I will be getting a new CZ 550 Safari magnum in may as a graduation present from my dad.I am trying to decide which caliber to go with. This gun will be mainly a fun/play with gun, but will be used for some hunting and will go to Africa on my return trip someday for anything up to buff. I was looking at the 375 simply because of availability of reloading components, but am seriously considering the 416 rigby. It seems like a good all-around caliber. The high cost and limited availbility of rigby brass is the only problem I see. Or should I just go full bore and get the 458 lott for sheer enjoyment. Recoil is not a big factory as I have shot 416 remingtons and 375H&H's before.

Thanks for the help,
Gene Cole III

458 Lott

the .375 H&H is the most practical.....if practical is important.

.375 H&H Because of its accuracy and versatility.

I'd get the H&H.

416 Rigby...you can always load DOWN!! to 375 power levels. Hornady now offers ammunition for about $65 per box. It will not cost you much more to reload the 416 than the 375, and cast bullets can be had to cut the cost to under 35-cents a shot.

The 416 is simply THE BEST all-around cartridge to hunt everything with. The major advantage over the 375 is that the Rigby is a sure stopper, and the 375 is marginal in stopping close range charges...

The only disadvantage the 416 has, is that the only worthwhile upgrade is to a double rifle in 470 or 500NE. That's the bad news.

Rich
DRSS

The only rigby brass I can find is about twice the price of the H&H brass. Am I just not looking in the right places? I am leaning towards the rigby but still not sure. I handled a CZ 550 i the rigby today and really liked it.

Thanks
Gene Cole III

Buy the 375 and use the savings on ammo for practice.

Get the Rigby, if you load to factory specs the brass will last for ever. Or load it up with modern bullets and its a long range stomper.

458 Lott is more versatile than the .416 or the .375 calibers. It can be loaded down to 45/70 levels with cheap bullets or it can be loaded up to full power and be all you ever wanted or any where in between. I went through this same thing and when you lay it all out on the table and start looking at everything, the .458 caliber has more pro's than the other calibers.

If your into practical the 375 H&H. If your into cost savings stay away from the 416 Rigby and get the 458 Lott or the 375 H&H. If your into recoil there is not much difference between the Lott and the 416 Rigby. If your into the most used, most versatile rifle caliber on planet Earth, thats beyond argument, get the 375 H&H.