I picked up my CZ 550 american today, .375H&H. I didn't want to wait to got to the range with it so I did a little shooting at the job site.(Besides working fire/EMS I have a small construction business. We build custom homes and do kitchen remodels.) The site is 14 acres surrounded by Amish farms.

What a grreat rifle. I only fired 6 rounds, I want to break the barrel in properly and did not have any cleaning gear. At approx. 50 yards it was not to hit 3"x5" blocks of wood, or soft ball size dirt clods, offhand. The set trigger is the reason IMHO. It was however very hard to set. It would need some work to smooth it out. Right now,I don't think it would work for hunting. The rifle eject smoothly and the brase made a nice neat little pile.

This is the first high velocity big bore that I have owned. I was suprised by the recoil. It was very mild. My rem 700 in 7 mag smacks me harder. I am quite pleased with the rifle, cost $706 OTD. I know I have a lot to learn about these, the first thing is to reload.

Does any know if theseare supposed to come with rings? My understanidng was that they did. I am quite please with the rifle, if any one is thinking about one I would be glad to answer any questions.

Maxman, I did not and still do not like the bolt handle. I have spoken to Rodger Ferrell about replacing it, along with a few other mods. You are right, it is too small and tight to the stock, imho. I think the problem is that the bolt is nearly identical to a standard caliber one in the CZ line. The safari seems thicker overall at the rear of the receiver so the bolt handle does not extend out enough. Today I stopped by the gun shop and was looking at a .30-06 American. That was my impression anyway. They did not have another safari to compare it to. That is the only ergonomic problem I have with the rifle. Other than that I like it a whole lot.



jjs,JCN I was looking at the reloading gear there today. They have a redding kit for about $160. It has every thing needed to get started(according to the box). Would this be a good way to get started? Do all dies interchange or must I use just Redding?



Thanks for the info on the rings. I must have been confused with the standard grade ones.



Rich

I would jump on that Redding kit like a cat on a June bug.
JCN

Rich:

Not sure which Redding Kit you are looking at and what is included. I think Redding sells a couple of different kits. Redding makes very good stuff...My press is a Forester, originally bought an RCBS Rock Chucker Kit which came with Press, scale, powder measure (I no longer use a powder measure) I weigh each charge, deburring/chamfering tool, a reloading manual, trimmer with pilots, etc...it was fairly complete except for shell holders, dies, etc...much of the equipment that came with that kit I no longer use..except for the press which I use to pull bullets, etc.

If my memory is correct Redding sells two kits...I would purchase the one with the heavier duty Press...maybe it is called the "Big Boss" or something like that...

A kit is a good way to start....but if you come to enjoy reloading and the benefits you will ultimately be purchasing many more tools and accessories. Get a Sinclair Catalogue very very helpful in looking at different things out there. I have some Redding dies and they are very well made product...most likely the press you purchase will be a standard threaded die set up 7/8 which will allow for the use of most dies on the market...so you will be able to choose different dies if you want.

You may want to look at Midway USA web site or other sites to compare what is out there and the prices.