The rifle would be a CZ550 factory stock.

Question:
Which would be the better choice for a first time big bore, to be used primarily for hunting large game?

Choices:
416 Rigby
458 Win/Lott

 

if you pick a .458 and get tired of it it only takes a short time to rechamber to a 460 wby mag this is what i have done with my cz550 in 458 win mag i personaly like the .458 cal better.

First big-bore? Recoil sensitive? .416 Rigby...... If you're numb like I am, than go with the Lott!

375 H&H

one must be a reloader for either, so 458 lott, 405remmies at 2200 to get you started, and work on up.

jeffe

You said large game.....not dangerous game...and in that light I'd say neither....the 375 H&H (or the upcoming 375 Ruger) will be a better far ranging cartridge.

It can stand in for DG as well but it's usefulness for moose and eland and wildebeest is hard to beat with bigger calibers as it has the flat shooting characteristics I like.

Of the two, I'd pick the rigby BTW...same reason.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
one must be a reloader for either
jeffe

Absolutely - the cost of factory ammo for either caliber will nearly bankrupt you.

Excellent bullet variety, lower brass cost and load versatility are what sold me on the 458 caliber. As a plus, your deer hunting buddies are just awestruck when comparing your 458 to their puny 7mm mag!

458 lott

I would go with the 458 Lott.

If this is your first big bore you will want to shoot it a lot [pardon the pun ].

Not only are there much cheaper .458 bullets, they are designed to perform at the velocities of reduced loads in the Lott. You will shoot the 458 bore a lot more.

A 458 Lott shooting loads in the 1800fps to 200fps with 350 to 400 gr bullets makes a great deer and pig gun.

With Premium 400/450 gr bullets at full power it is an excellent elk, moose, and BIG bear rifle.

Of the two I like the Rigby most even though it is not the most practical of the two rounds

Talk about opening up a can of worms, first IMO don't think a 416 is a big bore (45 caliber and up). Can the 416 Rigby do it all? YES, and do it well. But between the three calibers is three to four times more expensive to shoot. Here's my reasoning, I've had them all, and I've shot big game with them all (416 Rigby, 458win., and 458 Lott). The 416 Rigby recoil wise is about the same as the 458 win mag so if you are recoil shy take your pick. The 458 Lott you can down load to 200-300 feet per second and presto, lower recoil than the Rigby, practice, practice, and you will have a true big bore + when you are in a tight place, you have a true stopping caliber also. If you want a stopping caliber with lower chamber pressures, reload the Lott down to 2100-2150 and you have the best of both worlds.

Go for the Lott, more power and you can use Win Mag ammo if you need to.

Craven

Go for the Lott chambering in the CZ. If I recall there were problems with the ejection of the 416 Rigby case from the 550 action and I'm not sure if that was resolved. Besides the Lott will be easier to get over the counter ammo for and will hold 6 rounds in the well not sure of the slightly larger Rigby. Both will do the job but size does count! {get the Lott} R.

Put three or four hundred rounds through a 375 H&H and you'll be able to answer your own question.

Neither. Go with a .375 H&H. The Rigby is very expensive to shoot and the Lott is overkill on everything except elephant.

The .375 H&H is fun to shoot and easy on the shooter.

.416 Rigby

Ditto on the .375 H&H.