Big Bore Addiction Group

PHOENIX PHIL · Sep 23, 2014

Royal27 said:
Thanks Phil!!!

No, that picture came from the buyer, who is in Las Cruces, NM. I'm in Roswell GA, but wish I was in the hill country!!!

Oh I thought you were from TX

Royal27 · Sep 23, 2014

PHOENIX PHIL said:
Oh I thought you were from TX

You're right. I am from TX. I just live in GA currently.

Velo Dog · Sep 23, 2014

matt85 said:
Velo Dog, google is your friend or at least it was mine when I first heard of the 458 B&M.

here is their website: http://www.b-mriflesandcartridges.com/458-B-M.html

-matt

Thanks.
Interesting concept.
I totally get the powder efficiency thing and why someone would want to carry a light rifle, as opposed to a heavy one, all day long in tropical heat.
But, if I have not mentioned it before .. Old Velo has zero interest in wildcat cartridges for my own needs and wants.
Furthermore, IMO short actions are best left for calibers like the .222 and .243, etc.
But that's just me.
One man's bread is another man's poison.
Out.

Kano · Sep 23, 2014

For buffalo country, I had long yearned for a bolt action to replace my 450/400 double. Multiple reasons behind this, including (among others): 11 lbs are much heavier in the evening than just after breakfast, wet doubles need more intricate maintenance than wet bolt actions, I grew up with bolts and thoroughly like them, I could definitely use the money left after I sold the double and bought one more bolt, etc, etc.

Now, regarding whatever I will mention below, keep in mind that I'm talking about a dangerous game rifle, to be used daily in the African bush - not about a benchrest rifle in the US, or a driven boar rifle in Germany or France.

For the rifle, the choice was easy: CZ. In my opinion, the best rifle around for the money, by a long shot. Granted, they are rough out of the box, but it's like a rough diamond: know what to do with it, polish it, and you got yourself a jewel. To have the same quality in steel, forgings, sturdiness, and reliable design, you'd have to pay several times the price of a CZ rifle - just for an action.

Caliber… Well, I liked the idea of a .404, ballistic twin of the 450/400, but with the capability to be on par with the .416 Rigby with modern components. Nice case, great history. Or the .450 Rigby, a great and versatile caliber, with a classic name and provenance. But the sad reality of where I live is that you simply can't get ammo, at least not easily. Really not easily. Especially elitist ammo.

The only big bore ammo you'll find anywhere, anytime (almost) in Africa is .375 H&H, and .458 WM. So, .458 Lott it would be. Can always get some .458 WM fodder when short on fuel.

My friend (and gunmaker - talented, too) Nate Heineke sourced the rifle and did the wee modifications I was considering essential, as well as the feeding tune-up, and the general balancing.

Here is what arrived:

CZ 550, .458 Lott, 20" barrel, 8.5lbs empty. Fast, light, handy… A keeper!

Nate also rough-shaped the stock for its final configuration. Some more rasping and sanding, trimming, polishing, and a bit of oil (the CZ-USA stock was nothing to write home about: too bulky, poor wood, sloppy ergonomics, basically a piece of CNC-carved 2"x4" - but at least it had enough "meat" that it could be brought to shape), and here is the result.

A few more personal touches…

The aperture drilled to 2.5mm, the NECG/Recknagel sight streamlined, and sharp angles smoothed

The ugly CZ bolt handle hole plugged with a piece of hippo ivory

The void left by the express sights filled with a steel plate filed to size

The front bead replaced with a homemade fiber-optic sight (cut out of a Patridge sight, and much sturdier than the fiber front sights available around)

Oh... I almost forgot. The thing holds six rounds down. Yep, six. In the magazine. No efforts, easily close the bolt over them, and feeds like a pig in a trough: you can throw anything in, it's gone in a blink.

As I said earlier, a keeper!

Velo Dog · Sep 23, 2014

Kano said:
For buffalo country, I had long yearned for a bolt action to replace my 450/400 double. Multiple reasons behind this, including (among others): 11 lbs are much heavier in the evening than just after breakfast, wet doubles need more intricate maintenance than wet bolt actions, I grew up with bolts and thoroughly like them, I could definitely use the money left after I sold the double and bought one more bolt, etc, etc.

