I'm starting my LH 375 H&H project. I'm planning to build a classic style safari rifle and need some opinions. The rifle will be wood stocked (probably AI) and blued (matt finish) with a barrel band, express sights, ebony tipped stock etc.

First of all, should I go SS or CM? I'm planning to keep the rifle <9 lbs. and it'll be blued anyway. So my thoughts are to go with chrome moly. I plan to have the bolt handle checkered as well as a few more gunsmithing chores and figure the CM will be easier to work with and after all the work is done, I'll send it out for bluing. Also, I might be off base, but I suspect that a CM action might cycle a little "slicker" then a stainless action (less galling potential etc.)

Secondly, when I order up the action, I'm considering making it a barreled action with a MRC barrel. It would save a step in the building process. Everything I hear about MRC barrels has been good and I don't think I'd gain anything by going with a barrel from somewhere else. Anyone think differently? How about contour, twist and length? I'm thinking a 24" #5 contour with a 1:12 twist.

I'm open to any recommendations.

MRC makes a very good barrel IMO...but they tend to be heavy for caliber. I would keep that in mind if you are trying to keep the rifle light. The rifle as you describe will be closer to 10lbs.

MRC will build that barreled action with a #4 barrel contour.
As long as you go with a syn stock you should not have any difficulty keeping the finished weight under 9 pounds with a small scope.
Choice of metal is some what personal but if it were mine I would order in in SS and after you had all the work done you could have it hard chromed or finished with any of the similar styles of finish.
But don't delay ordering it. Since I purchased one of there LH SS 458 Lotts in Jan 06 they have raised the price approximately $150 and waiting times increased from 2 months to 12.