If you were to buy a semi-custom African hunting rifle…

[Jefferry404]

Wanting to get a sense of where the folks might be on this.
Since there are a number of CZ550 magnum actions floating around, what would be the cartridge of choice?
My thinking is 416 Rigby. Nicely fits that large action, components available, lots of history in Africa.
375 HH or 416 Remington or 450 Lott but these can be done on Model 70 or aghast, Rem 700 actions
And seems a waste of the cz550.
This rifle would be an African Classic, wood stocked with all the trimmings (quarter rib, banded sling and front sight, drop floorplate, trapdoor gripcap, etc)
So what say you?
Thanks
Steve

 

[Fatback]

404Jeffery is about as classic of an African cartridge as there is, right along with the Rigby. Don’t think you could go wrong with either choice.

 

[BeeMaa]

Depends on what you already have.

Jumping to a .400+ caliber is a big step for most NA big game hunters who haven't experienced anything above .30 caliber magnum recoil. For a first step into a DG capable rifle, the .375 caliber (H&H, RUGER...etc) mid-bore is the gatekeeper to the big bores above .400.

However some have jumped directly to a 416 (RM, RUGER, RIGBY...etc) with good success. It just depends on the person.

Also depends on what you envision for future hunting plans. Only going on a couple of DG hunts, maybe stay with 404J and below. Plan on several elephant and buffalo, might want to look at the .458 caliber group or above.

Next thing is budget. Custom building a CZ550 and getting it to cycle properly, good trigger, 3-position safety, nice piece of timber stock...it starts to add up. I wouldn't be surprised to find this in the $5K and above range. Hell, I know guys who've spent that much on just the stock blank.

Other options. Used complete rifles are out there, but you have to keep your eyes peeled. Have the cash ready to go and don't hesitate when the deal you are looking for comes along. Rifles like the Kimber Caprivi or Talketna, Dakota 76 African or Safari, Heym Martini Express, Blaser R8 (c'mon guys, you knew I was going to throw that one in) and rifles from SAKO are equal to the task. I know I'm missing several, but you get the point. Used ones are out there.

In short, there is no RIGHT answer for everyone. Just what's right for you. Make sure you get EXACTLY what you are looking for. There will be nothing worse than looking down at your kit and being reminded of what you SHOULD have bought. Buy once, cry once.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

404 Jeffery on a standard action 98 Mauser. No need to cut into locking ring (like 416 and 375) and you retain short throw bolt. Lighter gun too (though mine does weigh 10 lbs loaded with four cartridges). Lots of donor 98 Mauser standard actions still floating around and aftermarket build parts are readily available; e.g. stocks, bottom metal, 3-position safeties, specialty triggers, etc, etc.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Wanting to get a sense of where the folks might be on this.
Since there are a number of CZ550 magnum actions floating around, what would be the cartridge of choice?
My thinking is 416 Rigby. Nicely fits that large action, components available, lots of history in Africa.
375 HH or 416 Remington or 450 Lott but these can be done on Model 70 or aghast, Rem 700 actions
And seems a waste of the cz550.
This rifle would be an African Classic, wood stocked with all the trimmings (quarter rib, banded sling and front sight, drop floorplate, trapdoor gripcap, etc)
So what say you?
Thanks
Steve

That's a tuffy...

....a CZ550.....African Classic....wood stocked....components available....lots of history in Africa.....

Ah Yes! I would by a CZ550 in 458WM, this seems to check those boxes. But...Oh Wait...I just bought one a couple of weeks ago. Then again, I also have a Remington 798 (?) in 458WM getting a bit of a make over.

I go with 458WM.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

It really depends on what "you" want and what you want to do with it , I’ve got a 458windbag which works ok, although apparently 560gn pills at 2200fps are just plinking ammo, and a 404J on a 98 action, both custom builds, I’ve built up a 416 rigby on a 550 action for someone else. All of these will take most game in the world, and all have a degree of "classic" about them, some more than others. If I was building another one just for me, it would be a 404J.
Gumpy

 

[Jefferry404]

Thanks for the comments. I was thinking to take advantage of the large CZ action, hence the Rigby . 404 J works (I have one) but finding brass not as practical. 458 winmag does not fill up the action but is practical (I am a retired engineer).

