I saw the new CZ American Magnum in G&A, and I sense one coming on as a twin to my 550 American in 9.3x62. But I have questions:

1. How many rounds does this rifle hold in 458 Lott and 416 Rigby?
2. Are there any quick fixes that increase capacity, such as swapping followers?
3. How much stock reinforcement is required in these two calibers?
4. What other fixes does the 550 Magnum require to be truly field ready?
5. Who is the best choice for doing these mods?

Thanks in advance, Okie John.

As for #2:

It will hold 3 Rigby's and 5 Lott's in the magazine. The CZ web site is usually riddled with misinformation.

My CZ550 in 416 Rigby hold 4 rounds in the magazine easily. There is plenty of room to push the 4 rounds down so you can close the bolt over them and have a fifth in the chamber. Mine has not been modified.

Hart

Mine just misses out on being able to do the above 4 down & 1 in the chamber.

The metal magazine follower in mine has been remilled to be thinner. Apparently was not a fun job ... but it allows 1 in the jug and 4 down.

I thought someone posted recently that new bottom metal form Jim Wisner will allow five Rigbys in the Mag.

I may have to place another call to Mr. Wisner.

FIVE???!!!!!1

Well Mr. Wisner emailed me something about those floorplates being done in March, and will cost about 65 + shipping...

Coolguy,

Did Mr. Wisner confirm 5? That sounds like a bargain to me.

I hope both the 5 and $65 are correct, but I doubt both!!

So what's the word on reenforcing the stock? Who should do that work? Thanks, Okie John

I'm not sure about five. Probably 4...

Pretty sure that he said $65 though, when I bothered him via email.

Hart,



I have a CZ550 in 416 Rigby. I can "just" get 4 rounds into the magazine. Initially I was proud as punch.... 4+1 -- cool, then I did the "rapid cycle, empty your gun" drill.



Round #1 at the top of the magazine stack will feed "okay" but not nearly as heart warmingly smooth as magazine rounds #2, #3, and #4. There is a LOT of up pressure on that first round due to the tightly compressed spring with 4 down. Needing a fast second shot with a bolt rifle is enough to make you wish for a double anyway and the last thing you need is the first round coming up out of the magazine being a little quirky. At least to date on my rifle, I wouldn't go into a life threatening situation with 4 down; whereas 3 down feeds like glass. I would encourage you to test the "rapid cycle" with your individual rifle to determine if what is a good configuration for you.



At a minimum, being able to put 4 down DOES make it nice to accomplish the "1 in the chamber and 3 down" insofar as you can put four down initially and then immediately cycle the top one into the action and then have 3 glass smooth ones in the magazine WITHOUT having to load part or all of the 3 in the magazine through the floor plate.



I know it is a "little thing" but could turn into a "big thing" if you don't know just how your specific rifle will handle this "wild card" extra magazine round. Perhaps with a little tinkering the "1st of 4 down" feeding can be improved to match 2,3 & 4, but until then I plan to follow "manufacturer's specifications" for any serious situations.



Good Luck and Good Hunting,

EKM

ELKampMaster, I finaly got to try the gun with a full magazine again. I didn't want to reply till I tried it again as this rifle is new to me. There doesn't seem to be too much up pressure with 4 cartridges in the magazine. With just light down pressure there is about 1/8" clearance between the top cartridge and the bottom of the bolt. With 4 rounds in the mag the bolt slides back and forth with ease. There is hardly any friction from the case rubbing on the bottom of the bolt. When the bolt is pulled all the way back to pick up the first (of 4) cartridges, it feeds it with ease. There is hardly any difference between the first cartridge and the rest in the way they feed.

Looking closely I can see the first cartridge moves ahead till it makes contact with the feed ramp where it then pops out from under the rail. It looks to me that a little polishing under the left rail will let the cartridge start moving with even less resistance.

Since we are asking questions has any used the MPI stocks with the CZ actions? Any comment on the quality of these stocks?
Jason