AZ Dave,
I have been thinking of having a rifle in this caliber built on a donor Winchester Pre-64 Action that was originally 30-06 Spg (if I can get the owner to part with it for a decent price........). Rifle was manufactured in the 1950's I think. The wood is not in great shape and the barrel is in average shape, so this would be a perfect donor for this project. I'd have to have it done by a gunsmith, but I would love to have this happen.......some day.
Anyway, my question is that any bolt face in the 30-06 parent case class (i.e., 270 Win, 280 Rem, 30-06, 35 Whelen, etc) should work correct? I think if my memory serves me correct the case head diameter of the 9.3 x 62 Mauser is 0.468, and the 30-06 case head diameter is 0.473, so it's only off by a few thou' (0.005). Am I right in my thinking?
If I can't get this fellow to part with the rifle, I may look to acquire one in another 30-06 class caliber. You can find them on GunBroker for <$1500.00 and sometimes much less than that if the rifle isn't original. Even a FN made Winchester 70 would be good if I could find one for a decent price. The only thing I'd keep anyway is the action and bolt. I'd want the action blue-printed, bolt face trued, lugs lapped in, raceways trued and polished, new barrel (Kreiger, Lilja, Bartlett, etc), Timney trigger, custom bottom metal, blued, and all dressed in a nice piece of English walnut.
Anyway, I'd love to have a rifle in this caliber to take to Africa one day. It'd be the perfect compliment to my Rem 700 in 30-06 that I'm having the same treatment done on currently.
And by the way....gorgeous rifle. Great job!