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


Reged: 17/09/09
Posts: 10
Loc: South Australia
Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / advice
      #142269 - 18/09/09 05:53 PM

G’day all,

This is my first post as I am new to Big Bore so forgive my long winded post.

Just after some opinions and or advise from the forum on my first big bore rifle.

Over the past year I have purchased the bits and pieces for a DG rifle being a brand new CZ550 Safari Magnum in 375H&H and I have only fired about 25 – 30 rounds to basically break it in. It is now topped with Burris rings and a Leupold VXIII 1.5-5x20 with German #4 reticle.

Recently, as in just today, I have bought a McMillan composite stock via the internet from a private sell in another state and have not received it yet so I do not actually know all the details of it (Silly some may say but it appears to be a bargain that I feared may likely be lost if time was wasted).
The details I know are the stock has never had a rifle fitted whatsoever, it is a moulded in ripple pattern 60% light tan 25% woodland beige 15%light grey, 14” length of pull, 1” recoil pad. That is about all I know.
The seller said he bought this about 9 months ago but has now sold his CZ and several others to build a new custom hence no need for this stock.
My brief research on McMillan it seems to source one myself from a dealer hear in Australia would not leave me with a hell of a lot of change from $1000 AUD, I got this one for $550AUD A good deal? I really don’t know…

Some opinions I would be interested in are.

What do people think of the CZ550 Safari?
Is my choice of calibre a good one as an entry level DG (I am small framed and did not want to pound myself)?
What do people think of the German #4 reticle?
Can I go wrong with a McMillan stock?
Should I get it bedded or pillared or both?

Any other advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

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tophet1
.400 member


Reged: 15/09/07
Posts: 1873
Loc: NSW, Australia
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / advice [Re: brewman]
      #142272 - 18/09/09 06:55 PM

Welcome to Nitro Express,

The CZ's can produce a lot of opinions. I have owned two conventional CZ's. Straight from the box I beleive the CZ's can all benefit from the little tender loving care of a competant Gunsmith. If your rifle feeds and extracts reliably then it is an excellent entry level DG rifle.

They can all benefit from trigger work and (I peronally beleive) any rifle above .300 calibre will benefit from correct bedding and stock re-inforcement.

The scope you have chosen is de-rigueur for DG rifles and with the #4 reticle is perfect for larger game. I have a Leupold #4 reticle in a Leupold 1-4x20 Shotgun scope on my 9.3x62. It proved ideal for large plains game up to 750kg live weight in Africa in June from ranges of 40 metres to 230 metres.

I have no knowledge of the McMillan stocks but beleive they have a good reputation for quality.

Consult a quality gunsmith in regard to bedding the rifle. Sunshine Coast gunsmiths in Qld have a lot of experience with CZ's and DG calibres. Other forum members maybe able to recommend gunsmiths in the southern states.

IMHO you have an excellent rifle. Get it sorted if required and then shoot and enjoy it.

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controlled_feed
.300 member


Reged: 23/05/08
Posts: 227
Loc: NSW, Australia
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / advice [Re: tophet1]
      #142275 - 18/09/09 07:37 PM

brewman

I have a CZ550 in .458 WM and love it.

The points that tophet1 brings up are very pertinent.

I had the trigger worked, the action smoothed up,the action bedded and the stock reinforced. The stock reinforcing is a must do IMO. My brother has a 550 in .416 Rigby and the stock split after run in.

The work I had done didn't cost a lot but made the rifle a very good outfit. I used it in Africa in August with great success.

Cheers

CF

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Der_Jaeger
.375 member


Reged: 09/10/08
Posts: 607
Loc: SE Pennsylvania
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: controlled_feed]
      #142284 - 18/09/09 08:51 PM



Great entry into the "Big Rifles" and it will only lead to bigger things down the road. Regarding McMillan stocks, in my opinion they are the best, without a doubt. The only downside is the 5-6 month turn-around time for a custom made stock to your dimensions. I had one made and will never part with it. This opinion is shared by the masters of long range shooting. You will not go wrong with a McMillan. they are also producing some very nice Dangerous Game rifles. Check out their website.

--------------------

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mauserand9mm
.400 member


Reged: 03/09/09
Posts: 1041
Loc: Queensland, Australia
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: Der_Jaeger]
      #142613 - 24/09/09 01:33 PM

I bought my CZ550 in 375H&H mag in November last year. I had a Brno 602 in the same calibre 15 years ago and, without modification, it would shoot MOA off a bench all day with most loads - I was a bit dissapointed with the CZ since I was expecting the same performance. Mind you it does shoot as good as the test target that came with the rifle, but I was hoping that I could improve on that.

