416 Rigby, with a 350gr cast bullet is any where from 1600-2300 fps. A 325 gr spritzer from 2500-2898. 350 gr 2400-2750. A 400gr 2250-2600- that is versatile.
A HUGE hunk of that is the Boyd's stock. They make a great stock but those suckers are HEAVY!!!! You can reduce the weight substantially by going to a ultralight contour and either a synthetic or a sporter stock and remove a ton of wood off it and go for aluminum rings. You can also get aluminum bottom metal or make it into a blind magazine gun and easily get down to the 7 lb range.
I remember Calebib had pics of one of the Mauser's he built with a Boyd's stock. He took a good bit of wood off of it and it looked fantastic. That guy is good!
Daddy, what's an enabler?
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
No clue! But these actions don't pop up very often, and especially not with a 3pos safety already installed, and not for what I paid. Price was right, so that was the easy part. I have ammo/dies/barrel for the H&H, but seeing how big this action is, seems like there is a lot more potential.
The next question becomes "Potential for what?"
I scored a CZ .416 Rigby years ago in one of those "know the rep" deals I couldn't walk away from. The challenge is not loading it up, but finding the right powder for safely loading the huge case volume DOWN. Got it rocking a 350 grain gas check at about 1800-1900 fps, and I can't conceive of much that wouldn't floor. As for 400 grains at the full-tilt 2400 fps. . .physical damage to self becomes a real possibility. Like base-of-skull headache, stretching of optic-nerve stuff. I pulled the bullets on those early handloads rather than continue shoot them. Good for what it was designed for, but not without its down side.
I'm kinda in the same boat as you. Got a P14 Enfield (big action) that's in the process of turning into what will probably be a 10# (ish) .375 H&H in the classic Safari pattern. While I could go a lot bigger in the round department the decision was based on (1.) REALLY liking the Enfield mechanism, and (2.) wanting a big round with a lot of versatility that could be shot a lot rather than living with novelty "safe cannon" status. Some of the charge-stopping calibers can be downloaded easier than a .416, but it's worth it to know going in that it's really hard to plink effectively with a Rigby.
I scored a CZ .416 Rigby years ago in one of those "know the rep" deals I couldn't walk away from. The challenge is not loading it up, but finding the right powder for safely loading the huge case volume DOWN. Got it rocking a 350 grain gas check at about 1800-1900 fps, and I can't conceive of much that wouldn't floor. As for 400 grains at the full-tilt 2400 fps. . .physical damage to self becomes a real possibility. Like base-of-skull headache, stretching of optic-nerve stuff. I pulled the bullets on those early handloads rather than continue shoot them. Good for what it was designed for, but not without its down side.
I'm kinda in the same boat as you. Got a P14 Enfield (big action) that's in the process of turning into what will probably be a 10# (ish) .375 H&H in the classic Safari pattern. While I could go a lot bigger in the round department the decision was based on (1.) REALLY liking the Enfield mechanism, and (2.) wanting a big round with a lot of versatility that could be shot a lot rather than living with novelty "safe cannon" status. Some of the charge-stopping calibers can be downloaded easier than a .416, but it's worth it to know going in that it's really hard to plink effectively with a Rigby.
Your CZ and my BBK-02 are basically the same action.
I do want a 375 H&H, but I think I'd rather have it a bit more trim. Still a strong possibility. I think a Mod 70 or Zastava would be more up my alley. I have a 376 Steyr and 9.3x62 in the fire as well, lots of overlap. But those will be walnut & blue.
Downloading the Rigby does seem like a pain, that's a BIG honkin case. But tempting. Expensive as heck though.
Waiting to hear back from Caleb to see how feels about the Ruger MKii 375 conversion. If that seems doable, than the 458 is out on the 77, and this 98 can go wherever. Probably best to stick with the basic belted case, but that opens up
400 H&H
416 Rem
458 Lott
470 Capstick
Also the 404 Jeffery. Which is actually shorter than the 375, but its wider. It would probably fit just fine without so much work like a standard 98 or M70. Plus, it would pair with the 10.75x68mm nicely, it would be like having a 30-06 and 300 mag....but with .423 bullets!
I had a CZ550 mag length in .458 Win Mag (never understood why the used a full length magnum action on a WinMag and was planing on making it a LOTT), actually one of the firsts they made under the CZ flag but they had a run with receivers that were machined wrong and there was an issue where any scope I mounted would run out of elevation adjustment and not be zeroed. It could be corrected with shims but it just annoyed the crap out of me and I sold the gun a year or so after I bought it. I've been searching for a suitable replacement ever since. Maybe it's time to step up the search.
