Which action to use??

[bigchast1]

I want to "attempt" to build a big bore bolt gun. Would LOVE to have it be a 45-70, or something like that, something not everyone has one of. Can I use a Mauser 7mm or 8mm action? How would I start and what can I expect to invest into a project like this.
I have seen these guns fairly cheap to extra high, what would be a good model, price?
Thanks,
Chast

[Swampman]

For the .45-70 I'd start with an Enfield.

[mannyrock]

  It seems to me that I remember, just a few years ago, either Century Arms or Navy Arms was selling Enfield Mark 4s, that had been converted to .45-70.  I think they were limited to 3 rounds, one in the spout and two in the magazine. 

  Anybody else remember these?

  Any experiences?

  I would sure try one of these out, before I spent $1,000 or so building a .45-70 bolt rifle from scratch.

  Waita minute.  Didn't someone also use to sell Siamese Mausers converted to .45-70?   

Mannyrock

[bigchast1]

by Enfield, do you mean a 303 British?
Why is that? Is it a stronger action, or easier to get parts? Please explain.

[mannyrock]

  Yes, by Enfield I mean the .303 British Enfield.  I have no idea why these were used.  It may be that Century Arms (or Gibbs Rifle Co.) was able to buy a bunch of these in great condition for a cheap price.  Hopefully, someone else will remember these as well.

Mannyrock

[Nobade]

Because the magazines work with rimmed cartridges.

Check out Siamese Mausers. They're way stronger, and work well with 45-70.

[gunnut69]

The Siamese actions are 98 mausers set up to feed a strange 8mm rimmed round. They were mostly made by the Japanese for the givernment of Siam(Burma??) and make wonderful heavy caliber 45/70 rifles. The only fly in the ointment is that they are not longer imported and are bringing pretty serious money these days. The Enfield No.4's are fairly cheap even today and are plenty strong enough for the 45/70. Also the rim diameters are fairly close and the rifles are designed to handle rimmed round. For really big caliber up to 505 Gibbs the P14 or a modified 1917 American Enfield is the way to go. These are to only military actions large enough and long enough to handle these monsters.. The No.4 will substancially lower the cost of such a rifle and should prove quite satisfactory.