Larger Caliber Rifle Help

bryceh12321 · March 15, 2009, 09:39 AM

Hey, I am wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction, as I am looking for rifles chambered in the larger calibers (338 Xtreme, 338 Lapua, 375 H&H, the 400's, etc.) Couldn't find much from the more popular manufacturers. Any help is greatly appreciated. thanks.

kraigwy · March 15, 2009, 10:08 AM

Make one:

You can get a 1917 Remington Enfield action pretty reasonable, A stock from Boyds, and a barrel in any of the calibers you mentioned. Good, strong action.

I made a 416 Rigby and a 340 Wheatherby one that action. You could put one together a lot cheaper then buying one.

bryceh12321 · March 15, 2009, 10:36 AM

Quote:

I made a 416 Rigby and a 340 Wheatherby one that action. You could put one together a lot cheaper then buying one.

Oh, wow, I never even thought of that. Now just one question: Would I get all the parts from the manufacturer's? Or where exactly would I be able to acquire all the parts? Thanks again.

bryceh12321 · March 15, 2009, 10:43 AM

and would i need an FFL to do this?

kraigwy · March 15, 2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Oh, wow, I never even thought of that. Now just one question: Would I get all the parts from the manufacturer's? Or where exactly would I be able to acquire all the parts? Thanks again.

Get a copy of SHOTGUN NEWS. Lots of actions for sale there, (differant kinds, if you don't want a long action for the 416, 338 Lup etc, you can get the Mauser actions).

www.gunpartscorp.com sells parts for these rifles. Boyds makes stocks for dern near anything.

Brownells, MidwayUSA, sell barrels, many pre chambered, (just have to finish chambering to match your head space). Even buying a reamer, you can get a pre-threaded barrel and put the gun together cheaper then you can buy one.

Also this will be a gun you put together instead of something you bought off the rack. It will mean a lot more to you then a store bought gun.

Nope: No FFL needed, you'll have to buy theaction from a dealer (or get a dealer to order it for you) but no FFL would be needed for building a gun for your own use. You can even build your own action and complete rifle FOR YOUR OWN USE, without a FFL. You dont need a FFL to order any parts except the action.

4sixteen · March 15, 2009, 11:12 AM

Have you considered the Remington 798? The barreled actions are manufactured by Zastava Arms in Serbia, and fitted with stocks in the U.S. by Remington. They offer these in 375 H&H magnum and 458 Winchester magnum. Here's my 458...

LanceOregon · March 15, 2009, 08:29 PM

I would recommend shopping for used rifles.

These calibers are so specialized and limited, and so very expensive to shoot, that many people end up selling them after awhile.

Are you planning on going to Africa? Or will you be going after Grizzly or Brown Bear?

.

Swampghost · March 15, 2009, 08:39 PM

You might also think about not going crazy on heavy hitting big bores unless you are planning on Africa. I met a guy this last week that's a bear guide in AK and he carries a .44 Mag. for brownies and grizzlies. I thought that it was a bit light but the guy's been at it for 14 yrs.

Bigfatts · March 15, 2009, 10:34 PM

I would reccomend the .375H&H or .458 WM if you plan on general hunting with the rifle or just range time. They are large enough to do about anything you will ever need. They are also relatively inexpensive to shoot compared to other big bores. I have a .375 H&H on a 1917 action and I love it. It and the .458 can be loaded for deer and hog sized game with light loads up to the biggest Elk, Buff, Elephant with heavy mag loads. You could also take a look at the 9.3x62, it's starting to gain some popularity in the states. If you want an out of the box rifle under $1k look to CZ, they chamber in alot of the big stuff. For more money they also make rifles in the Rigby rounds.

My 1917

Jimro · March 15, 2009, 11:53 PM

You can't beat CZ or the Rem798 lineup for bang/buck ratio for a new "safari" rifle. Maybe a Ruger in 375 Ruger, but I'm not sold on such a new cartridge.

That being said, a 338 Win mag is more than enough gun for everything you can legally shoot with it.

