(.224 member)

25/10/11 08:24 PM

CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Hi I have just ordered a CZ 550 SAFARI CLASSICS in 505 Gibbs

and was wondering if anyone had some loads they could share.
Looking forward to testing it out soon

Cheers
Carl

(.416 member)

25/10/11 08:50 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

G'Day Carl,

If I remember correctly, Guns and Game magazine done an article on the CZ 550 in 505 Gibbs, a few issues back?

I will try to locate my copy of this and get back to you!

Doh!
Homer

(.400 member)

25/10/11 09:18 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Awesome! Have fun!

(.375 member)

27/10/11 03:29 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Mauser,

I have the same rifle. I got it in 2007 as a backup to take with me to Zim.

So far I have saved all my brass, but I havn't reloaded any.

I purchase the Norma PH/Kevin Robertson endorsed ammo, and it shoots nicely. These come with 600 grain solids and all I have been able to locate through Midway and others is 525, so I don't really know what to do about reloading.

If you have any luck let me know.

Edward

(.450 member)

27/10/11 03:35 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Woodleigh has load data for the 505 Gibbs. might be worth emailing them.

Some of it is mine as my 505 was used to develop the original 600gn PP loads.

I can't give you the data myself as I can't access my computer which has it on ATM.

(.224 member)

27/10/11 10:26 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Hi Guys,
thanks for the replies
will email woodleigh to ask about load data
should get the rifle in the next two weeks

will be loading some 525gn woodleigh bullets in bertram cases for load development
really looking forward to getting this rifle
Cheers
Carl

(.333 member)

27/10/11 10:59 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Have fun and make sure you have plenty of padding between the rifle and you when shooting off of the bench. I learned the hard way with my 500 Jeffery lol ... I absolutely love my 500 Jeffery now that I treat her with more respect

(.416 member)

02/11/11 10:11 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

G'Day Fella's,

Carl,get yourself a copy of the October-December 2009 (number 64), of Guns & Game ( www.gunsgame.com ) magazine! It has a write up on the CZ 550, in 505 Gibbs.

The loads tested in this article, are as follows;

Bullet , Powder Type , Charge weight, Velocity, Comments

Woodleigh 600grn, , , 1970fps, Norma Factory Load.
" 525grn, ADI AR-2213SC, 130grn , 2220fps,
" 525grn, """"""""""""", 135grn , 2276fps,
" 525grn, """"""""""""", 136grn , 2315fps, Duplicates Original Factory Load.
" 600grn, """"""""""""", 120grn , 1945fps,
" 600grn, """"""""""""", 125grn , 2094fps,
" 600grn, """"""""""""", 130grn , 2130fps,
" 600grn, """"""""""""", 131grn , 2155fps, Ideal recommended velocity for 600grn bullet.

I hope that helps!
Looking forward to the report!

And by the way Carl, I'm glad its your shoulder and not mine!!!

Double Doh!!
Homer

Edited by Homer.
Fella's, I tried to to replicate the same Printing Layout as in the G&G magazine but when I posted the above, it was all crammed together!
I then tried to edit that but it went back to as it was before!!!

Bugger!!!
Homer

No sooner logged off last night when the light came on in my head!
I hope that improved things a little?

(.224 member)

05/11/11 06:56 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Thanks for that Homer i will G&G Oct-Dec for a read
Went and had a look at the rifle when it came in and it has the best looking piece of wood i have seen

(.416 member)

05/11/11 10:21 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

G'Day Mauser 57,

Good to hear and looking forward to the images!!!

Avagreatweekendeh!
Homer

(.224 member)

08/12/11 09:24 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

I picked up the 505

today very impressed with the fit and finish, looking forward to testing in the coming week

photos coming soon
Carl

(.400 member)

08/12/11 09:28 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Looking forward to seeing them.

(.333 member)

08/12/11 11:06 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Look forward to the photo's, my CZ came with good wood out of the box too. But 505 Gibbs hmmm like Homer says glad it's your shoulder (ha damn I am getting old)

No truly I am sure it will be all you wish for. Send soon please.

(.416 member)

09/12/11 05:20 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

For some reason, I have been dreaming of a 505 lately too. Congrats!
Looking forward to the photos and your report.

(.375 member)

09/12/11 08:12 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

God, you give me a lot of envy, though my preferred cartridge bolt action rifle would be the 500 Jeffery, the 505 Gibbs also love. Too bad that so mindless of our politicians both are considered war and therefore forbidden to individuals. Even if they were allowed who would not allow me to have a rifle in one of these cartridges would be the money, my budget .

