someday.

turfman

I have a 1928 double heat treated 03 that I have been saving for about 30 yrs. Yesterday I got interested in the idea of building a 400 Whelen on it after reading the article about no headspace problems when using the Griffin & Howe cartridge size with the .458 shoulder. I would build it as a period classic with a receiver sight only and a fancy French Walnut Stock. I have several fancy blanks that have been ageing here about as long as the action. I would be interested in thoughts and comments on this idea. Jerry