 

[BeeMaa]

Thanks for the comments. I was thinking to take advantage of the large CZ action, hence the Rigby . 404 J works (I have one) but finding brass not as practical. 458 winmag does not fill up the action but is practical (I am a retired engineer).

Game animals would not be able to tell the difference between a 416RM, 416RIGBY or 404J if they were all shooting similar bullets.

Filling the action with the larger Rigby case yields minimal ballistic returns.

If you want to step up in caliber to the point where you now have a stopping rifle, .458 is your jam. If you insist on filling the action, 450RIGBY. Although the 458LOTT and 458WM open up the brass availability.

 

[FlyGuy]

Thanks for the comments. I was thinking to take advantage of the large CZ action, hence the Rigby . 404 J works (I have one) but finding brass not as practical. 458 winmag does not fill up the action but is practical (I am a retired engineer).

I'll play devil's advocate...
Criteria:
1. Classic African Cartridge.
2. Should make use of that lovely magnum length action.

You already have a 404 Jeff, so you're good for anything up to Brontosaurus at close range.

How about a .300 H&H?

1. Classic African Cartridge.
2. Needs a full length magnum action. (better than shoehorning one into a Model 70 action.
3. Brass is plentiful. (Use Norma! The Hornady stuff is worthless)
4. Would pair beautifully with a 404.

 

[AZDAVE]

It would depend on which CZ 550 action you get. Standard magnum bolt face you can build (375 H&H, 416 ruger/remington/taylor, 458 WIN, 458 Lott etc.

Rigby bolt face 416 rigby, 450 Rigby, 500 Jeffery

505 Gibbs bolt face 505 gibs, 585 Nyati

I am sure I missed a number of other rounds and wildcats you could build. The components you select beyond the action will drive the costs up a ;little to a LOT. Set you budget and start planning.

 

[BourbonTrail]

If I ever get a CZ550 it would be in either 505 Gibbs, 500 Jeff, or some other 50 cal cartridge.

 

[BJH65]

I don’t think you can go wrong with a CZ 550 Safari 416 Rigby or if one can be found, a BRNO ZKK-602 action and having a 416 Rigby built. I favor the CZ or Brno and of course the 416 Rigby round, perhaps because it’s an iconic African round and an iconic rifle.

It’s interesting, I’ve bought two factory CZ 550 Safari 416 Rigby rifles, one very early production and one very late production, and both function flawlessly, with no gunsmithing required. One I used in Africa and it performed exceptionally well. No doubt there must be some truth to the rough feeding with all the complaints I’ve read, I guess I was just lucky.

I would consider acquiring a used CZ 550 Magnum action or Brno ZKK-602, or used rifle and have it customized to your requirements or perhaps a used Dakota Model 76 416 Rigby that may already have all the attributes you desire.

 

[skydiver386]

Hang around this forum for a day or two, and it's a safe bet a nice CZ550 Safari Magnum in .416 Rigby will surface. Just a gew modifications and you'd have a wonderful rifle that would take on anything with the right bullet.

All of the other rifles mentioned are perfectly capable and will do the job, but there's something special about having the "Crow bar of Africa" in your hands.

 

[Velo Dog]

Greetings Jefferry404,

Since you already have a .404 Jeffery caliber rifle, I recommend you skip all similar cartridges, including the various .416 ones.

Because your .404 Jeffery is quite suitable for up to and including even elephant, I am +1 with FlyGuy’s suggestion of building a .300 H&H.
It was designed for hunting in Africa.
It is an African classic and historically significant for sure.

However, if as BeeMaa has already said, should very many truly heavy game animals be in your future plans, that is one possible reason to get a truly large bore rifle.
IMO, a better reason is because you are a rifle enthusiast like me and we want what we want.

With that thought, I highly recommend the .458 Lott as it is a real smasher, yet ammunition is available.
Not to mention that in a pinch, you can shoot .458 Winchester ammunition through the Lott, like shooting .38 Specials through a .357 caliber weapon.

