I like the m1917 action too. Grew up using one in Nevada. Chased everything from lizards to big mulies with it. They are heavy and probably meant for a much larger cartridge than what they were originally designed for. If it were me I'd opt for 300 H&H or 375 H&H or maybe even a 416 of some sort. Your options are almost endless with that action.
Here's my pre 64 and my poor man's pre 64
(both rifles made in 1951). Correction: the bsa model D (factory sporterized m1917) was sporterized in 1951.