Went to the local gun shop today and they said they could get me a CZ 550 for around $650 to $675. I really value the expertise on this forum and was wondering if someone could help me with some info.

1. What is the difference between the Magnum and the Safari models?

2. It would either be the .416 Rigby used as is (new stock of course) or the .458 Win rechambered (either the Lott or the .460 WBY). Which would be the best to do if I want a DGR???

3. I know they can be chambered to .458 Lott relatively easy. But can a CZ 550 in .458 Win be rechambered to the .460 WBY?

I don't want one in .375 H&H because I have custody of my brother's .375 while he is stationed in Hawaii. (for about 3.5 years)

I have a cz in .416 Rigby and I really like it, I have loaded the 410 gr woodleigh's to 2600 fps and the best Group I have shot is 1.75", I know it will shoot better but I still have not mastered it. 1.75" is plent of accuarcy for game any way I figure.

I replaced the stock as you mentioned you would do. I just like the .416 Rigby and if you get one you wil love it to. I have mounted a 2-7 Vari X11 in cz mounts and the setup has not caused any problems, my mate has the exact same set up on his .416 he has fired about 250 shots and I have fired about 100 with know problems.

Don't waste your time rechambering to .460 Wby. You can get the same unnecessary velocity from either the .450 Rigby or the .450 Dakota and you will be able, with a little shoe-horning, get four rounds in the magazine. You will NOT be able to do that with the Wby and its totally silly belt. Even if you did go with the Wby, you will find that performance is enhanced by down-loading to around 2300-2400 fps and that happens to be the standard speed for the unbelted versions. And, yes, you can rechamber the .458 to .450 Rigby. I know, I had it done. Man! What a killer. Now the only reason I can come up with for doing that is that you already have custody of a .375. Those two will give you a Perfect African Pair (Heavy). On the other hand, if your brother comes back and wants his .375 back, you will have to go out and get another because the big Class III .450's lack versitility. Unless you really want an excuse to buy the Queen of Calibers for your own, you will get a more versatile rifle with the .416 and still be able to hunt the world. You pays yer money and takes yer cherse!

WyoJoe,

In answer to your Question No. 1:

The Safari and the Magnum are the same thing:

http://www.serveroptions.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=001592#000000

Regards,

Terry

Terry,

That is interesting because the book my dealer orders from has them both listed. The 550 in Safari is more than the Magnum in the .458. In the .416 Rigby it is more in the Magnum than the Safari listing. I don't care, just curious.

Old Sarge,

The .450 Dakota might be another good idea for rechambering, one that I had not thought of. I was thinking of loading the Weatherby down to about 2400 fps. Ray says it will recoil less than the Lott loaded to the same velocities. John Ricks confirmed that.

The diff in the safari and the mag is the safari has a longer magizine box and can take the 3.5+ rounds.
For my part, I would get the 416 rigby, and never look back. Then, when you upgrade, you can start with a better stock, as I haven't seen one worth a dime on a recent 550. You can do the 416 improved, and then step up to the 450 dakota, if you like. For an interesting read, look at the barnes manual on loads for the rigby, and be floored where they start at. right at 2500 for the 400s.
For what it's worth, the 416 will be a puppy in recoil until you hit 2400, and then it starts to come alive. at 2200, it's an all day-thing. You can get blem Hornady bullets for about 12.5 � each, to practice with.
have fun and good hunting
jeffe

I would agree with Jeffe on getting 416 Rigby.

If you change to a 450 Dakota/Rigby you can check it feeds before you start.

I came within an inch of going down CZ avenue but returned to M70.

There were different reasons but one thing where there seemed to be general agreement was that the M70 would be the choice unless the Rigby case was to be used.

Something you may wish to consider on the 458 Lott Vs 450 Rigby/Dakota. If the rifle is to be used primarlity for large game then cost of brass etc. will not eb an issue.

On the other hand if you want bust up rocks and come spotlighting with us and have cases flying all over the place, then the 458 Lott will have some advantages. The 458 Lott will also be much easier to work with if you want to play with loads using 300 and 400 grain 45/70 velocityies at around the 2000 f/s mark.

But for genuine big game use, if I wanted to buy a CZ, then 416 Rigby would be my choice.

Mike