I've bedded the action and just behind the recoil lug under the rear sight. I've also floated the barrel forward of the rear sight lug. Unfortunately this hasn't made any difference - maybe I have't done a good job of it but have bedded several other rifles myself in the past with good results.

It will shoot the heavier projectiles (300gn & 350gn) better that the lighter ones (220gn & 270gn) ie 1 to 2.5MOA vs 2 to 4MOA.

I'm still happy with it though and it's a lot of fun. Being a big heavy rifle the recoil is very nmanagable and I can bench shoot it all day.

I shoot the Big Game Rifle Match that we have here in Australia and am now looking at a 458WM or 404 Jeffery. (I'd consider the CZ again but will see if I can find one with a good test target.) I've shot both and the 404 was a bit more comfortable to shoot but is only available in the higher grade (ie more expensive) 550 model (not to mention more expensive brass etc).

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chuck375
.333 member


Reged: 13/10/07
Posts: 445
Loc: Colorado Springs CO
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: mauserand9mm]
      #142721 - 27/09/09 01:31 AM

Sorry to hear that, my CZ 375 H&H at 100 yards shoots under an inch. If you buy another one, see if you can add a thing or two (like a barrel band) from the Custom shop list and specify a McGowen barrel. It might only cost you what they charge for the extra option (e.g. barrel band). It's what I did. Then I screwed it up and had them rebarrel it to 500 Jeffrey lol. I'm sure it's just as accurate but keeping the same hold (weld) for each shot is more difficult due to the barrel rise / recoil...





Regards,

Chuck

--------------------
"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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mauserand9mm
.400 member


Reged: 03/09/09
Posts: 1041
Loc: Queensland, Australia
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: chuck375]
      #142864 - 29/09/09 01:31 PM

I'm not sure we get the custom shop option through the importers over here (Olin) but I haven't asked the question.

That's a spectacular piece of timber - is that original? We have to go to the Safari Magnum Custom version to get timber like that and they are over twice the price of the Safari Magnum Classic.

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iomskp
.300 member


Reged: 10/11/08
Posts: 119
Loc: Cairns Queensland Australia
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: mauserand9mm]
      #142876 - 29/09/09 09:44 PM

Already asked the question and no we don't

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DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 27017
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: iomskp]
      #142884 - 30/09/09 12:29 AM

Nice flame on that rifle, Chuck, but the grain flow through the wrist looks a bit vertical! Hope it holds up for you.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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500grains
.416 member


Reged: 16/02/04
Posts: 4732
Loc: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: DarylS]
      #142888 - 30/09/09 01:49 AM

Congrats brewman!

Usually the action on the CZ550 can be made smoother by polishing the bolt, the raceways and the feed ramp. Some people like to change over to a model 70 style safety. Parts can be purchased from American Hunting Rifles in Montana, USA. Some CZ550s have a good trigger and some not. If not, a stone can improve the surfaces and make the pull smoother. Personally I would have the action glass bedded and the barrel free floated. During this process I would have the stock relieved a bit at the rear tang to avoid stock split at the wrist. The recoil pad can be improved with a Pachmyr Old English style pad. And the bolt handle can be improved by replacing it with an Obendorf style bolt handle. Some guys do not like the factory iron sights on the CZ550. You could look at the sight offerings from Recknagel/ERA in Germany. Also the barrel on your rifle from the factory is longer than necessary. Personally I would chop it to 21 inches.

Good luck!

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bwananelson
.400 member


Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: 500grains]
      #142898 - 30/09/09 03:11 AM

remember that mcmillan stosk has a bedding block in it thats why the cost is high it should not need bedding i had a remington PSS in 308 shot 1/2 inch groups with ease,but why would you not want to show off that rifle beautiful wood. if you were going to restock it i would of opted for the cheaper version.that rifle is sweet i think its also already glass bedded

--------------------
THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

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brewman
.224 member


Reged: 17/09/09
Posts: 10
Loc: South Australia
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: bwananelson]
      #142934 - 30/09/09 10:19 PM

Dear all,

Thanks for you responses, please keep them coming…..

I have now received my McMillan stock and I have mounted the rifle just to see how it all seats together and must say I was quite surprised at how well it dropped in.
However this leads to a question.

My original stock had three mounting screws, two in the receiver and one on the barrel. The McMillan stock only has the two receiver screw mounts. Do I need the front barrel screw? I ask as the last thing I want is to damage my new stock from not applying sufficient mounting points. Having said this it seems that when the two receiver screws are torqued down it appears to almost float the barrel and perhaps the front screw is not intended to be used?