(.450 member)

09/12/11 08:23 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Good one, now go out and kill something with it.

FYI, my 505 Gibbs lifted a 'Roo clean off it's feet at about 40 yards and dumped it sideways onto the ground. The red spray on the far side under the spotlight was 15 - 20 feet wide and 15 20 feet high (their was a big gum tree behind it
that copped the full spray).

(.333 member)

10/12/11 02:00 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Ok, where are the photos?

(.416 member)

10/12/11 02:54 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

I picked up the 505 today very impressed with the fit and finish, looking forward to testing in the coming week
photos coming soon
Carl

Carl, like Tophet, I am looking forward to your report on how the 505 shoots...................... Ohh and the medical report on your shoulder if shot off the bench

(.333 member)

11/12/11 07:41 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Carl let's see some photos of the rifle and if you're as foolish as I was to shoot 15 full power rounds from the bench without a pad or lead sled, we'll compare bruises lol ! Best of luck with the 505 Gibbs and welcome to the 500 club!

(.400 member)

11/12/11 08:39 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

I did shoot it at Norma, was very nice!!! /S

(.224 member)

11/12/11 04:40 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Okay herehare some Photos

http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc363/Mauser57/CZ%20505%20Gibbs/PICT0048.jpg

http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc363/Mauser57/CZ%20505%20Gibbs/PICT0007.jpg

http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc363/Mauser57/CZ%20505%20Gibbs/505Gibbs.jpg

(.450 member)

11/12/11 04:46 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Awesome looking.

And it looks like they have got the wrist shape and thickness right for this gun.

Very nice.

(.224 member)

11/12/11 05:23 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

The rifle is very easy point and comfortable to hold for me
will try it on some pigs as soon as i can get away from work
Carl

(.450 member)

11/12/11 05:25 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Carl

That's good to hear.

Nothing worse than an unbalanced big bore. My custom 500J is like that but my 505 Gibbs, even though it has a huge stock and is a brute of a gun in size is fine in the balance department.

(.416 member)

11/12/11 11:31 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Good bit of figure in that stock. They are a large heavy rifle but tend to balance well.

(.333 member)

13/12/11 02:20 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Nice rifle! My CZ 550 in 500 Jeffery balances right in the middle of the magazine which is where I like it, makes for a lively light feeling, easy pointing rifle even though it weighs 11.25 lbs with the two mercury recoil reducers in it. A lot of folks prefer a more muzzle heavy rifle, but I don't. Once again, congrats on the new rifle!

(.224 member)

13/12/11 10:37 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

well i fired the 505 yesterday

the 525gn woodleigh 2200fps was resonably comfortable to shoot.
But the 600gn woodleigh at 2300fps was a lot harder to handle so i will not be using to many of these. looking at cast projectiles for reduced loads and maybe size down the 440gn 510 woodleighs
now for those pigs

(.333 member)

14/12/11 10:34 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Yup it takes a bit getting used to, a 570g TSX at 2300 fps is right at the top of my comfort zone. Add another 100 fps or so and it just isn't much fun.

(.450 member)

14/12/11 10:37 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Mauser

Those 600gns really give a good boot, That's for sure.

I noticed the animals feel it on the other end as well.

(.224 member)

14/12/11 11:29 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

I think that using my mates Ruger No.1 in 500NE with full loads has helped me handle the 505 recoil as i do not think it is as bad as some people think as all i have used before this was a 308 and 7x57.
I will be using the 505 more often when chasing pigs
carl

(.450 member)

14/12/11 11:34 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

The 440gns can be "slightly explosive" on pigs at higher velocity.

Certainly kill them well.

(.333 member)

14/12/11 01:38 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

I think that using my mates Ruger No.1 in 500NE with full loads has helped me handle the 505 recoil as i do not think it is as bad as some people think as all i have used before this was a 308 and 7x57.
I will be using the 505 more often when chasing pigs
carl

I'm thinking of backing off my 500 Jeffery loads to 500 NE levels (570g at 2150). I don't think anyone ever claimed the 500 NE had problems killing things and I won't mind a bit less recoil. I'm guessing the 600g Woodleighs at 2150 will feel a tad softer as well.

(.400 member)

02/02/12 07:55 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Who sells brass for these in Australia?

(.450 member)

02/02/12 07:56 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

Who sells brass for these in Australia?

Possibly get from Hornady

We got Bell in the US to make a Special batch for us
but apart from that, it is hard to come by.

