My PH said the 450 Dakota CZ550 was about as good as it gets for a dangerous game rifle. They like the set-trigger over there, because clients can take a shot and have greater confidence in the bullet placement.

Good thing CZ listened to PHs about building the rifles, instead of the armchair experts here.

Myles has a Ruger RSM in 458 Lott, and we compared impact on game with my 450D. He said, if the Lott actually gave the 2350fps it would be moshe-moshe (good-good in Shona), but there have been disappoints with the actual MV under 2300. He also really likes the bigger case, since 120+ degree temperatures there raise pressure a bit.

He carried a 416 Rigby, and thought it might have done nearly as well as the 450D; but there were zero issues with how it performed. A buff anchored, that did not move 10 feet from impact to dead is hard to beat.
The Swift A-Frame 500gr SP at 2370fps impacting at 165 yds weighed 468gr, and the Barnes 500 gr solid weighed 499gr. I could reload it and shoot it again. Just a slightly scuffed nose. Same MV and poi at 100. 107gr of IMR 4350. I shot the buff twice with the Barnes, and they did not recover the second one. MV was 2370fps for both bullets.

Next trip I will take the 416 Rigby and the finished 550 Gibbs. It needs a second recoil reducer in the butt.

I will post more.

Rich
Buffalo Killer

Congratulations Rich, on a hunt that sounds like the definition of a trophy hard earned.

Rich, I am with ya man! I should get my .450 Dakota from AHR in February.

Dave

Dave,

my PH (Myles McCallum) said my load at 2370fps worked perfectly! 107gr of IMR 4350 with both bullets. As I said, my bull never moved 10 feet after getting the softpoint just behind the shoulder. He took a half step just as I touched the set-trigger on the CZ. He liked that option.

Rich
Buffalo Killer

No disrespect intended but isn't a 165 yard shot kinda long for buffalo hunting? My PH has requested me to sight in for 50 yards. I guess the area you are hunting could dictate differently. Good on ya Rich and glad you had a great time. Hope you can get back soon! 165 yards and a one shot kill=great shooting!

Pegleg,

normally, I would agree with you. We had been tracking this herd for a day and a half. It was an absolute peach of a shot, no other buff behind him, and a clear sunny day. My PH was comfortable enough with my shooting to set the sticks up and tell me to take the shot. The set-trigger on the CZ is 1pound set.

Rich
Buffalo Killer