I would look hard for an inexpensive used 30-06 in every gun shop that I could find. Ask around, some shop's have rifles with broken stock, fireing pins and other minor problems that they might sell to you for a very reasonable price. Since you only need an action, the condition of the stock, blueing on the barrel and things that make a rifle looks nice and add to the cost aren't important. Used 30-06's are a dime a dozen and except for Brownings are easy to barrel and rechamber. The last I heard Browning's need a special wrench to remove the barrel and not all gunsmiths have one. A used Interarms Mark X rifle would be prefect if you're set on a mauser action. My 338-06 is based on a Mark X. Charles Daly sells new mauser actions. I wouldn't spend the money on a benchrest match quality action for building a hunting rifle. Used Remington 700 and Winchester 70 rifles normally have a higher price tag but if you find one at a good price then buy it.