As I recall Roy Dunlap, Arizona Gunsmith & author of a book "Gunsmithing" stated the model 97 action was strong enough to be barreled for a .30-06. He didn't per-se recommend it, but strength wasn't the factor. The model 93 which preceded it was a different story.
Anyone interested in the '97 should be sure & try to read Nash Buckingham's "De Shootn'est Gent'man". In this story he talks about an Englishman's (Mr Money) use of a 97 to great effect on Ducks.

Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra