Well, technically I just ordered it...

I was in a Gander Mountain in Virginia today and I finally got to hold a CZ550 American in 375H&H. I had handled the European stocked model before, but didn't like the styling. I wanted to see how easy it was to get my head down on the express sights with the American stock... no problem at all.

So, as I walked out of the store, I called my local gun shop back in NC and put one on order... for far less than G.M. was asking, should have it mid-next week (Merry Christmas to me).

So with this new one, and my old faithful 270Win, I know Jack O'Conner is smiling somewhere.

While I was out shopping I went ahead and picked up some bullets (1 box each of: Hornady 300gr RN, 270gr SP, and 220gr FP).

I've got brass and dies on order... all I need is some powder. I can't wait. Everyone around here seemed to be out of RL-15, and I couldn't remember all the other recommended powders I had read about here on AR, so I'll see what they have on hand back home when I pick up the rifle.

Basically, I just wanted to tell someone who could understand what I'm feeling right now. My father-in-law was less than impressed... hah.

I feel happy for you and will toast a beer to this very important day in your life.

And so the addiction begins...

ain't that the truth... I can already feel the need for a .416 Rigby (seriously... this is going to be a problem)

You might just want to go straight to the 458 lott

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:
You might just want to go straight to the 458 lott

No harm in experimenting.

True but lets ask questions...

Why the 375?

quote:

Originally posted by boom stick:
True but lets ask questions...

Why the 375?

You should have looked at 550 'Medium' in 9.3x62 as it has larger cartridge power/gun weight ratio. The CZ 550 "Magnum" is a beast of a rifle. Local shop sells new ones for $750.

which shop is that?

Mr. Julian:
Congratulations, and don't let others introduce doubts before you have even shot your rifle. The fact that the CZ in .375 is a bit overbuilt makes it an easy one on the shooter. You can send it in later for "gunsmith liposuction" if you want.
You'll find it very accurate.
As to Jack O'Connor, you can bet he is indeed smiling. When I was a much younger man, I lusted after and finally purchased a 7X57 and a .375, and have a cherished note from the late O'Connor congratulating me on such a sensible pair of rifles.
Best wishes to you and a splash o' the brew.
Bill

I only asked a question of why to see what his own parameters of decision making were...

He said he might want ANOTHER and I suggested the Lott. Nothing wrong with any of them. Big Bores... Collect them all!!!

I'd like to know where I can another one for $750 too...

Truth is... the excessive size of the CZ is partly what drew me to it. I consider this my first foray into the "deep end of the pool" if you will. So I am not looking to develop a massive flinch and an aversion to the bigger calibers right out of the box. I don't mind lugging a heavy rifle, and I don't want a muzzle brake.

I looked at the Savage 116 (too "cheap", too light), the Browning A-bolt Medallion (too pretty, too light), the X-Bolt Medallion (too strange looking) the new Winchesters (too expensive for what you seem to get IMO and less that stellar initial reviews). In the end, nearly every comment here on AR was positive regarding the CZ.

As for the 375 vs. one of the larger options?- Baby steps. That and my infatuation with these old calibers (375H&H, 270Win) that keep on just plain working despite all the newer, faster, hotter, louder, pricier, etc calibers that come along (270WSM, 225WSSM, 375Ruger, etc). I have no real hunting need for a caliber this large. But I really like the idea of developing a proficiency with a large caliber and my research would indicate this is one of the best to start with.

Please keep in mind, I am not trying to start a war here over make, model, and caliber. These are just some of the thoughts I went through over the past 9-12 months leading up to this purchase. Any and all of the guns and calibers I mentioned above are perfectly fine for some.

No, it's not a Chapuis or Heym 470NE double, or a custom-built 700AHR, but it's mine, or soon will be, and it's all I need here in the early stages of my addiction.

Oh, and "one world, one gun.. the 375H&H" (and a good 270Win just in case).

Well it's all good

You can shoot yer 270 between sets to prevent flinch.

... If I were a rich man ,, Isn,t there a song that is the opening line to ,, ....Anyway If I was going to hunt the world over ,I could do every thing I needed with 3 rifles .. A 24"light varmint weight bolt rifle in 260 rem .. for rabbits to moose ,,A 22" barreled #4 contour bolt rifle in 375 H&H ,deer- elephants , and a 500 A-Sq. in a 20" barreled bolt rifle , Brown bear to Elephant ... Have them all built on Ruger M77 mk II actions or all built on CZ 550 actions ......Instead of the question of why have a 375 H&H . the real question is who doesn,t have one ,and why ......
Tho I have had a half dozen 375 H&H,s at the moment I don,t , reason .. I like my 9.3x64 B so much I don,t want to hunt with anything else for a while ......And the next 375 is a Whby in a # 1 that I had made in 89 but is staying at a friends house ........He won,t let me have it back yet .............Probably get another 375 Ruger to go with the 416 Ruger ........... I think about the best 375 H&H was the Whitworth express .. It was pretty much just right ..... But the model 70 ,model 700 and the CZ are excellent also . as is the Savage ..nice and light ...... 375 H&H is the smartest first big rifle ..

