I have a 458 but want something bigger. Do not want to go over 500 because bullets and such get harder to find. Double rifles are out of the question because of cost and optics are a must. Think entery level bolt gun! Here is my thinking.
4. best round is the 500 AHR but with the main draw backs of finding cases, dies and rifles.
3. 5oo A Square with the 460 Weatherby for a parent case, brass and dies are not a problem but rifles are limited to custom.
2. 500 Gibbs being 505 bullets are limited. There lots of Gibbs out there so bullets should not be a problem but still could be on the whims of the makers.
1. 500 Jeffery, short neck, rebated rim, I have heard. It is almost 100 years old and not even close to the 458 Win Mag urban rumors! Lots of bullets, several makers of brass and dies. More than several makers of rifles. Whats not to love. Am I missing something?

I will hand load, do not like brakes, and a pig will not know its dead with any of them!

My choices in order:

500 A2, start with a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby, easiest round to get a rifle made in, and a great cartridge (doesn't have the history of the Gibbs or Jeffery).

505 Gibbs if you start with an action with a larger bolt face than a CZ 550.

500 Jeffery in a CZ 550, expect some work to make it feed and function flawlessly or buy one that does already! I'm not selling mine though lol

Good luck

How about the 500 MDM? Short, compact, and powerful. Michael McCurry has the brass, dies and bullets, Accurate Innovations makes the stocks with embedded Aluminum bedding plate, and SSK does the metalwork.

+ 2 for the .500 M.D.M !

Awesome looking bone cruncher there John !!!

It is a cool rifle, I saw Tanks rifle when we were bear hunting in New Mexico

I do not think you can beat the 505 Gibbs for power. Since you have a 458, all you need in terms of bullet selection are a good solid and a soft point. Woodleigh makes both, and there are others.

I have owned most of the big bores available, and even wildcatted the Gibbs to a 550 caliber version.


Rich

quote:

Originally posted by chuck375:
My choices in order:

500 A2, start with a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby, easiest round to get a rifle made in, and a great cartridge (doesn't have the history of the Gibbs or Jeffery).

505 Gibbs if you start with an action with a larger bolt face than a CZ 550.

500 Jeffery in a CZ 550, expect some work to make it feed and function flawlessly or buy one that does already! I'm not selling mine though lol

Good luck

I have a 505 Gibbs on a standard size bolt in a CZ 550 action, not a problem with it holding the cartridge.
What is the reason for your aversion to using the 550 action?

Cheers.

Montana Rifles?

quote:

Originally posted by 416RigbyHunter:

quote:

Originally posted by chuck375:
My choices in order:

500 A2, start with a CZ 550 in 416 Rigby, easiest round to get a rifle made in, and a great cartridge (doesn't have the history of the Gibbs or Jeffery).

505 Gibbs if you start with an action with a larger bolt face than a CZ 550.

500 Jeffery in a CZ 550, expect some work to make it feed and function flawlessly or buy one that does already! I'm not selling mine though lol

Good luck

I have a 505 Gibbs on a standard size bolt in a CZ 550 action, not a problem with it holding the cartridge.
What is the reason for your aversion to using the 550 action?

Cheers.

I love the CZ 550 action, I just felt the bolt face was too small for the 505 Gibbs. I have a CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery which I love, though the Gibbs was my first choice. Perhaps it was just paranoia on my part.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I do not think you can beat the 505 Gibbs for power. Since you have a 458, all you need in terms of bullet selection are a good solid and a soft point. Woodleigh makes both, and there are others.

I have owned most of the big bores available, and even wildcatted the Gibbs to a 550 caliber version.


Rich

Actually, the 505Gibbs is drastically underloaded in factory rounds, down to around 6200ftlbs. This is similar to the situation with the 416Rigby factory rounds at 5100ftlbs. I load our 416Rigbys up to 6200ftlbs.

The 505 only wins the day for power when handloaded to over 8000 ftlbs of muzzle energy. It can handle that in its sleep if you want to carry around such a rifle and be shooting such rounds day in and day out.

