Rechamber question (375 H&H to 416 Rigby)

[PARA45]

While in South Africa, I had the pleasure of firing my PHs CZ-550 416 Rigby. Well, as you probably know, I now want one now. I guess I'm growing up to the big boys guns. LOL!!!!!

I have a spare CZ-550 chambered in 375 H&H, and I would like to rechamber into a 416 Rigby. I was wondering if this would be an easy task of barrel swamping, and some minor tweaking, or not? Any suggestions on who could do something like this? Any inputs, comments, suggestions, and negative comments, are welcome. Thank you!

 

[baxterb]

The 416 is a wholly different animal than a 375. Personally I would consider a job like that a full rebuild and the action merely a donor. Others will likely disagree but that’s Ok.

if you want 400gr at about 2400, the 416 Rem would be easier.

 

[Desperatezulu]

Do you intend to rebarrel to a 416 barrel? Or try to have the 375 barrel bored out and rechambered etc?

Your biggest challenge will be sorting out the action - the bolt face needs to be opened up significantly for the bigger base of the 416. Then there's the question of the action coping with the longer rounds, and feeding correctly etc.

It can be done but the quality and functioning of the final product depends on the expertise of the gunsmith.

 

[John Wasmuth]

I’m thinking that it would perhaps be advisable to buy another rifle. Besides the rebarrel there are feeding issues, magazine issues that can cause a lot of head aches.

 

[PARA45]

Do you intend to rebarrel to a 416 barrel? Or try to have the 375 barrel bored out and rechambered etc?

Your biggest challenge will be sorting out the action - the bolt face needs to be opened up significantly for the bigger base of the 416. Then there's the question of the action coping with the longer rounds, and feeding correctly etc.

It can be done but the quality and functioning of the final product depends on the expertise of the gunsmith.

I was thinking of a new barrel. Thank you for your reply, that is what I was looking for. Someone with more knowledge on this subject than me.

 

[BourbonTrail]

I’m totally biased, but I vote for 416 Rem Mag…

 

[PARA45]

I read that it's the best of both worlds.

I’m totally biased, but I vote for 416 Rem Mag…

 

[BourbonTrail]

I read that it's the best of both worlds.

It does comes from the same cartridge family of the 375 H&H and the WEATHERBY…not that you are a fan of those already or anything

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I would think it would be easier to sell your 375 and buy a 416. They have a similar value, but even if the 416 is more, it’s probably cheaper than the rechamber job.

 

[Vintageguy]

Sounds like new rifle time. I wouldn’t think of parting with my 375 but adding a 416 sounds good.

 

[AZDAVE]

Well where to start.
1. Easier to sell your extra 375 and buy a 416 Rigby.

2. To convert your extra to 416 Rigby.
a. Bolt face would have to be opened up.
b. Magazine would have to be modified alottt.
c. Much work on the rails and feed ramp to get rifle to feed!!!
d. Re-barrel to a 416 Rigby.
e. Stock work possibly.
f.. find a gunsmith even will to take on the project. (Good luck)
g. what ever Mr Murphy decides to throw into the mix.


Convert to 416 Remington/416 Taylor.

Re-barrel to those calibers as they have the same bolt face size
Possible rail and magazine modifications to get to feed correctly. (but much less than Rigby)
Finding a gunsmith would be fairly easy.

 

[colorado]

I vote for 470 Capstick. Easy conversion, cool caliber, 500 grains at 2400 fps

 

[nztimb]

I vote for 470 Capstick. Easy conversion, cool caliber, 500 grains at 2400 fps

That seems to be a logical step up. https://revivaler.com/the-470-capstick/

 

[BeeMaa]

@PARA45 - IMO...Keep your CZ550 375H&H as is. Buy another rifle in whatever caliber you desire...it's Independence Day and you deserve it. Below are two I found on GI this moring.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g.../cz-rifles/cz-550-magnum.cfm?gun_id=101990823

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...-bolt-action-23-quot-bbl.cfm?gun_id=101989446

 

[spike.t]

Thought I saw a new 550 in 416 rigby for sale on here day or 2 ago....would have thought good option

 

[PARA45]

Thought I saw a new 550 in 416 rigby for sale on here day or 2 ago....would have thought good option

Yes, there was one, but a bit too much for my wallet. I have to pay for taxidermist mounts soon.

 

[spike.t]

@PARA45

Cz 550 416 Rigby

Very nice looking cz 550 classic safari magnum in 416 Rigby for sale . Very nice furniture. Dont look like fired more than the factory. Bolt face and loading ramp looks unused. Barrel looks very clean. Feed rails looks clean as though not cycled much or fired. 3 round magazine. Selling price...

www.africahunting.com

 

[spike.t]

Yes, there was one, but a bit too much for my wallet. I have to pay for taxidermist mounts soon.

Sell the 375 ....and buy that one in a far superior calibre....