RE: Opinions wanted!
Well I actually was considering several options for my sporter rifle. I plan to build one Mauser in either .338-06 (maybe .338 Magnum if I decide to open up the bolt face, etc), or 35 Whelen. I also wantto learn more about the 450 Marlin and .376 Steyr.
When I was considering a .45-70 I was actually thinking of experimenting with a Mosin Nagant as it is designed to fire the 7.62x54Rwhich is a rimmed cartridge. This seems like it might be kind of tough to do though so I may abandon the idea in favor of a Mauser in one of the calibers above.
I'd also like to buy a cheap military Mauser in original configuration (Turk M38, VZ-24,K-98, etc, etc)and simply reamingout the barrel for 30-06 so I could fire 8mm-06 through it as my whitetail deer rifle.