Cz 550 rigby bolt face build

[CO_mtnman]

So I just recently won an online auction for a cz 550 action with the rigby bolt face, and now it's the fun part of trying to decide on what to build. I already have a 375 h&h but that's it for safari calibers so pretty much anything is open, I was leaning towards the 416 or 450 rigby but I figured I'd ask the professionals for some input, I have plans for a 404 jeffery build already so I'd like something to compliment it for buffalo, hippo and maybe a ele

 

[Wyatt Smith]

A 450 Rigby or Dakota would be sweet. However I wouldn’t build one until I had a supply of brass.

 

[krish]

Welcome to AH. IF THE ACTION IS FOR SALE LET ME KNOW.. can trade for 416 rigby, 458 lott, full rifle.
KTISH

 

[CO_mtnman]

If it helps at all I have 2 pounds of imr4831 that aren't being used currently for any of my other rifles so I'd lean more towards a caliber that could use that powder

 

[Nhoro]

I would go 416 rigby. Always wanted one but I have a cz 550 in lott and can't really justify 2 big bores

 

[CO_mtnman]

Picking up the action today from the ffl, ordering the bell and Carlson stock on Friday and then it'll be off to a competent gunsmith

 

[CO_mtnman]

 

[CO_mtnman]

So this is my 1st big bore build so pardon the green horn question but I am stumped, from what I've read and researched the cz 550 typically has a 2nd recoil lug on the barrel? I can't seem to find one anywhere so would my smith have to build one? So far I have the barrel, action and the stock and reamer is on the way what am I missing? I am trying my best to source as many parts as I can to keep my smith fees down

 

[CO_mtnman]

So I've decided to just get a 1/4" piece of steal and dovetail it to the barrel where it'll line up with the b&c stock. I am going to have cecil tucker out of odessa tx put it together for me. I've been looking around at scopes and have really taken a liking to the leupold ultra light 2.5 fixed power (would this be a good choice for a big thumper?) I've also decided on new England custom gun for my iron sights

 

[CO_mtnman]

Finally got the stock in

 

[krish]

Nice looking stock.
Krish

 

[Milan]

So this is my 1st big bore build so pardon the green horn question but I am stumped, from what I've read and researched the cz 550 typically has a 2nd recoil lug on the barrel? I can't seem to find one anywhere so would my smith have to build one? So far I have the barrel, action and the stock and reamer is on the way what am I missing? I am trying my best to source as many parts as I can to keep my smith fees down

I would not worry about the barrel recoil lug.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I would not worry about the barrel recoil lug.

Neither would I with the B&C stock. Wood, perhaps.

 

[CO_mtnman]

Received the reamer today from the big brown truck, now I just need to make up my mind for iron sights and then time to fly by until I can bring it down to my gunsmith

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Hi, I have installed several 550 CZs .458 Win, .458 Lott and .416 Rigby on Bell & Carlson stocks. Zero problems. I also have a original Jeffery in .404J no second lug, no problem.

I did not see what caliber you decided on, but I would remove your front swivel stud and replace with a flush screw. I thought I would mention that the company that took over AHRs rifle mod business is in Colorado.

Not knowing if your action is new or used it may need a little smoothing. I would replace the safety with a 3 position M-70 safety. In addition I would probably replace the trigger assembly.

As a last thought every round reliability is mandatory, accepting nothing less. Be sure your gunsmith is totally aware of proper magazine dimensions.

 

[CO_mtnman]

I guess I forgot to say but I decided on 460 weatherby due to wanting a .458 cal so that narrowed it down to 450 rigby, 450 dakota and 460 weatherby so then I started with ammo and components availability which ultimately the weatherby won out, I never would of thought that a weatherby cartridge would be the cheapest option. I did remove the front sling swivel and got a Talley barrel band, I just looked into the ahr upgrades and noticed that they are out of the same town I fly fish most Sundays so I'll swing by and see if they can give it a once over

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

I have a very knowledgeable friend on the Western Slope. He spoked to them ( I still cannot remember there name) and was very impressed and he is very hard to impress, I look at their website very impressive machinery.

Since you are planning on going the Weatherby route are you still planning on going with a scope? If so I have heard a few complaints concerning the alignment of the scope mounting dove tails. Most of the 550s that I have worked on had iron sights only (if they had sights at all) so I never came across that problem.

 

[Frederik]

450 Rigby or go extreme and rare 505 Gibbs.

 

[CO_mtnman]

Yes I am planning on a scope as well as iron sights because I also plan on using the rifle pretty heavily in Alaska (I am moving to fairbanks area in a year or so) I am planning on using the Alaska arms rings and a leupold scope

 

[CO_mtnman]

It's getting close to when I drop it all off at the gunsmith!! I am getting excited to say the least. I have 40 loaded rounds to go with the parts for test fire and what not, 20 rounds of 500 gr barnes tsx and 20 rounds of 420 gr cutting edge safari raptor. I was wondering for barrel length (the only thing I am undecided on) should I go for 22" for better handling or go with 24" to have best of both worlds or leave it at 26" for optimum performance out of the cartridge? I am leaning towards the 22" but I am not sure if there would be any other bonus besides maneuverability compared to 24"