you said your having problems getting ammo in.....98s you have to put the ammo in the magazine first and let the bolt pick it up...dont know if you know that.....i didnt....i almost ruined my rifle and forced it in...i think 98s are some of the best actions made...i have a 98k...has a new beautiful stock and the barrel was milled so some of the battle scars wouldnt be noticed...its a great gun....and shoots great....making it original now will have no value because it was already taken from its original parts...if you want an original buy one and leave it that way.....the gun you got now i agree....its already been changed why not finish it right and how you want? a stock barrel and rechamber job you can have the gun of your dreams.....i was lucky and found my gun how i want it...wish it was in 308 but im learning to love the 3006....briman does know alot....and a few others....i was going to build a gun of my dreams off a mauser but decided im 16 and need a truck before i build my first custom rifle.....good luck......was the action modified and the bolt bent to take a scope or is it set back from the action or above it like an sks??