Building a .505 Gibbs on a CZ-550 Magnum Action

[Shooter2675]

Hello,

I would like to build a large caliber rifle, and I have several ideas for calibers, and one of them is the .505 Gibbs. I handload so making lighter kicking loads should not be a problem, but I need to find an action that will work. I was hoping to spend as little as possible on the action, which is why I like the CZ-550 Magnum. Do you think I could buy a CZ-550 magnum action, a .505 gibbs barrel, have a gunsmith put the barrel on, then safely use the gun? Or does CZ use a different action for their .505 Gibbs rifles?

Thanks,

John

 

[HankB]

CZ makes rifles in 505 Gibbs, as illustrated at their website: http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-550-safari-classics-300-hh-5-rd-fixed-mag-fancy-grade-gloss-blue/ So a CZ action would seem to be a good choice.

The key is getting the RIGHT action - size and bolt face matter. And then there's the magazine which will have to hold up to the recoil without deforming . . . and getting it to feed correctly can sometimes be tricky . . . and of course the rifle has to stand up to the recoil.

Not all custom rifle makers can make good custom HEAVY rifles . . . and the 505 Gibbs qualifies as a heavy rifle.

Sounds like a fun project, but doing it right is going to be quite a bit more work than customizing a 10/22 or AR-15.

 

[Sunray]

"...hoping to spend as little as possible..." You need to re-think that altogether. There is no 'spend as little as possible' with one of 'em.
CZ makes an M550 .505 Gibbs in their Safari Classics line. It's made specifically for those big bruiser cartridges. MSRP is $3,676.00. Very much doubt you'll find just an action, a barrel and have it installed for less.
The ammo is ONLY loaded by Kynoch, Nosler and Norma. Midway wants $17.90 per shot for Norma. $19.20 per shot for Kynoch they don't have anyway. The No$ler runs $20.70 per shot.
Norma brass runs $164.99 per 25. Bertram runs $158.99 per 20.
Hornady 525 grain DGS bullets run $102.33 per 50. $2.04 each.
Huntingdon wants $209.55 for RCBS dies. You'll need a special press too. They're 1" threads. Uses a number 47 RCBS shell holder.
When somebody asks why you want it or what are you going to hunt with that, say, "Ground hogs."

 

[Shooter2675]

From what you've said, it seems the 'ol Gibbs is not practical for me. I think I am going to buy a complete CZ-550 in .458 Lott online.

 

[Gordon]

good sane choice on the .458 Lott! And the CZ one is a good one to start with.

 

[CraigC]

I went through this wanting a .500Jeffery. I could've ordered one for what you'll pay to the CZ custom shop for the .505, or I could buy a new action and have a true custom rifle built for about the same money. The gunsmith doing my custom Ruger Bisley .500JRH quoted me around $1000 for the caliber conversion and about $1800 for a new stock. I elected to go ahead and buy a complete .416 for $1100, enjoy it for a couple years and have the .500 done later.

It's out of stock right now but you can get a new CZ magnum action for $750-$800, which will save a bit over buying a complete rifle.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...eceivers/416-magnum-action-prod74998.aspx?avs

 

[jim in Anchorage]

One thing about this CZ .505 conversion. When I first bought my ZKK 602[basically the same gun as a CZ] .375 I thought about this.
I looked up the .505 rim diameter, and measured my bolt face. and the face of the bolt would have to be milled flat, completely losing the lips.
Is that what CZ is doing?

 

[H&Hhunter]

It's out of stock right now but you can get a new CZ magnum action for $750-$800, which will save a bit over buying a complete rifle.

I doubt it. Once you have a competent smith put a barrel and a stock that is going to hold together on it. You won't be saving much if any money.

 

[CraigC]

Well, $750-$800 is less than buying a complete rifle as a base gun at $1100-$1200. Which is what I meant. A good idea if you're replacing the barrel and stock any way. I also said that my quote for building a rifle off said action was comparable to CZ's custom shop pricing.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Well, $750-$800 is less than buying a complete rifle as a base gun at $1100-$1200. Which is what I meant. A good idea if you're replacing the barrel and stock any way. I also said that my quote for building a rifle off said action was comparable to CZ's custom shop pricing.

Ahh..Yes I agree.

 

[CraigC]

But I say that without exactly knowing what your options are through the CZ custom shop. I don't know if they're a true custom or if you just have a limited set of options to choose from. Jack is going to use English walnut for mine in the style of the old Rigby rifles, along with other personal touches.