But if you decide to go the custom route, that's pretty economical too. My 9.3x62 build was very reasonable and my smith did great work.

Jimro

4sixteen · March 16, 2009, 12:12 AM

Have you considered the Ruger No.1 45-70? A good selection of bullets available and it shoots relatively flat if handloaded with 300 or 350gr Barnes X bullets. Maybe one of the least costly to reload heavy bores. Brass is readily available.

No longer in production, but another heavy bore that I have is a Sako Hunter in 416 Remington magnum. New heavy bore rifles just aren't as common as these used to be.

I also have a stainless Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun. I take it with me when I go canoeing. And it serves double-duty as an anchor or paddle.

taylorce1 · March 16, 2009, 08:09 AM

What are you lookig for in this rifle? The two .338 cartridges you mentioned are for long range work and a .375 H&H is usually around a 300 yard cartridge. I agree with Jimro about the .338 Win Mag is plenty, and in most cases so is a .300 Win Mag.

If you are looking for a butt kicking magnum round that isn't going to break the bank on purchasing a rifle, look for a used 8mm Rem Mag. Cartridges might be a problem to find but there is a lot of data if you reload. You can usually pick up a nice used Remington 700 for around $800.

Flapjack23 · March 17, 2009, 11:02 AM

A good used rifle is a great option. Most guys get an a** kicker just to say they have it, most will never hunt with it. They shoot it 10-15 times, put away and never use it again. I picked up a Rem 700 BDL SS/Syn in .375 H&H that way pretty cheap ($350). I don't have a use for it, but who really needs a use to get a new gun?

T. O'Heir · March 17, 2009, 01:07 PM

Rem M700's in 'large' calibres are available through their Custom Shop only. There are a few models in assorted "African" and "Alaskan" calibres. .338's and up with 8mm Rem Mag thrown in.
"...Make one..." That'll cost you as much or more than a factory rifle.
CZ makes big bore rifles. Starting at about $1200US.
Like LanceOregon says, shooting big bores is expensive. Think in terms of $75 to $150 or so, per 20.
Guy came in the shop long ago. Said he was going to Africa and wanted his own .458 Win. Bought a Win 70 African and a box of ammo. Picked it up on a Friday evening. Saturday afternoon he was back with the rifle, two empty cases and 18 loaded rounds asking us to sell it for him.

Jimro · March 17, 2009, 02:19 PM

T. O'heir,

I beg to differ about a custom costing more than a factory.

My 9.3x62 cost:

75 dollars for action
789.80 for parts and labor. Lothar Walther barrel (and installation) backup irons (and installation) and manganese phosphate finish.
I had a takeoff stock from another project, so no added expense there, but m98 stocks are readily available.

If you include the 25 dollars FFL fee for buying the action that's a grand total of 889.80 for a custom mauser. Going with a bigger caliber wouldn't change the cost.

That's still over 300 dollars less than at $1200 new factory rifle, and I got to specify barrel length, contour, and metal finish.

I can't recommend the gunsmith enough, Mike McCabe http://www.mccabeguns.com/

Jimro

Magnum Wheel Man · March 17, 2009, 03:01 PM

yep... all how much you want to do, or spend... I have a Browning Stainless Stalker in 338 Win Mag, & another in 375 H&H... a stainless Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 ( the 450 Marlin would be a boomer, as would the 444 Marlin or the newer 375 Federal ( or what ever name they attached to it ))...

I also have a couple of customs... a Marlin 50 A.E.lever action, built on the lil 44 mag rifle, a Martini Safari Custom single shot in 45-70, & another Martini in 50-70... all of which are fun, & functional...

my newest is a Remington Baikal double rifle in 45-70... ( I hope to have that off layaway by mid spring to play with over the summer )

pesta2 · March 17, 2009, 03:08 PM

CZ

http://safariclassics.com/

http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=50

Kreyzhorse · March 17, 2009, 03:22 PM

+1 for the Ruger No. 1. As far as caliber, you can't go wrong with a .375 H&H. As for the big calibers, the .375 is one of the more versatile rounds and it easier to find that some of the others. My local Bass Pro (Cincinnati) actually stocks .375.