(.224 member)

02/02/12 09:34 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Bertram Brass as these that i have seem to be a good batch (50 cases)
Carl

(.450 member)

02/02/12 09:40 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Good one, I forgot about him.

(.224 member)

02/02/12 09:48 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

i have the guns and game magazine article now in a pdf very good reading, will be looking at the loads from the review
Carl

(.400 member)

02/02/12 10:36 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Carl, how is your .505 Gibbs going?

Nigel, have you ever posted photos of yours here?

(.450 member)

02/02/12 11:39 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

I think so, a long time ago.

I can't post photos but someone did.

It will be sitting on a piece of leather at a 45 degree angle next to it's original stock.

.

Administrator

(.700 member)

03/02/12 02:55 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

One of these CZ's in .500 Jeffery or .505 Gibbs would be very nice for BGRC. Not to mention mean nasty critters.

Except for the price for the things. Checked one out second hand and sheesh!

(.224 member)

03/02/12 10:48 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

a little bit expensive but in my opinion they are worth it the fit and finish on mine is excellent and i have no complaints at all.
Ben, i have had little time at this stage to use it. i have only shot 15 rounds so far.
work and the weather are both getting in the way
Cheers
Carl

(.450 member)

03/02/12 10:59 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

A little bit expensive compared to what ?

A custom made gun ?

I thought for what you are getting they were quite reasonably priced.

(.400 member)

03/02/12 11:34 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Carl, good luck with it! They keep tempting me... I keep resisting.

(.224 member)

04/02/12 10:04 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

Carl, good luck with it! They keep tempting me... I keep resisting.

you want one you know it just go with it and you wont look back!!!!

Nitro 500
a little bit expensive when you are use to buying $500 rifles but as you say they are VERY good value for an off the shelf semi Custom and i have no regrets in paying $4300 for mine
Carl

(.450 member)

04/02/12 10:09 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

Nitro 500
a little bit expensive when you are use to buying $500 rifles but as you say they are VERY good value for an off the shelf semi Custom and i have no regrets in paying $4300 for mine
Carl

Agreed

Knowing what a semi custom 500J works out at, $4300 is good value IMHO, I thought they were a bit more than that.

AND, I think Brno did a damn good job of them from the one or two I have seen. Hard pushed to get something like that for under $5000 at a minimum.

(.224 member)

04/02/12 01:36 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

Quote:

Nitro 500
a little bit expensive when you are use to buying $500 rifles but as you say they are VERY good value for an off the shelf semi Custom and i have no regrets in paying $4300 for mine
Carl

Agreed

Knowing what a semi custom 500J works out at, $4300 is good value IMHO, I thought they were a bit more than that.

AND, I think Brno did a damn good job of them from the one or two I have seen. Hard pushed to get something like that for under $5000 at a minimum.

When you can buy a gun like these you cannot but be impressed with the fit and finish and with extras like a mercury recoil reducer.
I for one am very impressed and so are other people i have shown this rifle to.
Carl

(.275 member)

05/02/12 02:24 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

I have one of the 505Gibbs and like to add a few comments, in separate posts, so I can gather
my thoughts and not time out. First.

Price:
These guns (505Gibbs and 500J) cost $3,000 and are built in the St Louis MO custom shop.
These are not the same quality guns as those imported from Check Republic, but obviously
built around the same imported 550 magnum action.

There are options that allow to you boost up the price, but mine cost 3K, its a beauty looks
great and a reliable shooter. It looks like the photo. And at 3,000 it is a bargain of a
lifetime IMHO.

(.450 member)

05/02/12 02:35 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

fourbore
The difference in price is because of Australia and the US.

Re the St Louis MO custom shop, best thing CZ ever did.

Almost back to the old days of really nice Brno 602's.

(.275 member)

05/02/12 02:39 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Australia, I did not notice that. Its a small world now with the www.

My 3c adjusted for inflation on some options for the custom built CZ550 magnums.

I got the base gun, 24"bbl and neglected to specifically ask for the reducers. FYI, if you
want the Mercury you better ask. I think, its all backed into the price. My experience
shooting was the first shot with 600gr factory loads was an eye opener! Mush more recoil than my
458Lott in same CZ550. I added weight, then found the 535 gr loads were not as bad. Next I added
a scope. Less recoil with a scope. I tried a PAST recoil vest and recoil became a non issue with
either factory load. I removed the scope and the weights. What I am saying, is the reducers
or weight may be something each shooter adjusts over time as he get used to the recoil and
adjusts other variables. This rifle is a definite step up in recoil from a 458 to deal with.