I started w/ .375 H&H Also. The addiction is powerful. Here is what will happen: You will shoot the rifle w/ some powder puff loads and the wont recoil that bad. Then you will work your way up to full house loads about the next time you go to the range after the first encounter. After that range session you will promptly call your gun shop back requesting the .416 Rigby or the .458. I have acquired a .375 H&H(Ruger RSM), .416 Remington Magnum(Remington 700 Safari), and a .458 Winchester Magnum(Ruger 77 tang safety) all this year. The .458 Lott(CZ 550) shoud be in my safe within about 2-3 months. It is a blast to shoot these big rifles. Since I was a boy I loved everything to do w/ hunting Africa. I will never (short of winning the lottery) Be able togo after dangerous game but still can get my toys out and pretend right. The .375 H&H saved my life when I was whitetail hunting the other day as I was charged by a fox squirrel that could only be described as a "Dugga Boy" of his herd. The charge was strong and swift but the 300gn Partition did it's job and stopped him just short of the certain death that awaited me if I were armed w/ a lesser rifle. Have FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

quote:

Originally posted by gumboot458

Instead of the question of why have a 375 H&H . the real question is who doesn,t have one ,and why

If you are going to hunt big game/dangerous game/Africa, that, indeed, is the real question.

That said, my next trip to Africa will be with my .416 Taylor or .458 Lott and a .308 Win. My .375 had been good for me and will probably always have a place in my safe or in the field.

Namibiahunter

Julian,

pick up some Accurate 5744 for plinking loads and maybe even a low recoil whitetail/pig/black bear load.

Some R15 for great, fast 300gr. hunting loads.

And some H4350 for, well why not. I use for 257 Roberts, 300 wby, and 375 H&H. It's just a good all rounder as is R15, pretty much.

Load up, go forth and kill stuff. You've got a good rifle, that with a couple bucks with a smith can be a tremendous rifle. Just a little smoothing is all she'll really need.

Congratulations,

David

Congratulations! The bigger bores are fun for sure. The .375 H&H is a good place to start and is a very flexible caliber. The CZ in that caliber is a bit over built as others have pointed out.

I started with a .375 H&H and then bought a CZ in .416 Rigby. Gifted the first .375 to a good friend after acquiring a .470 NE DR but eventually replaced it with an M70 bought at a great price.

Have since added a couple of 9,3x62s, and rifles in 9,3x74R, .458 AR, .376/.416 Steyr Improved, and .376 Steyr. As someone noted above ... they're all good (and fun too!).

Unless you are going to Africa, the Sierra 300 gn Gameking will do anything you care to do with a 375.

260 Accubonds shoot almost as well as the Sierras with better trajectory, they are impressive and beyond discussion on moose.

quote:

Originally posted by shootaway:
which shop is that?

Greentop Sporting Goods in Glen Allen, Va. They had (have?) some kind of $749 deal going on right now. About quarter of a mile away there is Gander Mountain and thier price is $999.

quote:

Originally posted by K20350:
I started w/ .375 H&H Also. The addiction is powerful. Here is what will happen: You will shoot the rifle w/ some powder puff loads and the wont recoil that bad. Then you will work your way up to full house loads about the next time you go to the range after the first encounter. After that range session you will promptly call your gun shop back requesting the .416 Rigby or the .458. I have acquired a .375 H&H(Ruger RSM), .416 Remington Magnum(Remington 700 Safari), and a .458 Winchester Magnum(Ruger 77 tang safety) all this year. The .458 Lott(CZ 550) shoud be in my safe within about 2-3 months. It is a blast to shoot these big rifles. Since I was a boy I loved everything to do w/ hunting Africa. I will never (short of winning the lottery) Be able togo after dangerous game but still can get my toys out and pretend right. The .375 H&H saved my life when I was whitetail hunting the other day as I was charged by a fox squirrel that could only be described as a "Dugga Boy" of his herd. The charge was strong and swift but the 300gn Partition did it's job and stopped him just short of the certain death that awaited me if I were armed w/ a lesser rifle. Have FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You've read my mind about starting with the powder puff loads and falling down the progressive path.. at least that's my plan.. now to get the wife to go along

quote:

ain't that the truth... I can already feel the need for a .416 Rigby (seriously... this is going to be a problem)

Congrats on the new purchase.

Here's a warning.

I owned a CZ in 375 H&H. It shot lights outs and I enjoyed practicing with it. But in a moment of stupidity. I sold it because I fell for the rifle was too big for the cartridge argument.

