Since discovering this forum several months ago I have been completely transformed into an official big bore nut. I hold several of you responsible, and might need some of you to come to my defense as I try to rationalize my obsession to my fiance.
Truthfully, I am very thankful for all of the knowledge that I have gained from just reading posts and searching through the archives. After getting my entry level 375 H&H a while back, I am comfortable and confident in the fact that I want to step it up a notch. I like the idea of a Lott for taming pigs in Lousiana and East Texas with 458 WM and having a rifle that I am familiar with when the opportunity arises to go after nastier critters elsewhere in the world w/ 458 Lott. Ideally I want the rifle to have a 20"-22" bbl and weigh ~9.5 lbs, express sights, bbl band swivel stud, and not cost a fortune. I have several options that I have considered.

Ruger 77 - I can live with a 23" bbl, what should be done to this rifle to insure reliability and performance?

CZ 550 - Rechamber 458 WM to 458 Lott, and then what...Cut and Recrown, replace front sight, add bbl. band, etc.?

Start from Scratch - Have talked some w/ John Ricks about this, I am very pleased with my initial impressions of John and anticipate dealing with him further if I decide on this route. What platforms would you guys consider building a Lott on with my intentions in mind?

Sorry as to the length of this post, any and all insight into this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

Start with a M70 Safari Grade. (Why? It's so expensive!) Crap! It will cost less than the Ruger, even with the rechamber job, and will already have the barrel band, the well-designed safety, the double crossbolts, etc.

Start from scratch? Go to American Hunting Rifles (www.huntingrifles.com) and have them build you one with a M70 style safety. You can change to a walnut laminate stock later when you are already married and the fiancee' won't dump you. Better yet, wait until after the first young'n has her so distracted she won't notice!

I really like the Ruger M77. I have one in 416 Rigby and it is very accurate. Most the ones I have seen come with some pretty nice wood and the quarter rib is really nice. The only work you need to do is 1) replace the recoil pad with a softer one, 2) have the trigger adjusted, and 3) change out the front sight bead (from NECG for $25.00). These are very solid guns, you can't go wrong. I think someone in the classifieds below is offering them for under $1,200.00 new.

Tim

Chris S
A 458 Lott is a good choice. With the wide availibility of 458 bullets suitable for a wide range of velocities it is easy to have loads from deer to elephant.
The choice of rifles is a personal one. I would handle as many different big bores as possible.
It is not a good idea to get a big bore on the cheap, but I understand the need of a budget.
If you get a rifle you really like you will enjoy using it for much more than just African game. The Hornady 350gr.RN at 2300fps makes a dandy deer and wild pig load.

Hey Chris,

My 458 Lott started life as a used Model 70 Super Express 458 Win. I had it rechambered and matte blued and I refinished the stock, added an in-stock Dead Mule recoil reducer, and a thick KickEez pad. I have $675 in it plus my time. The Win stocks fit me much better than the CZ550 stocks, but some of the guys here really like the CZ stocks. Just depends on what suits you. I'm enjoying this rifle and cartridge! Good luck finding just what you want...do it right the first time and you won't have to do it again!

Good Hunting,

Chris,

One area where you might consider the CZ is if you later get the desire to have the 45 calibre on the Rigby/Dakota/Weatherby case.

I think the big case 45s are much better "play about" calibres than the 458 Lott or 450 Ackley.

The M70 is too small for these big 45s.

In the case of the Ruger I don't think it makes such a good play about rifle especially where future calibre changes might occur. I say this because of the barrel/integral sight setup, that is, don't think someone would really want to pull that barrel off and stick on a 416 or make a 470 Mbogo whereas the CZ is open go. I think there will also be a lot more expertise about for taking the CZ from an H&H belted case to the Rigby/Wby size case than is the case with the CZ.

Mike

[ 05-18-2003, 08:44: Message edited by: Mike375 ]

Thanks for the input guys, I still have some things to mull over.

In considering the M70 458wm is there anything other than rechambering that I have to consider. Are the rails and magazine suitable for reliable feeding, is length of concern, etc. My 375 H&H is a M70 safari grade and I am pleased with how that particular gun fits me, although I wish there was just a little more drop in the stock I find it hard at times to get down on the sights quckly.

How hard is it to add a second crossbolt to the Ruger. I have also read posts where Ruger's recoil lug design is questionable, is this an issue.

I have shot a CZ in 416 RIGBY and couldn't get enough, what options do I have for replacing the front site if I go this route and cut down the bbl.

If I start from scratch which bbl manufacturers should I consider?

Thanks again for your input, if there is anything else that I should consider please let me know.

Chris

Chris,

I second what Mike said. I think the cz may be the way to go and I am even thinking the bigger case may be better as you could still run light loads right through to brain rattling loads. I to wish to do a .458 "whatever" but I already know mine will be on a cz as the cz's I already own have given me nothing but enjoyment. Even if you do a lott first and the decide you want a .450 rigby then the cz will accomadate the change from the .458 lott should you desire to go that way.

Chris,

The magazine box on my 458 Win had to be lengthened--actually the spacer at the back of the box had to be taken out. It feeds just fine with no modification. If the Lott is as big as you want to go, then the Model 70 is fine. If you ever want to go larger, then the CZ will accomodate almost anything you want to build on it. This may get some argument, but I think the Lott is plenty of cartridge for anything you want to do.

Good Hunting,