As for rounds in the 6000-7000 energy range, this is handled nicely and inexpensively by the 500AccRel Nyati.

The Accurate Reloading round was developed by Jeffeoso and based on a Rigby case that has been cut back to 2.65" so that it fits standard length actions. The Nyati version is recommended with its 0.25" freebore. The original 500AccRel has a 1.25" freebore, with is too long for handling normal hunting bullets.

A Ruger Hawkeye action will handle the round and are readily available used through Gunbroker. To that you ask McGowen Barrels to do you a 20 or 22" barrel. They can modify the boltface at the same time as chambering, or else have your local gunsmith mount and chamber the barrel.

I went this route after deciding that I wanted a lightweight, easy-carrying rifle, but a rifle that would not be used at over 7000 ftlbs of muzzle energy. The 500AccRel met that standard, while the Jeffrey and Gibbs demanded larger, heavier rifles that would be more difficult to lug around the forest. It was an easy call and I would do it again. My only problem has been that I have cracked two stocks by not properly bedding them and now await the opportunity to put a third stock on it. Boyds makes something respectible for $250, including LOP, and lazer checkering.

blessings on your choice(s).

I went with a .500 A2 after two failed attempts at a getting a properly functioning.500 Jeffery. I know there are a lot of guys on here that have Jeffery's that work perfectly, but be aware that the potential for problems exists if you decide to go that route.

I've been very happy with my A2, but must admit that a big reason I went that direction was that I had a rather large supply of .460 Wby. brass already on hand. If I were starting from scratch, I'd probably go with the Gibbs, as components are readily available and when you factor in ballistic potential with history and nostalgia, you can't help but smile just a little

I have no experience with the MDM or AccRel rounds, but have read good things about them. Speaking of which Biebs, that's a really nice looking rifle you have!

quote:

Speaking of which Biebs, that's a really nice looking rifle you have! tu2

Nice looking rifles are all I own :-)

Lots of versatility with the gibbs going from 6000 to 8000 lbs easily. My 22" 550 seems pretty handy and I don't think I'd want it any lighter. The history and nostalgia are pretty cool too.

500 accrel (sig signature line) - I am in conroe, if you want to shoot some of the big ones... the 500 accrel was designed as a modern redeux of the 500 jeffe (which I have also done) - least powder burnt to get 500 jeffe ballastics .. period.

I vote for the 500a2 as it is a tried and true option. A .416 Rigby based CZ550 can be easily converted and doesn't require expensive gunsmithing. It flat works and can lob 650 gr .50 BMG rounds if you throat it for them. I have a lot of experience with .50 caliber rifles and shoot the .500a2 far more than my .505 Gibbs. You just expand .460 wby cases, add powder and a .510 bullet and each case is automatically fire formed. Nothing that walks this earth can tell the difference from a .500a2 or a hot loaded .505 Gibbs. Save yourself a ton of grief. Go with the .500A2. -Rob

I have to agree with Rob. I have a 505 Gibbs, and have owned 2 500 asquares, and a 500 jeffery. By far the best were the Asquares. To load for and find brass...Jeff's Accrel would be right after the Asquare.

Ed

Like everything, depends on how much money you want to spend $$$ ! CZ550 on 500 A2 is the easiest ,like Rob says ,i had one, and no problems with it, easy to get to feed, easy to get brass etc .MNR Custom Rifles make a nice 505 for $9500.00.Or buy a factory CZ550 in 500 J or Gibbs, MDM is different again harder to find brass ,dies etc which i wouldnt bother with

quote:

Originally posted by 505ED:
I have to agree with Rob. I have a 505 Gibbs, and have owned 2 500 asquares, and a 500 jeffery. By far the best were the Asquares. To load for and find brass...Jeff's Accrel would be right after the Asquare.

Ed

The choice might come down to the length of the action and weight of the rifle. The 500AccRel works in a standard action 3.4" magazine, while the 500-A2 needs a magnum length action and results in a heavier rifle in most configurations.