Pictured below is my .458 Lott, done up in the “South African Express” style by Minnesota Gunsmith, Jim Kobe (Pronounced “Ko-bee”).

I believe the barrel is Pac-Nor, maybe Lothar Walther ?
(I’m getting old and can’t remember after many years with various rifles).
Sights are Recknagel.
Reinforced stock, Model 70 type “Safety” lever.
NECG barrel band sling swivel, etc., etc.
It weighs almost 11 pounds empty.

My favorite hand load for it is 480 grain Hornady @ approximately 2,125 FPS.
That duplicates the .450 NE 3.25” Flanged cartridge, widely accepted as plenty powerful enough for anything that tries to clobber you if you muff your first shot.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing the final result of what you end up with, no matter what caliber you decide upon.

Cheers,
Velo Dog.

 

[pilar]

404J , enfield action, walnut stocked would work for me

 

[FlyGuy]

The CZ 550 Magnum action, is also the preferred action for a .550 Magnum build.
Not an African classic, but definitely a talking point in camp.

 

[Jefferry404]

Velo Dog,
Nice rifle. Like the front sight hood. And unlike some, the cz euro stocks fit me and to my taste.
I have a thread here about the 550 Magnum (I designed the barrel) using a CZ action.
I do not know if it is my age or being a retired engineer but I stress out over ammo and component supply, hence the Rigby or the Lott choice.
I do have a number of full custom rifles but was thinking of an African Classic but with the pocket book of regular Joe. The 404 Jeffery in its day was just such a rifle (as well as the 9.3x62)
But brass does not exist yet and only the 1 caliber bullets.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I’d do a .500 Jeffery on the CZ 550 action

 

[Velo Dog]

Velo Dog,
Nice rifle. Like the front sight hood. And unlike some, the cz euro stocks fit me and to my taste.
I have a thread here about the 550 Magnum (I designed the barrel) using a CZ action.
I do not know if it is my age or being a retired engineer but I stress out over ammo and component supply, hence the Rigby or the Lott choice.

Thanks, the front sight wasn’t cheap, even almost 15 years ago when I had it installed.
However, sometimes we get what we pay for and that specific option has been worth every penny to me.

The stock shape ya, these fit me very well too.
And, I can barely spell Engineer however, I’m 100% with you on worrying about ammunition availability.

Great minds think alike.
I’m still crying myself to sleep every night, over the huge advertising success of the newish 6.5 Creedmoor which has in turn, apparently caused ammunition for it’s 120 year old ballistic twin (6.5x55 Mauser) to essentially vanish, over night.
(My 6.5x55 is pictured below).

Speaking of which, is your reference to the “550 Magnum” regarding the sadly discontinued model of rifle from CZ ?
Or, are you referring to some .55 caliber “Wildcat” cartridge ?
If it is a caliber, I will bet it is a whopper but, I have no idea what brass it is based on.

As .50 and over caliber repeater cartridges go, I am with Hunter-Habib on the .500 Jeffery.
Also, the .505 Gibbs appeals to me but, somewhat less.
Somewhat less because the Gibbs company did not design their namesake cartridge with the well established .510 diameter, instead of their proprietary .505 diameter.

Seems like if it used .510 diameter bullets in the first place, it would perhaps have killed off the otherwise excellent .500 Jeffery.
Some folks moan about the rebated rim design of the Jeffery.
However, when professionally built and / or tweaked by any Gunsmith who knows what the heck they’re doing, the Jeffery cartridge works perfectly.

As usual, I find myself rambling (typical among old geezers like myself).
So at this stage, I’ll stop typing.

 

[Jefferry404]

550 magnum Caliber. Can use 460 brass and I was luck that a nice gentleman here sold me 700gr cast bullets and brass which went with the rifle.
I understand the game animals do not care about the rifle or cartridge but I spend most of my time reloading and shooting and want a classic rifle that does not break the bank, all around.
Given the nostalgia of the 416 Rigby (I guess I collected too many 1st editions strictly on Africa),
The large, anecdotal reports of its effectiveness, readily available components, the Cz 500 magnum Already setup, inletted stocks available, etc. hence the: 416 Rigby.