Really isn't a tremendous amount of difference in the strength of the different model Mauser actions What IS different is their abilty to safely vent gas in the event of a case head failure, pierced primer, and other such bad things. The 1898 is a superior action because of the way it handles venting gas away from the shooter.

If you are looking for a decent Mauser to play with, check out some gunshows, look at Shotgun News and Gun List. As long as you are just looking for a shooter and not a collectable, you should be able to find or order a 1898 actioned rifle for less than $200.
Stay away from the Mitchell's Mausers adds in the various shooting magazines. They are nothing special, just Yugoslavian M48s (intermeduaite length action) rifles. They are priced about 200 to 300% higher than the same rifle available from other wholesalers.