I picked up a 338-06 it has a mauser 98 action are these actions strong enough for modern operating pressures?
That all depends on the 98 action itself, when it was made, and by whom.
There are soft ones out there, and there are some outstanding ones, which can live in the 338-06 environment.
To determine if your action is safe would require a search using the data from the receiver of your rifle.
An example of some outstanding 98 actions would be those made by BRNO, or FN.
BRNO VZ24's mde during 1933 are the very best BRNO's available.
If your receiver was made during the last years of WW II, it would be suspect.
I have very personal family history involving soft Model 98 receivers made during the last years of WW II.
I would do a Rockewell check of the receiver as a minimum, but would use the markings from the receiver to do a detailed check before shooting the rifle,
I have Model 98 based rifles in 22-250, 22 BR, 250 Savage, 7x57, and 284 Winchester. All of mine are safe to shoot.
Don
