Questions about 50 caliber (or larger) project rifle

[Riflecrank]

@Riflecrank I have thoroughly enjoyed your posts and information. Any additional information, pictures, or knowledge is welcomed and appreciated.

 

[BeeMaa]

Yes, considering an R8. Any thoughts about the standard synthetic stock versus the thumbhole stock? Do I need the kick stop added in for recoil reduction, or am I fine without it?

I prefer the synthetic traditional (Professional) stock to the thumbhole (Professional Success) because for me it’s easier to reach the cocking/decocking device. And synthetic for the weather resistance and it shoots “softer” than a timber stock.

All stocks (thumbhole, wood or synthetic) along with all receivers (aluminum & steel) are capable of handling the 500J. Just need to make sure the channel in the stock where the barrel sits is profiled for the 22mm Safari weight barrel.

The kickstop is a “feel it out” kind of thing. You might start with one and then later on remove it. I found that it really helped balance my 416RM, but that rifle was too heavy for caliber IMO. I think the 500J warrants having the kickstop at least to start.

 

[colorado]

If budget is not a consideration, then I highly recommend a .505 Gibbs built on a left handed Granite Mountain Arms African Magnum Mauser action.

Budgetary options would be to have a .500 Jeffery built on a Winchester Model 70 action.

For the larger calibers like 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 500 Jeffery I prefer the CZ 550 to the M70. For 375 H&H and 416 Rem I think the M70 is the way to go Wayne at AHR may have some LH CZ 550 actions lying around ...

 

[Hunter-Habib]

For the larger calibers like 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby and 500 Jeffery I prefer the CZ 550 to the M70. For 375 H&H and 416 Rem I think the M70 is the way to go Wayne at AHR may have some LH CZ 550 actions lying around ...

I agree 100%.

If left handed CZ Model 550 actions are available anywhere, then that would hands down be my No. 1 choice for a left handed .500 Jeffery build as well.

 

[Big_Easy]

View attachment 648803

@Riflecrank ...I have somewhat taken your advice. I purchased a LH 450 Ackley mag, which I understand can also shoot both 458 win mag and 458 Lott as well. But I wanted to inquire about a 50 cal still, my BES is ever present. I recently bought a LH action (Dakota 76) off of another AH member with a Rigby bolt face. Does a 50 cal with a Rigby bolt face already exist? Is there a 500 Rigby? I found some info online that suggests that's a 500 Mbogo, but not too much out there, was looking for more info on it?

 

[colorado]

The 500 Mbogo (aka Rigby) is a wildcat. Another option is to build a 500 A2 off of your action.

 

[Big_Easy]

The 500 Mbogo (aka Rigby) is a wildcat. Another option is to build a 500 A2 off of your action.

@colorado
I was thinking of a 500 A2, but the rim diameter for that one is based on 460 weatherby, internet says it has a rim dia. of 0.579, and the Rigby bolt face is 0.590. Someone on here mentioned to me that you don't want a bolt face that is too much larger than your cartridge's rim diameter. I don't know if 0.011 is that big of a difference?

 

[colorado]

Good point A 450 Rigby is a lovely round but it's not a 500. I'd like to see more people pick up the 500 Mbogo and maybe Rigyby will make "an honest woman" of the round and rename it 500 Rigby