The Modelo 1909 was originally chambered for 7.65x54. The barrel is oversize for .30, (it is .303" bore, .311" groove, vs .300" bore, .308" groove for the .30) but many thousands were re-chambered for .30-'06 by importers.

The rear of the chamber is also a bit oversize so .30-'06 cases might swell a bit, but not to the danger point. Accuracy can range from fairly good to poor, depending on bullet and barrel tolerances. It is sometimes suggested to load .30-'06 cases with .303" bullets, but that is a bad idea as the chamber neck is cut with a .30-'06 reamer and won't allow case neck expansion. The result is excessive pressure.

In the original caliber, with the crest, and in top condition, those guns can go for $800 or more. Rechambered, even if not sporterized, they usually run about $250-300, mostly for the action, which is an excellent one to use for a sporter.

If you don't want to make an enemy, best tell the guy who wants to make it into a .300 Win Mag that the rifle will probably need a new barrel, not just rechambering.

Jim
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