I went into the local gun store where I live and found a CZ 550 American in 375 H&H for $1000.
I picked it up and I knew I was going to have it.
When CZ first started selling their big bores, I handled one and the wood was crappy and the action was very rough. They must have changed something cause the wood on this one is just like this picture

and the action is way smoother. The only difference is that mine has cross bolts. I'm wondering if they got one of the fancy models by mistake and are selling it for $1000?
Did CZ start putting cross bolts in there 375 H&H big bores now?

Well, I'm very excited because I've always wanted a 375 h&h and could never afford one. Moving around I kept some things and was wondering what I was keeping them for. I came home from the store knowing I didn't have the money for this rifle. I looked in the garage and decided to try selling my 1985 honda 3wheeler. I put it out on the lawn with a ripped off piece of cardboard for a sign and within 4 hours I had 2 people make me offers and it was sold. I then found a home stereo system that I had forgotten about and didn't use. That made the difference and now I can buy the gun. It feels like it all fell into place because I'm supposed to have this. I love when things go from dismal to working out perfectly. I won't have a scope for it because I'm selling my scope to make some of the money for this, but I like shooting open sites and am good with them.
So sometime this up comming week, I should have my first 375 h&H

quote:

Originally posted by gohip2000:
I went into the local gun store where I live and found a CZ 550 American in 375 H&H for $1000.
I picked it up and I knew I was going to have it.
When CZ first started selling their big bores, I handled one and the wood was crappy and the action was very rough. They must have changed something cause the wood on this one is just like this picture

and the action is way smoother. The only difference is that mine has cross bolts. I'm wondering if they got one of the fancy models by mistake and are selling it for $1000?
Did CZ start putting cross bolts in there 375 H&H big bores now?

Well, I'm very excited because I've always wanted a 375 h&h and could never afford one. Moving around I kept some things and was wondering what I was keeping them for. I came home from the store knowing I didn't have the money for this rifle. I looked in the garage and decided to try selling my 1985 honda 3wheeler. I put it out on the lawn with a ripped off piece of cardboard for a sign and within 4 hours I had 2 people make me offers and it was sold. I then found a home stereo system that I had forgotten about and didn't use. That made the difference and now I can buy the gun. It feels like it all fell into place because I'm supposed to have this. I love when things go from dismal to working out perfectly. I won't have a scope for it because I'm selling my scope to make some of the money for this, but I like shooting open sites and am good with them.
So sometime this up comming week, I should have my first 375 h&H

It was roughly about two years ago they started adding the cross bolts. I have the exact same rifle you bought, with no complaints (I've had it about 14 or so months). My action was a little rough at first, but after 100 rounds, it is much better. No problems with the wood (cross bolts seem to do the trick).

I've taken one boar with it so far, trying for bear in a month or so.

They listened to complaints of owners so they added cross bolts ! I'd glass bed it also.A very fine cartridge both accurate and powerfull . Enjoy it !!

VERY COOL!!!
congrats!

Best caliber to start with a big bore, we'll be waiting to here from you later when you buy another big bore. Congratulations!

quote:

Originally posted by dirklawyer:
Best caliber to start with a big bore, we'll be waiting to here from you later when you buy another big bore. Congratulations!

yeah they had a 416 rigby right next to it with even better wood, but I thought I better start with the 375 first.

quote:

Originally posted by gohip2000:

quote:

Originally posted by dirklawyer:
Best caliber to start with a big bore, we'll be waiting to here from you later when you buy another big bore. Congratulations!

yeah they had a 416 rigby right next to it with even better wood, but I thought I better start with the 375 first.

Good choice. If you reload, there is better bullet variety in 375. From 220gr to 350gr and everything in between, you won't be disappointed.

375 H&H brass is cheaper too.

I think you'll like it. Shooting the 375 is pretty serious (it is for me, anyway) but there is something very cool about having one. Hell, just saying the caliber out loud sounds very "Continental."

To plink and save my shoulder, I make light loads using 250 grain cast lead .376 bullets meant for the 38-55. I have loaded them between 1,800 and 2,200 FPS with very little leading and acceptable accuracy.

