I agree with that for the most part, but I THINK that as Mr. Mauser came up with better ideas re. escaping gasses, he was paying more attention to metallurgic and HT details too. He did make the front ring bigger for some reason, but I don't remember the history. These are general feelings developed over the years reading and using.
The Swedes, using THEIR steel and THEIR HT methods did make some pre-98s which have always been considered stronger (maybe just better or more consistent) than other pre-98s.
These actions are not through-hardened, rather SURFACE-hardened and over-pressure rounds will eventually move metal and cause headspace problems - which can lead to escaping gas problems. If too much metal is removed to correct lug setback, square up bolt-lug contact, or to square the receiver shoulders to the barrel, re-heat-treating may be necessary. I've never had to, but have been very choosy, inspecting carefully, etc. It's not cheap.
Bottom line comes down to what a Mauser-'smith once said to me regarding a quote for having a commercial barrel installed, sporter bolt handle done, D/T for scope and receiver sight: "to do all that, I could sell you two Howa barreled actions! WHY would you want to do that??"
My answer was "Because a Howa's not a Mauser." Apparently, that was the "magic answer" because he suddenly became much more pleasant and agreed to do the work. It was $400 to turn a $100 antique into a plain-Jane sporting rifle and that was without the stock, bluing, sights, etc. when a brand-new Ruger M77 was just over $300. You kinda have to be a little fanatical to WANT to do that specifically.
Luckily for me, my dad was a Tool & Die Maker and was very good. He did all the bolt-handles, all the D/T'ing and hinged floor-plates. I did the rest.
