At $800+/- is the 416 Ruger in the Alaskan model the most practical DG bolt action??

Is the lack of ammo availability the most serious flaw?

Aren't you lt. handed? It's by far the most practical DG bolt you can build on any standard length action. Ruger built it, Hornady will make the ammo more readily available by years end.

I am not a Ruger fan, but this one has piqued my interest. Also, the ammo is only $60 a box. Factory 416 Rem ammo is $130 and up. What's up with that? Thank god I reload for my 416 Rem.

Lou

I think it's a toss up between a Ruger and CZ 550. The Ruger is a little cheaper overall but, the CZ 550 is a proven option that only costs slightly more.

Is action length important to you? Belted vs. unbelted brass? Old classic cartridges vs. new modern equivalents? Ammo costs can be an issue but, it's not like most people are banging through multiple 30 round mags at the local range on a routine basis either.

High pressure cartridges in other rifles give me a swift hit versus the slow shove in others. That keeps me looking at the CZ 550 in the Rigby.

I love mine, and it performed flawlessly in Zim on buff and elephant. Handy, balances well, and easy to carry. With the 1.75x6X Leupold it has all my heavy hunting covered. Mine was one of the first out, and has the front sling swivel in the forearm; the newer ones show a barrel band in the photos which would be nice. Been getting ammo for about $52/box. Just got my new Hornady dies from Midway, and will start loading 350 Barnes TSX's.

Spoke with DG PH Hancke Hudson over the weekend, he has just ordered one for his appy PH. He has shot amoungst other things a M70 in .375 for many years and was impressed with the handling and value for money the ruger offers. For a working rifle it is great.
My own 458 is built in almost the same configurationb as the Alaskan, I think that had the Alaskan been around when I had the custom work started I may just have cut a year out of the process and bought the Ruger. Components are now available here as per Hancke and it is more than enough gun for anyone who can shoot straight.

Dirk,

I am mostly left handed....but when growing up there were no left handed bolt actions so I learned to shoot bolt actions like a right hander.

Still prefer to shoot DR's and shotguns left handed.

1. Yes, without doubt. The .375 Ruger is the only contender.

2. Ammo is starting to meet demand and getting better all the time.

Do any of the major ammo makers load for either of the new Rugers ?
The should the rounds make more sence than the WSMs do,
...tj3006

I think Ruger fire arms are some of the best buys on the market. The 416 would make a very nice DG rifle. If I allready didn't have a 416 taylor on a MKII stainless action I would buy a Ruger in 416. I might ream my taylor to the ruger. But then I have taylor dies and a fair amount of 458 brass.