The No. 1 action is one of the strongest around and the old 45-70 govt can loaded pretty hot. The 45-70 actually can be hot loaded into the lower realms of the .458 Winchester. Might be another round to consider.

James R. Burke · March 17, 2009, 04:13 PM

I had a Ruger No 1 in a .416 Rem mag that I just sold. Like everyone is saying they are very costly to shoot even if you reload. I did reload, and used a Barnes 325 pure copper. I dont think they make the 325 anymore. Had it moving really fast. Like everyone is asking it depends on what you wanted it for. I just used mine to play around with, and shot one bear with it that was no doubt overkill. If I was to do it over again I am not sure on what rifle I would pick sure some nice ones on this post, but I would go with the 375 that should handle about anything you want. Good luck!

banditt007 · March 17, 2009, 05:30 PM

if the safari CZ's are anything like my CZ 452 .22lr, its a heck of a gun! seems to be made very well. feels very nice.

WyrTwister · March 17, 2009, 06:39 PM

What are you wanting to shoot ?

Do you need a big bore or want a big bore ?

I have 2 Marlin .45-70's that I shoot , but do not need . A lot cheaper than what you are describing . Or a 444 Marlin ? Or a ( grimace ) .450 Marlin ?

God bless
Wyr

March 15, 2009, 09:39 AM	#1
bryceh12321 Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Posts: 136	Larger Caliber Rifle Help Hey, I am wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction, as I am looking for rifles chambered in the larger calibers (338 Xtreme, 338 Lapua, 375 H&H, the 400's, etc.) Couldn't find much from the more popular manufacturers. Any help is greatly appreciated. thanks.

March 15, 2009, 10:08 AM	#2
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	Make one: You can get a 1917 Remington Enfield action pretty reasonable, A stock from Boyds, and a barrel in any of the calibers you mentioned. Good, strong action. I made a 416 Rigby and a 340 Wheatherby one that action. You could put one together a lot cheaper then buying one. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

March 15, 2009, 08:39 PM	#8
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	You might also think about not going crazy on heavy hitting big bores unless you are planning on Africa. I met a guy this last week that's a bear guide in AK and he carries a .44 Mag. for brownies and grizzlies. I thought that it was a bit light but the guy's been at it for 14 yrs. __________________ NRA Patron Member

March 15, 2009, 11:53 PM	#10
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	You can't beat CZ or the Rem798 lineup for bang/buck ratio for a new "safari" rifle. Maybe a Ruger in 375 Ruger, but I'm not sold on such a new cartridge. That being said, a 338 Win mag is more than enough gun for everything you can legally shoot with it. But if you decide to go the custom route, that's pretty economical too. My 9.3x62 build was very reasonable and my smith did great work. Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

March 16, 2009, 12:12 AM	#11
4sixteen Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2009 Location: Up North Posts: 145	Have you considered the Ruger No.1 45-70? A good selection of bullets available and it shoots relatively flat if handloaded with 300 or 350gr Barnes X bullets. Maybe one of the least costly to reload heavy bores. Brass is readily available. No longer in production, but another heavy bore that I have is a Sako Hunter in 416 Remington magnum. New heavy bore rifles just aren't as common as these used to be. I also have a stainless Marlin 45-70 Guide Gun. I take it with me when I go canoeing. And it serves double-duty as an anchor or paddle. Last edited by 4sixteen; March 16, 2009 at 01:41 PM.

March 15, 2009, 10:43 AM	#4
bryceh12321 Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2008 Posts: 136	and would i need an FFL to do this?

March 15, 2009, 11:12 AM	#6
4sixteen Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2009 Location: Up North Posts: 145	Have you considered the Remington 798? The barreled actions are manufactured by Zastava Arms in Serbia, and fitted with stocks in the U.S. by Remington. They offer these in 375 H&H magnum and 458 Winchester magnum. Here's my 458...