I decided to limit my loads to 7000ftlbs, so choosing a light, standard configuration was a no brainer. (Ruger Hawkeye)

I'm partial to the 500 Jeff. I have one from Heym and I don't have ANY trouble making it shoot and spit out brass....flawlessly. Plus it's real easy to load and find components. Plus, only the 505 Gibbs has the same "history" to it.....if that matters to you.

Gary

Good information from all of you.
Thanks
There is not cheap on a bone crusher! Being a toy for me the economics will be a big factor. With $45 oil and that being the business I am in it could be a dream! Now ideas on a low ball price build is say an 500 A-Square? Nothing fancy, just a reliable shooter. Compared to $3200 for a off the self CZ.

I shipped mine off to McGowen Rifle Barrels for a complete turn key job. Mcgowen makes the barrels for the Safari Classic series and I had them make mine an exact duplicate of those barrels right down to the contour, recoil lug, and integral rear sight base. They trued and squared the action, threaded the barrel for a brake and cap, switched the barrel band and sights off of my original barrel ( mine actually started out as a Safari Classic) and bead blasted the finish. I would have to look around for my invoice, but if memory serves I think my total bill was around $700, plus or minus, for everything.

The barrel itself was dirt cheap, around a couple hundred dollars if memory serves, and your project could potentially be done much cheaper depending on whether or not you want sights, a barrel band, ect.

I've been very happy with mine, as the fit and finish is superb and it is a very accurate and consistent rifle!

Hi Live Oak,

If you PM huble458 he could give you details
about getting into a .585 HE rifle for
measurably LESS $$$ than you might expect. I
know it's a larger caliber, but it can be
downloaded to subsonic. I just think the info
is worth factoring into your thinking. There's
PLENTY of brass and bullets available. Link 585HE
http://forums.accuratereloadin...043/m/1871066971/p/4

quote:

Originally posted by DGR Shooter:
I shipped mine off to McGowen Rifle Barrels for a complete turn key job. Mcgowen makes the barrels for the Safari Classic series and I had them make mine an exact duplicate of those barrels right down to the contour, recoil lug, and integral rear sight base. They trued and squared the action, threaded the barrel for a brake and cap, switched the barrel band and sights off of my original barrel ( mine actually started out as a Safari Classic) and bead blasted the finish. I would have to look around for my invoice, but if memory serves I think my total bill was around $700, plus or minus, for everything.

The barrel itself was dirt cheap, around a couple hundred dollars if memory serves, and your project could potentially be done much cheaper depending on whether or not you want sights, a barrel band, ect.

I've been very happy with mine, as the fit and finish is superb and it is a very accurate and consistent rifle!

My CZ 500 Jeffery has a 24" McGowen barrel with a 1 in 10" twist. It shoots well under 1 MOA.

quote:

Originally posted by Live Oak:
Good information from all of you.
Thanks
There is not cheap on a bone crusher! Being a toy for me the economics will be a big factor. With $45 oil and that being the business I am in it could be a dream! Now ideas on a low ball price build is say an 500 A-Square? Nothing fancy, just a reliable shooter. Compared to $3200 for a off the self CZ.

Yes, $3000 is the price to beat. If you build your own, you will have the cost of base platform plus $700 for a barrel, chamber, and alterations.
A CZ in 416Rigby makes a moderately priced platform. The stock will be substantial and should handle the 500A2. The final rifle will be on the heavy side as a standard hunting rifle. You can probably save a couple of hundred dollars with a Ruger Hawkeye second hand. However, the Ruger stock will need beefing up, bedding, or maybe a replacement. The Ruger will probably be a pound or more lighter than a CZ, which is what tipped the scales for me to the 500AccRel. It feels good to shoot, though the Hogue stock needed the grip altered to keep the bolt from smacking my trigger finger. It was easily done with a dremel.

