Looked at a CZ550 American today in .375 H&H, and really liked the feel. It wasn't the hog back style, but I may go back and see if they have one.

My question is, are the CZ's reliable in the bigger calibers? I've read some older posts about cross-bolting the stock; is this necessary, or just a precaution in heavy calibers?

I'd like a bolt-action rifle in .375 H&H that I can expect to shoot reliably out of the box, and upgrade/customize later if I feel the need. I can just afford the rifle ($750 new), but not another $500 in upgrades if they're not necessary.

Thanks

I have a cz 550 .375 H&H and just have it bedded and floated to the barrel lug and thats it. Shoots Hornady 300 gr Round Noses very well it's accurate and reliable and holds six of the .375 H&H rounds, I love my cz .375 if I have a complaint it's a tad heavy but it's great for off hand shooting and does not recoil much.........so there are some benifits, grab it you will like it.

Buy it you will not regret it at all!

in the larger bore cz's i had an old zkk in 375 and still have a 550 in 416 rigby. i've not touched the bedding and have had no problems at all with wood splitting. i'll admit the bedding looks unconventional but both shoot so well there was never any need to dink with it.

i've still got a 3" 10 shot group at 100 yds w/ the 375. not impressive in itself but in the 3" group are 3 smaller distinct groups of 3 shots high, 3 shots low, and 4 shots centered. and this was with a hot barrel and was the last 10 of 20 rounds. people can do what they want with theirs but i'd recommend shooting it first before screwing around with it.

Given that you are going to use it in the USA and not chasing after any DG, I would just have the gun bed. My CZ 550 375 is very accurate...

Upgrade it as you see the need...

All the CZ's I've had were very accurate. I doubt you would need to anything to it in a 375. Just be glad it has an American stock, they kick less than a hogback.

Will so many people hate the Hogsbacks but I actually like the way they point, handle, and deal with recoil...............I must be short a chromosome or 2

I agree w/ PC, I much prefer the European lux version hogback stock over the American style stock.

Gary

I also would take the hogsback stock any day - and particularly if you intend using the open sights.

Definatly go with the hogback!!!!! The american stock is butt ugly!!

Another strong vote for the hogsback stock. It's a great design for fitting your body and handling recoil.

I actually looked at a 550 375 american yesterday, the thing that stood out was I hated the bolt handle, It tucks really close to the stock, and seems somewhat hard to get a hold of. maybe I am just used to the fabulous CZ 527 bolt handle.

those guns really need a barrel band swivel for some class

Thanks for all the replies! I was originally looking at a .45-70, but there's just something about the .375 H&H...

I have one with a hogsback stock and the recoil is not offensive. They are classy in my eyes.

Here's another yes vote for the hogback stock. I've always preferred them to the straight stock. I got used to the look and really like the way it shot. It rolls and handles recoil better than straight back-at least to me.

Hogsback stock is what God intended for the cz550. Anything else would be blasphemous. I find mine as comfortable as an old shoe. Mine is in .375. I have 200 rounds through it with no stock cracking. I think the cracking has been on the .458's.

Try barnes triple socks. My first handloads were at about 1" to 1.5".

I am a fan of the CZ Hogback too. It is amazing that a tough old elephant hunter like Will is a cry baby for recoil.

He has been on my case for liking the Hogback for years.

The Hogback is sweet. My .458 Lapua-Tembo and many more wear Hogbacks proudly.

They are super for handling the recoil of a .458 Lott and better with iron sights than the "American" stock.

I do like to add cross bolts fore and aft of the magazine box (in addition to the factory one behind the tang) and glass bed with pillars too. No worries then at all. I have never cracked any Hogbacks, therefore.