I have an older 602 that I bought for $650 in the mid 1980s when the trade embargo against Yugoslavia was in effect. Had to jump through many hoops to import the rifle from Canada. You are right about the wood on the older guns leaving something to be desired but I still like mine. I have a Leupold 1-4X20 scope on it for that European look.

One planet, one caliber.....

I've taken everything from Francolin to Elephant with mine.

quote:

Originally posted by gohip2000:

yeah they had a 416 rigby right next to it with even better wood, but I thought I better start with the 375 first.

Shoulda bought both.

You couldn't pick a better cartridge! I just wish that CZ had come out with a lefty version that they have been promising us "next year" for the last five years.

The 375 H&H is just as powerful as ever.

Killed whitetail, Cape buff, hartebeest and wildebeest with mine so far. They all died very quickly, and I take it to the range once a week or so. Mine's a LH Model 70 Classic and it's my favorite rifle.

Hope you can set up to reload for it. You'll save a fortune in ammo costs. Good luck with it.

times not going fast enough, I'm anxious to get the rifle already.
So to kill some time:
How would those of you that have fired the 375 in the heavy cz thought about the recoil?
I had a 338 winmag ruger hawkeye with a full aluminum bed hogue stock that was very comfortable for me to shoot from the bench. do you think the CZ will be comparable in recoil?
I'm thinking about developing some 270 grain loads first because I want to use it this deer season.
any recommendations for bullets that would be good for deer without exploding them?
I've heard the heavier bullets are better for meat because they poke a cleaner hole, would a 270 gr be good choice for all around north american bullet?

quote:

Originally posted by gohip2000:
How would those of you that have fired the 375 in the heavy cz thought about the recoil?
I had a 338 winmag ruger hawkeye with a full aluminum bed hogue stock that was very comfortable for me to shoot from the bench. do you think the CZ will be comparable in recoil?

My 375 CZ is not bad off the bench. It's way better than my buddy's 300 win mag, IMHO.

I have a riot shotgun that kicks worse than my CZ.

Congratulations! The 375 is a great round and one of my favorites. Lou

I have a .375 and a CZ in .416 Rigby. .375 H&H is a great place to start! Rigby has way more recoil, and can put off the new big bore shooter some.

Have taken piggies, deer, and a Hartebeast with the .375. Very effective. Cost effective to reload too.

You will definitely enjoy the new toy!

My .375 is much more pleasant to shoot than my .338.

The 375 magnum caliber is a great big bore starter. I have 3, a model 70 safari classic, a MGA that weighs under 6lbs, and a new 375 Ruger Alaskan. I have not shot the Ruger yet but the other two are MOA with my handloads. Have fun with yours.

Congratulations, Gohip- on the jump to the new CZ big bore! I'm sure there's a glad grin up in the Gopher State.

BTW... it is a special treat when garage junk (aka, "under-used treasures") providentially ends up footing the bill for new fun guns.

My recent "title-for-title" acquisition was a pre-64 Winchester lever-gun for an item that I had never used and never planned to use.

[That item was also originally part of a "Mr Haney-esque" swap encounter here in Hooterville.]

Happy Hunting!

Try these, I have been using 200 and 220 gr bullets very nicely. if you can't read these I can email them to you. Cheers

CALIBER BULLET BRASS PRIMER POWDER LOAD SOURCE
375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN IMR SR-4759 36.5 @ 2,050 Sierra Manual 2008
375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN IMR SR-4759 38.7 @ 2,150 Sierra Manual 2008
375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN IMR SR-4759 39.8 @ 2,200 Sierra Manual 2008

375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN IMR 4064 71.5 @ 2,900 Sierra Manual 2008

375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN H 380 78 @ 2,898 Hodgdon Manual 2008
375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN Varget 65 @ 2,839 Hodgdon Manual 2008
375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN BL-C(2) 78 @ 2,874 Hodgdon Manual 2008
375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN H 335 68 @ 2,800 Hodgdon Manual 2008
375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN H 4895 67 @ 2,828 Hodgdon Manual 2008

375 Ruger Sierra 200 Gr JRN Hornady CCI LRM H 414 87 @ 3,032 http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Hawkeye375.htm
375 Ruger Sierra 200 Gr JRN Hornady CCI LRM H 414 88.2 @ 3,055 http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Hawkeye375.htm
375 Ruger Sierra 200 Gr JRN Hornady CCI LRM Varget 88.2 @ 3,300 http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-Hawkeye375.htm