Now, regarding whatever I will mention below, keep in mind that I'm talking about a dangerous game rifle, to be used daily in the African bush - not about a benchrest rifle in the US, or a driven boar rifle in Germany or France.

For the rifle, the choice was easy: CZ. In my opinion, the best rifle around for the money, by a long shot. Granted, they are rough out of the box, but it's like a rough diamond: know what to do with it, polish it, and you got yourself a jewel. To have the same quality in steel, forgings, sturdiness, and reliable design, you'd have to pay several times the price of a CZ rifle - just for an action.

Caliber… Well, I liked the idea of a .404, ballistic twin of the 450/400, but with the capability to be on par with the .416 Rigby with modern components. Nice case, great history. Or the .450 Rigby, a great and versatile caliber, with a classic name and provenance. But the sad reality of where I live is that you simply can't get ammo, at least not easily. Really not easily. Especially elitist ammo.

The only big bore ammo you'll find anywhere, anytime (almost) in Africa is .375 H&H, and .458 WM. So, .458 Lott it would be. Can always get some .458 WM fodder when short on fuel.

My friend (and gunmaker - talented, too) Nate Heineke sourced the rifle and did the wee modifications I was considering essential, as well as the feeding tune-up, and the general balancing.

Here is what arrived:

CZ 550, .458 Lott, 20" barrel, 8.5lbs empty. Fast, light, handy… A keeper!

Nate also rough-shaped the stock for its final configuration. Some more rasping and sanding, trimming, polishing, and a bit of oil (the CZ-USA stock was nothing to write home about: too bulky, poor wood, sloppy ergonomics, basically a piece of CNC-carved 2"x4" - but at least it had enough "meat" that it could be brought to shape), and here is the result.

A few more personal touches…

The aperture drilled to 2.5mm, the NECG/Recknagel sight streamlined, and sharp angles smoothed

The ugly CZ bolt handle hole plugged with a piece of hippo ivory

The void left by the express sights filled with a steel plate filed to size

The front bead replaced with a homemade fiber-optic sight (cut out of a Patridge sight, and much sturdier than the fiber front sights available around)

Oh... I almost forgot. The thing holds six rounds down. Yep, six. In the magazine. No efforts, easily close the bolt over them, and feeds like a pig in a trough: you can throw anything in, it's gone in a blink.

As I said earlier, a keeper!

Kano,

Now you're cooking with peanut oil !

(My birthday is in a couple months, just in case you decide you'd like to give this rifle to me).

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

colorado · Sep 23, 2014

Nice rifle!

matt85 · Sep 23, 2014

damn you guys! i wanted to replace my 500/416 NE with a 416 Rigby but now i may have to go with the 458 Lott instead.

Kano that CZ 550 is outstanding!

-matt

colorado · Sep 23, 2014

Now if he just put a 3 pos M70 type safety on it, it would be perfect.

Royal27 · Sep 23, 2014

The only reason I didn't buy another CZ is because I'm left handed. Love the 550....

AZDAVE · Sep 23, 2014

PHOENIX PHIL do you know if they will do the B&M cartridges on a ruger compact mag action?
looking to put together a quick handling bolt gun and have a RCM collecting some dust.

PHOENIX PHIL · Sep 23, 2014

AZDAVE said:
PHOENIX PHIL do you know if they will do the B&M cartridges on a ruger compact mag action?
looking to put together a quick handling bolt gun and have a RCM collecting some dust.

I don't and Michael will crucify me for asking him as he's an even more devoted M70 nut than me, but I need to talk to him and I will ask.

Just kidding about the crucifixion. I don't know the length of the RCM, but if it's the same as the WSM, then it's simply a matter of re-chambering the barrel or buying a new barrel to mate to your action. Should have an answer to you tomorrow.

Kano · Sep 23, 2014

Colorado, the safety is on the list, but I want it on the left side of the shroud and there are none available. I'll probably end up making my own, maybe with a M98 swing lever made for the left side of the bolt

Jay Kelley · Sep 24, 2014

Hello, my name is Jay and I'm addicted to big bore rifles.

