Hey guys, I joined this forum with recommendations from my buddy. We had a plan to build a rifle. Started off buying a Mauser VZ24 that had a little work done by Kimber. THe action was chambered in 300 Mag., it already had the bolt bent over so I could mount up a scope and it already had holes tapped for a scope to be mounted. Action just needs a little cleaning up and a new extractor.

Alright so fast forward a few dozen phone calls, a week of phone tag and a few emails. Our plan to build said rifle went out the window when we found out a brass purchase would cost myself and him $1800. This was not an option, we are both military men and are pockets are not deep enough to afford $900 for brass only and not even getting anywhere on the rifle itself.

SO now to my question, we still have these actions. and me and him both want a big bore rifle larger than a .459 caliber. He already has a 375 Ultra mag.

Our plan is to build something in the low pressure type of area, so we can make brass last as long as possible. also this rifle is only going to engge targets at 100 yards or less. For him it will be Wild hogs in the swamps of FL, for me it will be black bears in the mountains of WV.

We want 2000+FPS with as much bullet and kenetic energy as possible.

So, what do you professional srecommend our routes to go and get into a big bore rifle and still keep the price tag $1500-2000 and under. This budget is cost out the door to take the rifle and shoot it.

There has been mention of a 470 AR...But still not sure

Oops, I think I put this in the wrong section. Should have put this in the custom built rifle section.

Here's the links to the ARs in my signature ..
470 or 500 would get you over .458 in a vz ...
brass is 375 RUM, which is fairly cheap, for the 470

Our previous rifle plans were based around the 375 RUM, it was the 500 Max Hubel. But like I said before the brass purchase is $1800 for a 500 piece minimum order.

That 500AR looks real appealing on the screen. .510 with 6900ft lbs and 2200+fps...Sounds like black bear kart wheels to me!

I see from you links we can order the 500AR brass for $60 per 20, sound like we are going to be in business!!!

You can buy a CZ550 in 458Lott for around 1000 bucks new. Maybe they are pushing 1200 now, dont know. So; you either need to beat that price or go a lot bigger in bore to make it worth while. IMHO.

I dont know what will fit VZ24. I have seen 460weatherby brass at cabelas fair priced. That can be the basis of a 50 caliber like 500 A square or shorter 495A2. Or even bigger 550mag.

Here is some general info on those:

http://www.470mbogo.com/BigBoreCompendium/

There is also a pretty simple 470 on 458lott brass. The 470 Capstick. Then the 470 mbogo is a great design if it will fit.

Very general info here under the (Fuego Central/CF tab on the left):

http://www.municion.org/


The 550 has to be pretty far on wild side, no personal experience, and the Capstick seems pretty safe, if you just want something "not a 458". Assuming either will fit.

I have seen those CZ458 for $1000-1200 new but I want to be different...

I also have seen the 458 WIn Mag's in used condition for around $850.

But with my budget here im getting alot of things I want out of thise rifle.

Bigger than .458 caliber, nice laminated wood stock or possibly a very nice piece of exotic wood if the funds allow such a purchase at the time. and the glory that I know I researched and worked to get this rifle. Not just buy one off the shelf...

The reammer is at McGowen precision, right now .. they can do the bulk of the metal work for you ...

you can also just order 416 rigby hornady brass, fireform and trim, and its even cheaper.

I have personal experience with ALL the .550 s .. 550 gibbs, 550 flanged, 550 Mag and 550 express ... you can also do a 550 express on the vz24 -- *I* did ... Pacnor makes the barrel, and I can rent you the reamer .. i also have some unheadstammped 460 unformed i could sell you .. bullets are a bit harder to find, but its THE monster

jeffe

the 500AR sounds like it going to be my monkey...

How long do you estimate till the reamer is done and one can pick up a set of 500AR dies from C4HD?

I seen the 470 AR dies on there already...

I have dies on hand, $125+ shipping, in hand, right now, and are 7/8x14 .. standard die sized.

the reamer is done .. its at the barrel shop NOW, if you want to use McGowen .. OH, Manson is the reamer maker, McGowen is the barrel maker/gunsmith!

jeffe

Brando, go with McGowen and you will not be disappointed.
Rodney.

Sounds like a plan!!!

jeffeosso, I will be on contact. Sounds like you got everything I need...McGowen sounds good to me.

If your budget gets to tight, dont give up on the big bores.
I truly believe the 458's Lott or Win Mag are some of the most economical big bores out there. And a hell of a lot of fun.
405gr. Rem slugs for a 45/70 wizzing out of a Lott at 2500 do some real damage and have some range too. Cheap lovely bullets, gotta love it.

John

John,
Whenever anyone asks "what is the best big bore" -- I always point them to the 458 lott!

I got my first big bore thre wks ago and love it 458 remington model 798. have put 40 round through it so far and it's great. planing on useing it in Africa soon

Hey,
My brother in law bought one of the 798's too.
He was scared of it (not that he would admit it) and was flinching bad.
We made him take it Hog hunting.
Now he shoots the thing like he was born to it. We just had to take his mind off the gun and onto the game.
Some times we get it right

John

Brando,

check your PMs.

Rich

I wouldnt mind having one of those 458;s at that price, its actually kind of hard to pass. But with me being over here it make it kind of hard to purchase a rifle per say. I kinda got to stick to what I can do and rely on some friends and play the email and phone call game to get my rifle up and running.

May not be your "cup of tea," but for your budget and purposes, would think the Ruger NO. 1 in 458Lott would work fine. Retails for some 1200.00, but a good used one can be had for quite a bit less, say somewhere in the 650-800.00 range. You can load it to quite comfortable 45/70 level of power or more than you can stand in the Lott power level. Almost endless choice of bullets, lead and jacketed, plus not that pricey in terms of brass or loading components. Certainly not a custom gun, but with some shopping around can be had with very nice wood and bottom line is excellent value and don't believe you can hurt the gun. Hurry up and come back home, we have plenty of black bear, probably more than ever in the State's history.

Im looking forward to coming back to WV and hunting some Black Bears on my fathers property...

I think im going to go with this 500AR, im going to get with Jeffeoso and my buddy Tim who has my action and work out the plan. Then hopefully I can just direct mail the smith personal checks or some form of payment. I want a rifle ready and waiting for me in December when I get home.

you could buy a 798 in 458, and run a 458 AR reamer into it!

changed recoil pad on mine better now. have shot big bores before so knew what to expect. The action needed a little smoothing. in front of tv worked it while watching Problem solved. I owned a intra arms 270 some company same action great gun. I have shoot 416 alot so wanted to go up one step. to much horse powder still an't enough

Well between you being gone and me leaving for Bagram after my combat and specialized trauma training we can get it done. Check your PM's on the other forum. By the time I get back just in time for PHUCKING CHRISTMAS 2011 maybe they will be done. WTF...

quote:

Originally posted by Brando:
Im looking forward to coming back to WV and hunting some Black Bears on my fathers property...

I think im going to go with this 500AR, im going to get with Jeffeoso and my buddy Tim who has my action and work out the plan. Then hopefully I can just direct mail the smith personal checks or some form of payment. I want a rifle ready and waiting for me in December when I get home.

quote:

Originally posted by gixxer:
Well between you being gone and me leaving for Bagram after my combat and specialized trauma training we can get it done. Check your PM's on the other forum. By the time I get back just in time for PHUCKING CHRISTMAS 2011 maybe they will be done. WTF...

Wow man, sounds like you should put in for a assignment to Korea!!! Then we could both mail off our actions and have ready to fire rifles when we get home.