375 H&H Hornady 220 Gr FP IMR SR-4759 34.4 @ 2,000 Hornady 2007 Manual
375 H&H Hornady 220 Gr FP IMR SR-4759 36.9 @ 2,100 Hornady 2007 Manual
375 H&H Hornady 220 Gr FP IMR SR-4759 39.4 @ 2,200 Hornady 2007 Manual
375 H&H Hornady 220 Gr FP H 4227 35.6 @ 2,000 Hornady 2007 Manual
375 H&H Hornady 220 Gr FP AA 5744 40.5 @ 2,000 Hornady 2007 Manual
375 H&H Hornady 220 Gr FP AA 5744 42.9 @ 2,100 Hornady 2007 Manual
375 H&H Hornady 220 Gr FP AA 5744 45.3 @ Hornady 2007 Manual

375 H&H Barnes 210 Gr XFB Varget 65 @ 2,810 Barnes 2008 Manual
375 H&H Barnes 210 Gr XFB H 4895 67.5 @ 2,865 Barnes 2008 Manual
375 H&H Barnes 210 Gr XFB H 335 66.5 @ 2,738 Barnes 2008 Manual
375 H&H Barnes 210 Gr XFB H 380 77 @ 2,831 Barnes 2008 Manual

375 H&H Sierra 200 Gr FN Winchester WLRM IMR 4320 73.2 @ 3,000 http://webpages.charter.net/375magnum/load.htm
375 H&H Speer 235 Gr SS SP Winchester WLRM IMR 4064 74.5 @ 2,850 http://webpages.charter.net/375magnum/load.htm

quote:

Originally posted by gohip2000:
times not going fast enough, I'm anxious to get the rifle already.
So to kill some time:
How would those of you that have fired the 375 in the heavy cz thought about the recoil?
I had a 338 winmag ruger hawkeye with a full aluminum bed hogue stock that was very comfortable for me to shoot from the bench. do you think the CZ will be comparable in recoil?
I'm thinking about developing some 270 grain loads first because I want to use it this deer season.
any recommendations for bullets that would be good for deer without exploding them?
I've heard the heavier bullets are better for meat because they poke a cleaner hole, would a 270 gr be good choice for all around north american bullet?

I also bought two CZs with cross bolts and I am very happy with them, they "feel" like a safari rifle should feel like, In looks and substance.

Here's my new CZ. $999









The stock reminds me of tigers eye.
The pictures don't really do it justice as it is a 2.0 megapixel camera

I have some stock wax. would it be a good idea to put some on or would it be bad for this beautiful stock?

Also, since this rifle has 2 crossbolts, do I need to glass bed it right away, or is that something I can do later down the road?

Looks a lot like mine Beautiful gun, classic caliber and what a value!

Congrats,

Chuck

quote:

Originally posted by chuck375:
Looks a lot like mine Beautiful gun, classic caliber and what a value!

Congrats,

Chuck

did yours come with a high-Viz recoil pad or a different one? do all of them say safari classic on the receiver?

Mine said Safari Classic, I ordered from the custom shop but paid for each option I got individually, cost me about $1100 with shipping .



I'm replacing my recoil pad with a Pachmayer, but I ordered mine with dual crossbolts, glass bedding, hi-vis front sight, mercury recoil reducer, barrel band and action job. I'm real happy with it.

Chuck

Chuck- Did the custom shop straighten the bolt handle for you? Very nice!

No Ed and Wayne (of 600 OK fame) at American Hunting Rifles (AHR) did that for me, they also put on a model 70 type 3 position safety and their own single stage trigger which is lovely and set at a crisp 2 1/2 lbs. It's their CZ #1 upgrade ... here's a link

http://www.hunting-rifles.com/CZ/CZowners.htm

Regards,
Chuck

wow chuck375, I thought yours was the fancy model from the looks of it. how much did the glass bedding cost?
I just noticed today while cleaning my rifle that under a certain light conditions, the blueing looks redish-brown on the action and barrel. It doesn't match the bluing on the bolt and sites. Is this normal or should I send it back to CZ to get reblued?

