I have a model 94 30WCF short rifle with 20 in octagon barrel made in 1897 that has a bad bore
What is wrong with the barrel? Pitted? Rifling worn? Before commenting on the course of action I ask these questions.
If the bore is pitted, but not terribly, I've seen fire-lapping do wonders to make what might be considered a "bad bore" become excellent shooters. If worn rifling, you might consider trying some larger diameter cast bullets in the gun before scrapping a vintage barrel on what otherwise sounds like a rather pristine, servicable ORIGINAL rifle.
Interestingly, either way, if you have to lap the bore to get rid of some pitting, or the bore is simply worn, you might consider slugging the barrel to determine dimensional data, then select bullets of appropriate diameter accordingly. Simple as this sounds, many, many times these old, original barrels can be persuaded to deliver some really astonishing accuracy with somewhat oversize gas-checked cast bullets.
The throats in these old rifles typically are rather generous in diameter to begin with, and thus chambering ammo with bullets from .310" through .312" seated in the brass is often not an issue, and can allow you to enjoy your rifle, while still leaving it in its original condition.
Just food for thought and consideration.
God Bless,
Marshall