The option I wish was available when I got mine was the pop up peep sight. I currently use NEGC
(?) after market peep.

(.450 member)

05/02/12 02:48 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Yes, I wish they had gone for the pop up peep, that would be really nice however I think the tooling up for it would have been prohibitive.

Mercury recoil reducers might be a bit of a problem if installed at the factory as I believe it then rules out air freight as an option (mercury being banned from being air freighted).

Anyway, at least CZ has gone for a quality product and not cheap cheap cheap.

Re the 600gn, my 505Gibbs weighs a lot but even I noticed the recoil when testing the bullets for Woodleigh.

I found Recovery for the 2nd shot was quite long for both 525 and 600gns due to muzzle rise (plus mine is a Magnum mauser so it takes time to pull back).

So personally, I wouldn't use mine for culling again as you can't get the volume of fire like I can with a 375H&H.

(.275 member)

05/02/12 03:13 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

Yes, I wish they had gone for the pop up peep, that would be really nice however I think the tooling up for it would have been prohibitive.

This is now available and some here even have had this option retrofitted to their 550's.
It is available on a new build.

See page 32, $350 installed:

http://www.cz-usa.com/assets/files/CZ-USA_2011_Product_Catalog.pdf

(.224 member)

21/03/12 05:50 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Nice rifle. Looked to buy one myself. Received a quote last Thursday (March 15, 2012) from my local gun dealer. The quote was $3,225. I need 50% down and delivery is in 3 months. Did not "pull the trigger" on the build as I am exploring a .500 Nitro double. The price seemed relatively fair although I see them advertised on the net for $2,800. The dealer that I buy from has been selling me large caliber rifles since 1972 and generally gives me exceptional deals. I asked him about the $2,800 price that I have seen advertised and he could not duplicate that price. I am not disappointed with the cost, but was a bit worried that the quality was not quite up to the BRNO 602. The rifle pictured above looks quite nice. I would choose the .505 Gibbs even though the odd bullet diameter size as I don't care for the finicky rebated rim of the .500 Jeff. Probably a better cartridge as .510 projectiles are more readily available, but there is something rather cool about the .505 Gibbs. I will be anxious to see how yours (mauser57) shoots. I have not ruled-out the Gibbs, but right now feel as though to do Africa the way I have always dreamed about, I will need a .500 Nitro double. Should that fall through, the .505 Gibbs is on the back burner. I will need a minimum of three times that cost for a double and perhaps more like 5 times if Butch Searcy builds me one. Please post results from shooting the CZ.

Nyati50

(.333 member)

07/05/12 01:52 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

Carl let's see some photos of the rifle and if you're as foolish as I was to shoot 15 full power rounds from the bench without a pad or lead sled, we'll compare bruises lol ! Best of luck with the 505 Gibbs and welcome to the 500 club!

15 rounds from the bench with my CZ in 500 Jeffery, loads were 570g TSX at 2200 fps, 2300 fps, 2400 fps. Shoulder started to sting when I shot the 8th round, but I was determined (stupid) to finish the 15 rounds for load development. Then next day I bought a lead sled ...

It's great to shoot offhand though ...

My bruise at day 2, it got more colorful later in the week

My 500 Jeff "Baby" I treat her with more respect now ..

(.400 member)

07/05/12 06:06 PM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Chuck, you're a brave man bench-shooting those things! Glad it's all working-out for you! Have fun!

(.333 member)

08/05/12 10:18 AM

Re: CZ 550 Safari 505 Gibbs

Quote:

Quote:

Yes, I wish they had gone for the pop up peep, that would be really nice however I think the tooling up for it would have been prohibitive.

This is now available and some here even have had this option retrofitted to their 550's.
It is available on a new build.

See page 32, $350 installed:

[

Well... I'm amazed at this welcome news

I own three ZKK's with pop-up peeps, and have measured, modelled in 3D CAD and created engineering drawings of some small irreplaceable parts to restore others to their working condition. The peep is fast, very usable and a remarkably well designed feature of the early ZKK's.

The pop-up sight recess in the ZKK receiver was intricately machined, obviously using several special tools and jigs. CZ-USA should be commended for taking the time and effort to creat a CNC machining program to recreate the ZKK pop up peep recess on the CZ550's.

Hmmm... now I wonder if they will also offer this service on later non pop-up peep ZKK601, ZKK600 and ZKK602's

NitroExpress.com

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