I believe the "gateway caliber" may be as small as .30-06 or at least one of the .300 magnums. I know it started for me when I upgraded my deer rifle from a .243 to a .30-06. You feel like you can handle the recoil, so you want to go bigger and why not get a real safari rifle? I bought a CZ550 in .375 H&H thinking the ammunition was less expensive and easier to get than the larger calibers. Now I'm hooked - looking at .416s and 458s and drooling over double rifles with calibers that begin with a 5! Now I'm hanging around a site called Africa hunting, looking a pictures of safaris and dreaming about all the hunts I can do with a big bore rifle - the Big Five in Africa, buffalo in Australia, the big bears in eastern Europe!

Velo Dog · Sep 24, 2014

Jay Kelley said:
Hello, my name is Jay and I'm addicted to big bore rifles.

I believe the "gateway caliber" may be as small as .30-06 or at least one of the .300 magnums. I know it started for me when I upgraded my deer rifle from a .243 to a .30-06. You feel like you can handle the recoil, so you want to go bigger and why not get a real safari rifle? I bought a CZ550 in .375 H&H thinking the ammunition was less expensive and easier to get than the larger calibers. Now I'm hooked - looking at .416s and 458s and drooling over double rifles with calibers that begin with a 5! Now I'm hanging around a site called Africa hunting, looking a pictures of safaris and dreaming about all the hunts I can do with a big bore rifle - the Big Five in Africa, buffalo in Australia, the big bears in eastern Europe!

Hello Jay Kelley,

I'm here to help.
And man, you need help fast.
Take my advice and book yourself a modest PG safari - ASAP - with one of the many excellent Safari Companies / PH's participating in this forum.
I took out a loan for my first one, then sold a pile of guns to help pay it off, all the while planning my next one.
Pick a rifle/scope/bullet (I suggest your CZ in .375) and practice with no other (from shooting sticks) for a year leading up to your departure.
It is the only thing that will stave off the melancholy, the night sweats and the inability to concentrate on your job at work.

Get well soon,
Velo Dog.

slad68 · Sep 24, 2014

Hey Guys

Mine is no addiction but I share the same love for big bore rifles.
Not into doubles to much, bolt actions is my thing.

I followed the advice of a wise man. " If you want shoot a .416 it better be a Rigby"
Well my Big Bore caliber is a .416 Rigby in a Ruger M77 MKII.

Pictured below is Jeff Graves with an Old Stink Bull and a Sable he shot earlier this year with the 416.

Bullthrower338 · Oct 5, 2014

Hello, my name is Cody and I was two years clean buying big bores until two months ago. I walked into a gun store in New Orleans(had an hour to kill before my flight) and walked out with a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby. Had to go buy a rifle case at Academy to bring her home with me on the plane. Since then I have
dug out my 458 win mod 70, 458 #1 ruger and have given my 375's more love than they have received in years.
WAIT! It isn't a problem as long as you don't attend meetings right?(excluding SCI, DSC Countless banquets)
Here is a pic of my new 550

sestoppelman · Oct 5, 2014

.404 Jeffery, .450 Marlin 1895. .405 Win 1895. Whitworth .375 H&H (my first big rifle). Loads of fun.

matt85 · Oct 5, 2014

a fine 416 Rigby ya got there Bullthrower338, how does she shoot?

-matt

Bullthrower338 · Oct 5, 2014

matt85 said:
a fine 416 Rigby ya got there Bullthrower338, how does she shoot?

-matt

All I have shot through her as of now is Fed 400gr trophy bonded factory. Shoots well with it, I am looking forward to loading the round and finding her true potential. The CZ seems to be pretty popular among the members as far as I can tell. I'm glad I brought her home.

matt85 · Oct 6, 2014

CZ's are decent rifles, they generally function well and are reasonably accurate. only real issues ive had are feeding blunt nosed cartridges in my 375 H&H. as long as steer clear of round nose or flat nosed projectiles its 100% reliable. ive heard this is a relatively common theme with all CZ's.

-matt

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