I bought a CZ in 416 Rigby. Thinking it would be a perfect combination. I just couldn't get used to the recoil. I shot a bunch a "reduced" loads, used a lead sled, tried every trick but in the end sold it. It was just too brutal for me to master.

Thats the thing , the CZ 550 in 375 is a little heavy , but my 550 Safari Mag . in 300 Win Mag was heavier yrt , but it still wasn,t that heavy ........ It was easy to shoot and the 375 H&H will be nice to shoot also ............. I say fit the rifle to yourself like a glove get some affordable 270 gr bullets , make a load doing 2700 fps and go shoot the heck out of it .... I don,t think you will wear a CZ out ............Get good with the express sights and hunt with it . 3 things I would do to one is ., Laminated stock .. barrel band sling stud . epoxy bed it including the under barrel lug ..........

quote:

Posted 29 November 2008 06:29 Hide Post
I'd like to know where I can another one for $750 too...

Truth is... the excessive size of the CZ is partly what drew me to it. I consider this my first foray into the "deep end of the pool" if you will. So I am not looking to develop a massive flinch and an aversion to the bigger calibers right out of the box. I don't mind lugging a heavy rifle, and I don't want a muzzle brake.

I picked one up from Gander Mountain last summer. Like you I was impressed with the size, it's just a "big" rifle . When I held it it fit perfectly and the sights lined up just right. In 375 the recoil is rather mild conpared to my 375H&H Ruger #1.

The standard wood on this one is excellent, some flame grain going into tiger stripe through the buttstock. I looked at it a couple of times, called GM and asked them to hold it unitl I could get back up there and they were happy to oblige. They also had one in 416 Rigby and on the way up there I decided to get it also, but it had already been sold, a good thing I guess considering cost of brass and bullets. I consoled myself by picking up later a Husqvarna Mauser in 93x57 and finally a Marlin 1894cl in 32-20.

That big 375CZ is a hoot to shoot! My son and I were at a range in Louisiana . A lot of guys there that day with there new little super mags ect, were shaking their heads saying they were glad that they were not shooting that big thing.

I shot about 50 rounds that day, and it was more pleasant than 20 out of my Win mod 70 30-06.

I've got bullets and powder in my safe now... waiting on the brass and dies.. should be here later this week... along with the rifle. I. Can. Hardly. Wait. I feel like I'm 6 years old again waiting for Christmas to arrive.

I've got exactly one month left of deer season. My plan is to get a load developed and take her out for a spin before the new year. Either a 220gr Hornaday FP or a 270gr Hornady SP.

I got my 375 last year and love it, very pleasant to shoot. I shot 270 grain Barnes X bullets on my trip to Africa, behind (68 grains of Varget), I had real good luck. I think the 375 does not have not nearly the felt recoil as a 300 WM.

I thought about acquiring a 416 but I think I will go with a 458 WM before I went 416.

I hope you love your 375 as much as I love mine!!!!!!

I load 71 gr RX15 behind 300 gr Northfork bullets, I have already shot 3 softs, 3 solids and 3 cup point solids into one ragged hole at 100 yards, 9 shot group. It actually shoots better then a custom rifle with hart barrel etc.

Shot my first cape buff with it and it went all of 12 yards after the shot. That was is not really typical for a buff.

mrjulian_1970,
Congratulations on your new rifle. There are lots of powders that work in the .375 Varget, RX15 and H4350 are the powders that I use the most. I know you will enjoy this old out of date cartridge that just keeps on killing everything that you shoot with it with out crippling you. Yes it still does it all with class.
Bill

Try some IMR4064 and H (or IMR) 4350. They all work great in my baby.

Congrats on you new rifle! I love my CZ Safari Classic in 375 H&H also:

Three shot group at 100 yards:



My rifle:



Best of luck with it!

Chuck

Flam'en 'ell chuck, after seeing your rifle and group I may never criticise CZ's again.

Congradulations, I can still remember my first

375 H&H still have it. It is a SAKO 75. I know you'll really injoy your CZ.

quote:

Originally posted by Phoenixdawg:
I got my 375 last year and love it, very pleasant to shoot. I shot 270 grain Barnes X bullets on my trip to Africa, behind (68 grains of Varget), I had real good luck. I think the 375 does not have not nearly the felt recoil as a 300 WM.

I thought about acquiring a 416 but I think I will go with a 458 WM before I went 416.

Phoenixdawg
I completely agree with the "felt recoil" statement. I have a Ruger MKII 77 in 300Win Mag and a Sauer 202 in 375 H&H and to me, the 375 has no more, if as much, felt recoil than the 300. I have been saying since I bought my 375 that it has basically put my 300 out of a job and it weighs 7.5lbs so it's lighter than the 300 to boot. I to am shooting the Barnes 270 TSX with 74grs Varget for 2690 fps. Can you elaborate more on how you 270 loads performed on your hunt? That 375 H&H is just a sweetheart of a round