They're available in 458 Lott now. But as to the why stick the win mag in, who knows. Winchester does the same, but I can see that making sense with their name on it....
Most likely reason, is production and efficiency cost, part sharing. Same barrel blanks for all 3, so they only have to make 1 stock inlet.
It would be more fitting in this action vs the Ruger, but I still can't warm up to the Lott. I am starting to lean towards the 416 Rem Mag and 404 Jeffery. I can get a 416 barrel very quickly, 98 threaded, Rem magnum contour. It's 23" with muzzle threads, so it would end up 21 or 22" after the threads are cut off.
Or....use the 404 barrel I have on hand. But then I'd have to order another .423 bbl for the 10.75x68. At the same time, i wouldn't mind a lighter contour for that one. This barrel is like [email protected] 26" so its a little chunky for the mauser. About right for the 404J. Looking at components right now. 416 has more, and cheaper bullet options. But brass is extremely limited (without reforming which is fine unless it travels, head stamp must match).
404 has more available brass, but less bullet selection
I still have around 80 rounds of .458 WM loaded with 500gr bullets that I have no desire to shoot right now. I can only imagine how nasty it has to be with an extra few hundred FPS. 2150 FPS was enough for me in a 9 pound rifle.
Go to Gander Mountain and open a box of .458 Lott and hold the beast of a cartridge in your hands, then get back to me. It'll speak to you :devil:
You could just jump up to 460 Wby Mag and end the choice dilemma? That action is well suited for that caliber. Get a decent stock for that one though. :devil:
“When guns are outlawed, only patriots will have guns.”
You could just jump up to 460 Wby Mag and end the choice dilemma? That action is well suited for that caliber. Get a decent stock for that one though. :devil:
You want to do all tbe load development for ut? Lol
My vote goes to the 416 Rigby. I have always had a fascination with that cartridge for some reason I can't explain. you building one might be as close as I ever come to firing one:tooth:
If the .404 J brass is readily attainable, an informed enthusiast could maybe invent a new big bore wildcat.
You'd be surprised at the number of big bore DG wildcats. I helped develop one about 10 years ago.
Sako,
Its a thought, but the cost is very high, even by big bore standards. But, a thought. The Rem Mag can be formed from any full length belted brass, and I guess that works good enough. If I got the chance to travel with it, ponying up for correct brass is really insignificant in the overall cost, I suppose.
You'd be surprised at the number of big bore DG wildcats. I helped develop one about 10 years ago.
Sako,
Its a thought, but the cost is very high, even by big bore standards. But, a thought. The Rem Mag can be formed from any full length belted brass, and I guess that works good enough. If I got the chance to travel with it, ponying up for correct brass is really insignificant in the overall cost, I suppose.
You have people standing next to you, directly in the blast zone. People who are responsible for YOUR life, people who make their living with eyes and ears. Do you want them looking and listening at something that can kill you, or covering their ears and flinching from blast? What about the hunters coming after you? Do they deserve a PH with severely damaged hearing? Does that PH deserve to maybe have his career ended so you can use a, brake? Not me. Brakes are despised by guides for good reason
You want to do all tbe load development for ut? Lol
You put a nice stock and a removable brake on it and I'd gladly do load development for you. Can't be any worst than my Mk.V, 460. I agree about the brake but in todays world, most builders/manufacturers are installing removable brakes and thread protectors. Brake for bench work and thread protector for hunting. In most calibers, just a very minimal adjustment in POI without brake. :beer:
“When guns are outlawed, only patriots will have guns.”
Replies
.540 but the bolt body and gave have enough meat to open it up more
..... might be what got me in this mess and spending spree ......
I remember Calebib had pics of one of the Mauser's he built with a Boyd's stock. He took a good bit of wood off of it and it looked fantastic. That guy is good!
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
Lots of room to open up
Here is how much space is left. These are 375 H&H. That's 5 rounds down. It ALMOST fits 6 down
The next question becomes "Potential for what?"
I scored a CZ .416 Rigby years ago in one of those "know the rep" deals I couldn't walk away from. The challenge is not loading it up, but finding the right powder for safely loading the huge case volume DOWN. Got it rocking a 350 grain gas check at about 1800-1900 fps, and I can't conceive of much that wouldn't floor. As for 400 grains at the full-tilt 2400 fps. . .physical damage to self becomes a real possibility. Like base-of-skull headache, stretching of optic-nerve stuff. I pulled the bullets on those early handloads rather than continue shoot them. Good for what it was designed for, but not without its down side.
