So - as usual, @ a gun show, there's a bbled Type 38 action, half the price of its fellows.  I ask why?  The dealer shows me - a deep cut on the bbl, right in front of the chamber.  So the bbl is toast.

I've had a 99 and a 38 before, so I know it's a decent action.  But before I run off and buy a bolt and trigger, and start building a stock - what can I convert this to?  Could I build up the bolt face and get a .223 bbl for it?  Set it back and run 6.5mm Grendel?  (I don't think the bbl is thick enough for even a Grendel chamber, sadly.)

99 chambered the 7.7, basically rimless Brit .303, I think.  The 38 is plenty strong, a well made Mauser type action with good steel.

I have either $5 or $20 in this action, can't remember.

.257 Roberts wouldn't be bad.

Both, the 6.5 and 7.7 Jap use a standard diameter bolt face (0.470" to 0.474") .  Same as the 30-06.  When they were dirt cheap, it was common practice to re-bbl Jap rifles to standard US cartridges.

A brief list of some current standard rim cartridges:
225 Win, 22-250, 220 Swift, 243 Win, 240 Wb Mag, 250-3000, 257 Roberts, 25-06, 270 Win, 7mm Mauser, 280 Rem, 300 Savage, 308 Win, 30-06, 8mm Mauser, 338 Fed, 358 Win, 35 Whelen

MLG

Sweet.  Didn't realize it was a .473”.  .45 ACP?