Also, agreeing with tophet1 & 500grains, the trigger does need work as it has quite a bit of noticeable creep which I do not like, also the bolt does seem quite rough when cycling and I believe I will try to polish it and the receiver somewhat to smooth the feel and feeding. I am a Tool-Maker by trade and am quite confident in smoothing the action but am not a smith my any means so would leave any trigger work to the professionals.

bwananelson, my McMillan stock does not have a bedding block, the closest thing resembling is a piece of steel moulded into the stock approximately 4mm thick that is in between the front receiver screw and the magazine port (Forgive my terminology I do not know the correct names) and the standard stock is defiantly not glass bedded. As to showing the wood off you are right that is why I can now put the wood away for safe keeping and go hunting with the robust synthetic.

Again thanks to all for your comments, much appreciated.

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gi
.224 member


Reged: 17/01/09
Posts: 1
Loc: Louisiana, New orleans
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: brewman]
      #143753 - 15/10/09 11:51 AM

Mr CZ 375 shot OK when I got it. I sent it off and had a Brockman stock installed, had him put the stock on and bed it. The rifle will shoot 300 GR North fork softs, solids and cup point solids into one ragged hole @ 100 yards @ 2600 fps using Reloader 15 powder.

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Rolf
.333 member


Reged: 26/02/07
Posts: 402
Loc: Germany, Bavaria
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: gi]
      #143768 - 15/10/09 10:04 PM

Hi brewman,

congratulations for your "new" rifle!

McMillian stock:
good price, but personally I would stay with the wood stock, foI prefer wood.
You can bed it for a medium amount of money (I recommend standard bedding, i.e. Acraglass) and this should be enough.

- I think it is a good rifle, after a bit of tuning:
change to a horizontal 3 stage safety, trigger can be improved, rails and cylinder should be smoothened for reliable and safe feeding, strong magazine floorplate spring or shut it by welding)
- 375 H&H is always an universal choice
- I bought a .375 H&H SAKO with a 24" barrel and shorthened the barrel to 22"
That was a great improvement for me in handling, the 375H&H is reloaded with medium-fast burning powders, so I do not need the 61cm long original barrel.
- I consider the #4 reticle as very good for general use, improvement only with a illumin. dot
- I have a modified CZ Safari in .375 Weatherby, and I prefer the Wby version (without looking on the price of components, etc.)
- My last aquirement was a CZ550 Safari in .458 Win.Mag., this is also a solid rifle (after basic tuning)
Next steps will be: barrel will be shortened to 22" and feeding improved (now it only feeds all RN, Woodleigh 400grs PP and Barnes 350grs TSX, but unfortunately no ones of the flat points like 350grs Speer)

So I think you will be a satisfied user of the .375 H&H together with the CZ550 Safari!

best regards
Rolf

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bwananelson
.400 member


Reged: 08/10/07
Posts: 1195
Loc: DELTONA FLORIDA
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: Rolf]
      #143775 - 16/10/09 02:11 AM

i had a 458 lott by cz and it was bedded from the factory,and i was under the impression that the high cost of McMillan was due to the bedding block other wise a b+c stock is the same i thought your wood stock was a beautiful piece of wood,can i pass a little secret on to you get that wood stock glass bedded and then use some car wax every year in the barrel channel to keep out moisture change of impact will be eliminated i live in Florida a humid sweat box and then i go to other parts of north America never had a stock problem,really that wood you have is great i too am wood fan,you gonna sell that wood

--------------------
THERE ARE NO DO OVERS IN LIFE DONT LET A CHANCE AT A DREAM SLIP AWAY.

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Hawkeye
.224 member


Reged: 07/11/09
Posts: 6
Loc: Centurion South Africa
Re: Got my first big bore rifle, interested in opinions / ad [Re: bwananelson]
      #145748 - 13/11/09 03:08 AM



Good day Brewman,

Your rifle is most probably one of the most popular "new" rifles purchased in South Africa, and many freelance PH's and game guides buy these ....... They are rough and I would suggest a bit of work on the feed ramp and clean up the Mag etc, etc, even have the action polished up a bit, but in essence you have a VERY!!!! functional tool with an action strong enough to handle almost anything you can shove down the chamber....

375 is considered entry level for DG, but only because it is the smallest in the range of DG calibers .... There is nothing wrong with it, I have used one extensivle for a fer years and although bigger is considered better you need to take a few things in-to consideration...the 375 was developed in 1912 by H&H and then it was entry level....now almost 100 years later there has been a huge improvememnt in Bullet make up and performance ...Bullets like GS-Custom and Barnes X compleatly change the rules.... 2750 fps being eisily obtainable from a 265gr bullet and now even 380gr bullets being developed for the 375 (and yes they will stabelise) so you can add at lest 40% improvement on the 375 from 1912..........

Your scope require no introduction to anyone .......it works, is reliable and does the Job....As for the stock, I dont like "Plastic" but own a few cause they are darn rite functional...

You have a perfect setup....

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