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  1. #1
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    Default CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    Good morning,
    I am in the fortunate position of having a second left handed CZ550 in 375 HH that I want to have rebarrelled to round out the top end of my rifle battery. My gunsmith has given me some options, but essentially this action can take just about anything cartridge wise. This rifle should be a step up from my main CZ550 in 375 HH and I envision it to be carried when spending time in dangerous game areas (fishing, camping, birding etc) as well as hunting of dangerous game. I have discussed with the gunsmith about working on both rifles so that they have the same sights, barrel length, etc for muscle memory and familiarity.
    My leading choices thus far are the 404 Jeffery (undeniable track record, easy to shoot, very high sectional density with 450gn solids) or the 458 Lott with 500 gn softs/solids (easier conversion from 375HH, renowned charge stopper, easy to find reloading components). I have thought about the 450 Rigby but I am concerned about the decreased magazine capacity vs the Lott. I’d also rather go for a 404J vs the various 416’s (also decreased capacity with 416 Rigby).
    I would greatly appreciate any feedback or thoughts from members that have undertaken a similar project.
    Thanks!

  2. #2

    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    Cheapish coated 458 bullets are apparently available. The 458 win mag can be downloaded for practice. Cases are easily available.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    If not the 458 Lott, then have you considered the 416 Rem Mag?

    I would stick with something that has the 375H&H as parent case (like the Lott) or ultimate parent (416 Rem Mag has the 8mmRem as parent, but the 8mmRem case is based on the 375H&H case). That will give minimal amount of work.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    If extra magazine capacity is important to you, the .404 Jeff, .416 Rem Mag or .458 Lott are the best choices. The .404 and .416 rem are ballistic twins. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Either will do the job. If you want a serious "stopping rifle" the .458 Lott is probably the best choice.

    Not to rain on your parade but re-barreling is currently somewhere between extremely difficult and impossible. I hunted with a well known Bloemfontein gunsmith a week ago and he told me that there are rifles in his shop that have been waiting for permission to re-barrel/change caliber for more than 2 years.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by TStone View Post
    Not to rain on your parade but re-barreling is currently somewhere between extremely difficult and impossible. I hunted with a well known Bloemfontein gunsmith a week ago and he told me that there are rifles in his shop that have been waiting for permission to re-barrel/change caliber for more than 2 years.
    This is very bad news, I was hoping this has been resolved by now!

  6. #6
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    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    I have also been told "for now, just forget it" Re-barreling is not happening.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    Thanks for the replies thus far. My rifle is currently in the UK so will do the rebarrelling before bringing it in.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    Quote Originally Posted by Gundane View Post
    Thanks for the replies thus far. My rifle is currently in the UK so will do the rebarrelling before bringing it in.
    Well, that takes care of that problem.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    Without a doubt a .458 is ideal if you are already running a .375H&H but I would rather suggest the .458 Exp/3" as pushing a 500gr at Lott velocities is milder recoil-wise and the top end is decidedly better. If you go this route cases are not a problem - I have about 600+ once-fired that would last you a lifetime. I have 3 friends who guide and do PH work and they love their Express rifles, 2 x 550s and one Ruger no1. It might entail getting a reamer from somebody here but otherwise zero alterations..

  10. #10
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    Default Re: CZ550 rebarrel options for .40+

    Quote Originally Posted by Peter Wells View Post
    Without a doubt a .458 is ideal if you are already running a .375H&H but I would rather suggest the .458 Exp/3" as pushing a 500gr at Lott velocities is milder recoil-wise and the top end is decidedly better. If you go this route cases are not a problem - I have about 600+ once-fired that would last you a lifetime. I have 3 friends who guide and do PH work and they love their Express rifles, 2 x 550s and one Ruger no1. It might entail getting a reamer from somebody here but otherwise zero alterations..
    I support Peter's suggestion of the 458 3" Express. Getting the reamer and dies may be somewhat more of an effort, but the result will be well worth it. The rifle will still be able to safely shoot 458 Lott and 458 Win Mag, although some long-range accuracy may be lost due to increased bullet jump with the shorter cases.

    Then there is the 50 Buhmiller. This cartridge was designed, but never built, by American gunsmith and highly experienced big game hunter John Buhmiller. It uses the same case as the 458 3" Express (the original, which he built in the 60's, but never commercialised) but with a 50-caliber lathe-turned bullet with a rebated heel (like a 22LR bullet). This cartridge gives the same number of rounds in the mag as the 458's but with a little more punch. This cartridge would be a wildcat, so tooling will take even more effort. Factory ammo will not be an option.

    Both the above cartridges will maximise your mag capacity without limiting the terminal performance.

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