What rifle for a custom Mauser?

[tgearrey]

I would like to start a relatively low dollar do it yourself custom rifle. I would like to use a mauser action as a base. My goal is to build a smaller caliber rifle for varmint hunting..ie .223 or .22-250. I will probably rebarrel and restock the action. I've been trying to educate myself on the different mauser types and am becoming somewhat more confused. Since the barrel and stock will be discarded low dollar options would be the best.
So my questions are:
What rifle should I be looking for as a good basis for this project?
What mods will be needed to achieve my goal...ie. bolt turning etc.?
Where might a good source to find this rifle be?
Thanks,
Thomas

[savageT]

I'm told the best are the pre Word War II M98 actions....large ring in 7x57, 8x57, 9x57mm w/ straight bolt.  However, there are later versions made by the Axis countries such as the Yugo M48's,  basically copies of the K98 German model w/ turned down bolt in 8mm that are quite inexpensive.

Jim

[Mikey]

tgearry:  Savage T is right on the money with his suggestions and I would support his recommendation to use a Yugo 48/48A as a basis for your custom rifle.  The Yugo is an 8x57mm, so customizing one for the 223 shouldn't require a lot of custom fitting as the 223 is shorter than the 8mm and it would allow you to load your bullets to the length they need to be for maximum accuracy.  I don't know about the length of the 22-250 but if it is the same or shorter length than the 308 or the 57mm 8mm you should be able to customize one fairly easily.  There may be an issue with the extractors fitting properly but that is something a qualified gunsmith or someone with similar experience should be able to advise you on.  

Most of the Yugos I have seen are in excellent if not new and unfired condition and seem to fit just right.  They should make a good basis for a custom rifle.  HTH.  Mikey.

[alpini]

I understand that in 98 actions to avoid pre 1920 and war actions dated after 1943. Ideal 98 actions would be the 1930's Mauser, FN, DWM or Brno marked. I believe it all had to do with the heat treating ( too soft or too hard) on pre 20's and late war actions that make them poorer choices for some of the higher pressure cartridges. Some of the old actions were only case-hardened.

[257AI]

If you are wanting to build a 223 I would stay away from the mauser actions.  The bolt face is all wrong for the smaller 223 round and it would be expensive and difficult to correct it.  It is OK for the 22-250, 220 Swift, etc.  The regular length 98 actions are easier and cheaper to find parts, stock etc for than the shorter Yugo 48 actions so check before you commit yourself.

257AI

[S.S.]

The Perfect Mauser Varmint rifle would be a 6.5 Swede
with no alterations except a Synthetic Stock and a scope.
load a light 6.5 projectile in the cases and you are good to go!
Power & recoil would be close to a .243.