I would think that once you had a Cz550 in .416 Rigby that $1500 should easily get you a working 500a2. A new barrel is $400, threading, chambering and head spacing $200, feeding and extractor work $200. FRONT Recoil lug $200. Stock, cross bolts, glass bedding and recoil lug fitting. $300. Mag box pounding out ribs and polishing rails, reshape follower and ramp $150. Does not include iron sights, new trigger etc, but requires re- use of original stock. Some might even be cheaper.- Rob

I'm having a 495 A2 built now. My Ruger RSM Lott took two buffalo in Moz in 2012, no complaints except 11.5 lbs. The big Ruger action with a 416 Rigby magazine and follower is a relatively easy conversion and the barrel will bore nicely. All I want is 570 grains at 2,200 ft. Say 500 NE+ If you want more speed, the 500 A2 has it. Brass is still available as well as dies, CH4D.
I made my chamber reamer with a slightly longer parallel throat for mono solids. Very special chamber.
100 grains R-15 is 99% full.
Good luck.

P Stoll,

I am sure you'll be a very satistfied camper!!!
Enjoy your 495 A2 to the UTMOST !

I'm hardly an expert, but I have to say that my .500 A2 has been very easy to keep, feed and load. In all honesty, it really has been zero drama.

What about one of the new Sako Brown Bears in .500J?

Shop cabelas library. I got a steal on a CZ .505. They have stuff come through all the time. It was basically unfired. And I mean steal.....Should have bought the sister .300 H+H for the same price. that was a mistake

Enjoyed meeting you in Don's firearms today.... good luck in the a-square search....

Check on our 585HE- Package of 100 cases, die set,

chambered barrel is $750. With right action get you

shooting for less than $1500, some actions $2000

or a little more.

Can be loaded at mild 577NE levels on up to more

power than Trex. For all uses lighy and heavy we found

over 15 bullets we can use from medium on up

to dangerous game. AS well a target fun.Ed

The 585 HE link:
http://ammoguide.com/?catid=699

I would not trade my .500 A-Square for any other big bore made by the hand of man. Simply the best there is.

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
I would not trade my .500 A-Square for any other big bore made by the hand of man. Simply the best there is.

Yes, the 500A-Square is a great cartridge. If I wanted to carry a rifle that was 1-2 pounds heavier I would now go with the 500A2.

Before building a 500AccRel I toyed with a 500Mbogo, which is, practically speaking, a beltless equivalent to the 500A2. However, finding reamers, dies, and brass already available is a big plus for the A2.

So in retrospect, for ease of a build I would go with the 500A2 if building on a CZ or magnum action.
For simpler, lighter carry, I'm still happiest with the 500 AccRel Nyati on a Ruger Hawkeye. What a blend of efficiency and power and cost-effectiveness!
(I have dies and stamped brass, and H322 powder, so I'm good to go with the Hogue stock on my "Nyati", but I still plan to bed a third laminate stock when I have time in the US.)

jimatcat, chance meeting but a pleasure! Wish we could have visited longer but I had a "fence building" calling my name.
Back to the 500. The Sako 85 in 500J is not out yet, maybe soon. Its an idea depends on price and how many actually hit the market. Thanks for the input on the 585HE, I think maybe a little much for me. Now If I would go with a build anybody know a good Smith in South Central Texas that can do an A2 or AccRel? I would like to stay local.

Our own Conroe, Texan JEFFEOSSO: www.weaponsmith.com = AccRel

There is a Ruger no. 1 '500 A Square Short' on Gunsinternational right now for $1350. Guess that means 495 A square? Anyway, something to think about if a single shot would work.

Just as an FYI .. the 500Accrel does what the 500a/well/jeffery does .. with 20% less powder, in a cheaper action .. just saying

I cannot speak to the .500 Accrel but I do have a .470 Accrel. I have been extremely impressed with the round. I can get 2200 fps easily with 500 grain bullets and H335 powder. The recoil is surprisingly -- perhaps shockingly -- light for a round with those ballistics. All in a standard length M70 action.