I'm kinda in the same boat as you. Got a P14 Enfield (big action) that's in the process of turning into what will probably be a 10# (ish) .375 H&H in the classic Safari pattern. While I could go a lot bigger in the round department the decision was based on (1.) REALLY liking the Enfield mechanism, and (2.) wanting a big round with a lot of versatility that could be shot a lot rather than living with novelty "safe cannon" status. Some of the charge-stopping calibers can be downloaded easier than a .416, but it's worth it to know going in that it's really hard to plink effectively with a Rigby.
"Nothing is safe from stupid." - Zee
Your CZ and my BBK-02 are basically the same action.
I do want a 375 H&H, but I think I'd rather have it a bit more trim. Still a strong possibility. I think a Mod 70 or Zastava would be more up my alley. I have a 376 Steyr and 9.3x62 in the fire as well, lots of overlap. But those will be walnut & blue.
Downloading the Rigby does seem like a pain, that's a BIG honkin case. But tempting. Expensive as heck though.
Waiting to hear back from Caleb to see how feels about the Ruger MKii 375 conversion. If that seems doable, than the 458 is out on the 77, and this 98 can go wherever. Probably best to stick with the basic belted case, but that opens up
400 H&H
416 Rem
458 Lott
470 Capstick
Also the 404 Jeffery. Which is actually shorter than the 375, but its wider. It would probably fit just fine without so much work like a standard 98 or M70. Plus, it would pair with the 10.75x68mm nicely, it would be like having a 30-06 and 300 mag....but with .423 bullets!
They pop up now and then. Just search for Bauska BBK-02, BRNO 602 or a smoking deal on a CZ550 mag.
They're available in 458 Lott now. But as to the why stick the win mag in, who knows. Winchester does the same, but I can see that making sense with their name on it....
Most likely reason, is production and efficiency cost, part sharing. Same barrel blanks for all 3, so they only have to make 1 stock inlet.
It would be more fitting in this action vs the Ruger, but I still can't warm up to the Lott. I am starting to lean towards the 416 Rem Mag and 404 Jeffery. I can get a 416 barrel very quickly, 98 threaded, Rem magnum contour. It's 23" with muzzle threads, so it would end up 21 or 22" after the threads are cut off.
Or....use the 404 barrel I have on hand. But then I'd have to order another .423 bbl for the 10.75x68. At the same time, i wouldn't mind a lighter contour for that one. This barrel is like [email protected] 26" so its a little chunky for the mauser. About right for the 404J. Looking at components right now. 416 has more, and cheaper bullet options. But brass is extremely limited (without reforming which is fine unless it travels, head stamp must match).
404 has more available brass, but less bullet selection
I could if I had a time machine.....ours closed months ago lol
I still have around 80 rounds of .458 WM loaded with 500gr bullets that I have no desire to shoot right now. I can only imagine how nasty it has to be with an extra few hundred FPS. 2150 FPS was enough for me in a 9 pound rifle.
You could just jump up to 460 Wby Mag and end the choice dilemma? That action is well suited for that caliber. Get a decent stock for that one though. :devil:
“When guns are outlawed, only patriots will have guns.”
You want to do all tbe load development for ut? Lol
Slap a brake in that dude and it's a Piece o' Cake!
Would you like a little Horse radish on your cake anyone? How about a slice of Limburger on the side with a few Habaneros?:vomit:
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
Sako
You'd be surprised at the number of big bore DG wildcats. I helped develop one about 10 years ago.
Sako,
Its a thought, but the cost is very high, even by big bore standards. But, a thought. The Rem Mag can be formed from any full length belted brass, and I guess that works good enough. If I got the chance to travel with it, ponying up for correct brass is really insignificant in the overall cost, I suppose.
Brakes on "reasonable" DG to rifles are a no-no. On the 50 cal and up maybe.
Why? Give me factual reasons.
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/584449/hornady-reloading-brass-416-rigby-brass-box-of-20
2 bucks apiece on sale:tooth: 2, maybe 3 boxes should last a lifetime. It's not like you will wear them out:jester:
Sako
You have people standing next to you, directly in the blast zone. People who are responsible for YOUR life, people who make their living with eyes and ears. Do you want them looking and listening at something that can kill you, or covering their ears and flinching from blast? What about the hunters coming after you? Do they deserve a PH with severely damaged hearing? Does that PH deserve to maybe have his career ended so you can use a, brake? Not me. Brakes are despised by guides for good reason
You put a nice stock and a removable brake on it and I'd gladly do load development for you. Can't be any worst than my Mk.V, 460. I agree about the brake but in todays world, most builders/manufacturers are installing removable brakes and thread protectors. Brake for bench work and thread protector for hunting. In most calibers, just a very minimal adjustment in POI without brake. :beer:
“When guns are outlawed, only patriots will have guns.”