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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Big Bore Rifles
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SingleShot
.224 member


Reged: 23/11/11
Posts: 22
Loc: Springfield, Virginia, USA
550 Magnum
      #217580 - 04/10/12 11:48 AM

In 2004, there was a lot of interest in the new 550 Magnum concept. It was attractive because it could push a 700 grain bullet at 2300 fps and still fit in a CZ 550 and other inexpensive actions with easy modification. It is a blown out 460 Weatherby so the head to bolt face interface is standard and brass would be available. It has a lot of volume which keeps the pressure low while it is not so long as to require a high cost action. So what’s not to like about that?
I checked Custom Brass and Bullets and 550 Mag brass is a lot cheaper than 505 Gibbs brass. So, if ammo were available commercially, CZ (for example) might just offer the CZ550 in 550 Mag. With brass and bullets available, I am sure custom loaders would provide ammo but I don’t see it listed as a popular product. I understand that barrels are also available. In spite of all this opportunity to have a relatively inexpensive super stopper rifle, I don’t see much mention of that caliber these days. So, where is the 550 Magnum today?
SingleShot

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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: SingleShot]
      #217581 - 04/10/12 12:07 PM


I love the way people compare the price of brass.

100 cases of 505 will last almost a lifetime
for the number of shots most people make.

Just my HO.

I don't think CZ will make a gun in 550, too many
other options available.

Who makes bullets for the 550 ? I know someone does.

At least the 530 is available already if needed.

But the final thing, what is it going to do that
any other gun in that size isn't going to do already ?

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Ben
.400 member


Reged: 22/08/08
Posts: 1917
Loc: Northern Territory, Australia
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: 500Nitro]
      #217586 - 04/10/12 01:53 PM

Another factor may be that aside from wildcatters, many enthusiasts prefer cartridges with some history and heritage. Speaking for myself, I would absolutely go for a .500J or a .505G instead of the .550M (which is a new one to me).

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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: Ben]
      #217594 - 04/10/12 04:03 PM



Ben

Agree.

I have fired a 530 Magnum - both versions, the 460Wbt case and the 505 Case and well, they kick hard !

I have a 500J and a 505G

Also, why would CZ canabalise sales of the 505 Gibbs for what ? A few sales of the 550 for all the complications it would bring.


Winchester released too many calibres in too many different guns and got themselves in all sorts of crap, the result they closed down.

Better to have 10 of what people want than 2 of what everyone doesn't want !!!

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SingleShot
.224 member


Reged: 23/11/11
Posts: 22
Loc: Springfield, Virginia, USA
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: 500Nitro]
      #217776 - 09/10/12 05:23 AM

With regard to cases lasting a lifetime because they are not used much, I shoot my 500NE and my 458WM at the local range all the time. I shoot a lot of target loads, practicing various positions, use of shooting sticks, etc, etc. I sometimes shoot 50 rounds in an hour or so. At the end of my practice, I usually put on my recoil pad, slip a really hot one in the chamber and wake up the range. Then, I shot a few more dangerous game loads for practice and then call it a day. I have been doing that since 1969. Even though I try to extend brass life by not crimping, I have gone through a lot of cases since 1969. The cost of brass to people who target shoot and practice a lot can be significant.

I can see why CZ would not add a competing caliber, especially when it has no history or mystique. Maybe they might change from 505G to 550 Mag if the 550 became very popular. I would love to have either one!

SingleShot

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Idahoshooter
.275 member


Reged: 27/10/12
Posts: 64
Loc: Idaho, USA
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: SingleShot]
      #218843 - 02/11/12 05:42 AM

SingleShot,
I can understand your intrest in the .550 Mag since I have one being built right now. The .505 gibbs has history but it requires extensive modifications to a CZ action or an expensive custom action that was out of my price range. I chose the .550 over the .500 A-square or .500 jeffery because, well, it was bigger. Like you, I shoot a lot of mid-range loads at the range and being able to form brass from locally available cases was another advantage. The rifle should be finished next summer and I can hardly wait.

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chuck375
.333 member


Reged: 13/10/07
Posts: 445
Loc: Colorado Springs CO
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: Idahoshooter]
      #218923 - 03/11/12 11:58 AM

I'm very happy with my medium bore 500 Jeffery, but understand the never ending desire for bigger and more powerful lol! A 570g at 2300 fps is quite enough for me thank you!

--------------------
"There's a saying in prize fighting: Everyone's got a plan until they get hit"

Michael Douglas "The Ghost And The Darkness"

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Idahoshooter
.275 member


Reged: 27/10/12
Posts: 64
Loc: Idaho, USA
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: chuck375]
      #219149 - 06/11/12 02:16 PM

A .500 Jeffery is more than adequate for anything that lives. Most of my shooting with the .550 will be with 600 gr cast bullets in the 1500-1700 fps range. In a 12 pound rifle they should be quite pleasant to shoot. I hope!

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gryphon
.450 member


Reged: 01/01/03
Posts: 5487
Loc: Sambar ground/Victoria/Austral...
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: Idahoshooter]
      #219153 - 06/11/12 05:38 PM

100 cases lasting a lifetime Nige?

IMO its not worth having if you dont use it.

Bob Christopher from the BGRC was telling me personally how many rounds he puts through his big bores every week,I cant remember how many to quote him but at the time I thought sheeeiit!

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.

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bobrhess
.224 member


Reged: 20/03/13
Posts: 17
Loc: Glendale,CA USA
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: Idahoshooter]
      #227762 - 31/03/13 10:42 AM

Idahoshooter;

If you don't mind my asking I would like to have you tell me some things about your new 550 Magnum you are having built. I am thinking on having one built for myself in the near future.
1) Who is making it
2) will the stock be wood or synthetic
3) how many rounds in the magazine
4) stainless steel barrel? what length?

Thanks and I'm glad to hear about your new big bore!

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bobrhess
.224 member


Reged: 20/03/13
Posts: 17
Loc: Glendale,CA USA
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: Idahoshooter]
      #227969 - 04/04/13 03:20 AM

Idahoshooter;
If you don't mind, could you give me some details about your .500 magnum that is being built?
1) who is making it for you
2) what will be the barrel length
3) will it be stainless steel or something else
4) what grade wood will it be
5) any recoil reducers in the stock- how many and length
6) muzzle brake
7) magazine capacity

I plan on having a 500 magnum built in the future and wanted to see what others like about their .500

Thanks

Bob

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Idahoshooter
.275 member


Reged: 27/10/12
Posts: 64
Loc: Idaho, USA
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: bobrhess]
      #228474 - 10/04/13 11:29 AM

Bob,
Sorry I didn't see this sooner. The rifle is being built by Michael Scherz in Pocatello, Idaho. It will be blued steel with an english walnut stock, I requested a stock with fairly straight grain for strength. There will be no muzzlebreak or recoil reducers in the stock, the finished weight of 12 lbs should be enough to tame the recoil. It will have a quarter rib with a 2-leaf sight and a necg masterpiece banded front sight. Engraving will be kept to a minimum. The barrel length will be determined later by the rifles balance. The magazine holds three rounds which should be more than I ever need.

Greg

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bobrhess
.224 member


Reged: 20/03/13
Posts: 17
Loc: Glendale,CA USA
Re: 550 Magnum [Re: Idahoshooter]
      #228523 - 11/04/13 11:13 AM

Thanks,Greg! When you receive it and start shooting a few rounds; let me know how it shoots and with what kind and wt bullets!

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