M1903A3 Rebarrel - Maximum caliber

[Unforgiven]

Anyone have experience with converting these actions to a different caliber ? The barrelon this one is completely worn out, so if I am to rebarrel it, might as well go to something I don't have.

Was thinking either a 338-06, which would allow me to reuse my existing barrel if I can find someone to rebore it.

Or a Magnum round.

 

[Boomer]

Either .338-06 or .35 Whelen would be a good choice, although the original .30-06 has much to offer. I would be inclined not to go the magnum route, if I remember correctly, there was not much room to open the '03 bolt face.

I would not use the existing barrel. There are many barrel makers who can produce excellent barrels at a very reasonable price. If the rifle is in it's original military guise, and you intend to sporterise it, a commercial barrel will look better.

If the original barrel is beyond repair, it might be worthwhile to have a gunsmith inspect the action to ensure that it is suitable for your project, before you purchase various components for a custom rifle based on that action.

 

[Unforgiven]

I should take it in, would like to know. But even a 338-06 would be a nice. I have another 06 Springfield that I use, barrel and everything good, so I really don't want two of them. Both have been sporterized.