I guess if it makes you unhappy and you don't have a hunt planned soon yes. I'd call Jason at the CZ custom shop first. Also if you have any other little things that bother you call him. Their action job at $70 is a a steal. I had it done, It won't make it perfect, but after cycling the bolt a few hundred times, mine is real nice.

I picked up a Safari Classic ag Gander Mountain last month. They had a special going on $100 off so I got it for 899. They acutally had three in stock, a 375, 416 RIgby and a 458 Lott. I called and had them hold the 375 for me and was seriously considering picking up the 416 also but it was gone when I got there. I have only had one chance to shoot it and it's not bad, the weight and a fairly long lop help controll recoil to a very tolerable level. My featherweight 30-06 is worse. I'm plannning on shooting this one a lot for fun, compared to everyting else I have, this is a big gun, and I don not mean by caliber, it's just physically big and I like it.

try loading 69 grs./4895/235 speer. I've used this load with great success on deer and wild pigs. less damage to edible meat than a .270, but leaves a good blood trail. although i don't remember ever needing a blood trail when using this load. vel. is about 2650fps. in my rifle, manual says pressure is about 44,500psi.

Ilike the 550 american safari magnum Kevlar model in 375 and am still hoping to see one soon in stainless

well, I bought a box of Double Tap 270 gr Barnes 3X and loaded up 20 rounds of 235gr Speer bullets over 70 gr of IMR4064. it shows 2707fps in the manual. does this load sound like a good deer load?

Unfortionately the range that I go to is closed all fall for an investigation because someone shot over the berm and hit a farmers barn. The next closest range won't let me shoot any rifles with a muzzle energy over 3500 ft/lbs even if it's handloaded to lower levels. They only go by factory specs.

if your 4064 load shoots 2"or less at 100yds. and it should, I'd hunt with it. it will put a hole in a deer that you can shove your arm through.

Another nice little surprise I found out. this CZ will hold 6 down and 1 in the chamber for a total of 7 rounds. The website said 5, but my CZ says 7

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
if your 4064 load shoots 2"or less at 100yds. and it should, I'd hunt with it. it will put a hole in a deer that you can shove your arm through.

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
try loading 69 grs./4895/235 speer. I've used this load with great success on deer and wild pigs. less damage to edible meat than a .270, but leaves a good blood trail. although i don't remember ever needing a blood trail when using this load. vel. is about 2650fps. in my rifle, manual says pressure is about 44,500psi.

How come it would leave a hole the size of my arm when you used the same bullet at 50 fps less with little meat damage than a 270? I'm not being a smart ass, just wondering what the difference is
my load is 235 gr speer @ 2707 according to the speer manual

I'm getting my CZ 375 H&H moved up in caliber to 470 Capstick after elk season (3 weeks away!). I believe it will hold 5 in the magazine, that'll teach them elk lol

Chuck

quote:

Originally posted by gohip2000:

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
if your 4064 load shoots 2"or less at 100yds. and it should, I'd hunt with it. it will put a hole in a deer that you can shove your arm through.

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
try loading 69 grs./4895/235 speer. I've used this load with great success on deer and wild pigs. less damage to edible meat than a .270, but leaves a good blood trail. although i don't remember ever needing a blood trail when using this load. vel. is about 2650fps. in my rifle, manual says pressure is about 44,500psi.

How come it would leave a hole the size of my arm when you used the same bullet at 50 fps less with little meat damage than a 270? I'm not being a smart ass, just wondering what the difference is
my load is 235 gr speer @ 2707 according to the speer manual

gohip2000,

I believe swampshooter is referring to the exit wound in one sentence and the "bloodshot" meat effect in the other. Anyone who has shot a thin-skinned animal with a .25-06, .270, or .300Wby. has seen this effect, where tissue is disrupted to the point of it turning into a gelatinous mess.

George

chuck375,

great wood! My CZ 375 has very basic wood but shoots well and is a killer on ground squirrels

gohip2000,

good going on your 375. The 375 is a great round and is very easy to shoot well once you move into "big bore" mode. Control the rifle with both hands and pull it into your shoulder pocket. No free recoil stuff. It isn't a beast by any means but does require respect and proper technique. IMO everyone should have a 375! Once you have gotten used to your 375 the bigger bores will be on your want list!

John