March 15, 2009, 08:29 PM	#7
LanceOregon Junior member Join Date: May 10, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,774	I would recommend shopping for used rifles. These calibers are so specialized and limited, and so very expensive to shoot, that many people end up selling them after awhile. Are you planning on going to Africa? Or will you be going after Grizzly or Brown Bear? .

March 15, 2009, 10:34 PM	#9
Bigfatts Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2005 Location: Lutz Posts: 1,528	I would reccomend the .375H&H or .458 WM if you plan on general hunting with the rifle or just range time. They are large enough to do about anything you will ever need. They are also relatively inexpensive to shoot compared to other big bores. I have a .375 H&H on a 1917 action and I love it. It and the .458 can be loaded for deer and hog sized game with light loads up to the biggest Elk, Buff, Elephant with heavy mag loads. You could also take a look at the 9.3x62, it's starting to gain some popularity in the states. If you want an out of the box rifle under $1k look to CZ, they chamber in alot of the big stuff. For more money they also make rifles in the Rigby rounds. My 1917

March 16, 2009, 08:09 AM	#12
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	What are you lookig for in this rifle? The two .338 cartridges you mentioned are for long range work and a .375 H&H is usually around a 300 yard cartridge. I agree with Jimro about the .338 Win Mag is plenty, and in most cases so is a .300 Win Mag. If you are looking for a butt kicking magnum round that isn't going to break the bank on purchasing a rifle, look for a used 8mm Rem Mag. Cartridges might be a problem to find but there is a lot of data if you reload. You can usually pick up a nice used Remington 700 for around $800.

March 17, 2009, 11:02 AM	#13
Flapjack23 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: Yale MI Posts: 163	A good used rifle is a great option. Most guys get an a** kicker just to say they have it, most will never hunt with it. They shoot it 10-15 times, put away and never use it again. I picked up a Rem 700 BDL SS/Syn in .375 H&H that way pretty cheap ($350). I don't have a use for it, but who really needs a use to get a new gun?

March 17, 2009, 01:07 PM	#14
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Rem M700's in 'large' calibres are available through their Custom Shop only. There are a few models in assorted "African" and "Alaskan" calibres. .338's and up with 8mm Rem Mag thrown in. "...Make one..." That'll cost you as much or more than a factory rifle. CZ makes big bore rifles. Starting at about $1200US. Like LanceOregon says, shooting big bores is expensive. Think in terms of $75 to $150 or so, per 20. Guy came in the shop long ago. Said he was going to Africa and wanted his own .458 Win. Bought a Win 70 African and a box of ammo. Picked it up on a Friday evening. Saturday afternoon he was back with the rifle, two empty cases and 18 loaded rounds asking us to sell it for him. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

March 17, 2009, 02:19 PM	#15
Jimro Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2006 Posts: 7,097	T. O'heir, I beg to differ about a custom costing more than a factory. My 9.3x62 cost: 75 dollars for action 789.80 for parts and labor. Lothar Walther barrel (and installation) backup irons (and installation) and manganese phosphate finish. I had a takeoff stock from another project, so no added expense there, but m98 stocks are readily available. If you include the 25 dollars FFL fee for buying the action that's a grand total of 889.80 for a custom mauser. Going with a bigger caliber wouldn't change the cost. That's still over 300 dollars less than at $1200 new factory rifle, and I got to specify barrel length, contour, and metal finish. I can't recommend the gunsmith enough, Mike McCabe http://www.mccabeguns.com/ Jimro __________________ Machine guns are awesome until you have to carry one.

March 17, 2009, 03:01 PM	#16
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	yep... all how much you want to do, or spend... I have a Browning Stainless Stalker in 338 Win Mag, & another in 375 H&H... a stainless Marlin Guide Gun in 45-70 ( the 450 Marlin would be a boomer, as would the 444 Marlin or the newer 375 Federal ( or what ever name they attached to it ))... I also have a couple of customs... a Marlin 50 A.E.lever action, built on the lil 44 mag rifle, a Martini Safari Custom single shot in 45-70, & another Martini in 50-70... all of which are fun, & functional... my newest is a Remington Baikal double rifle in 45-70... ( I hope to have that off layaway by mid spring to play with over the summer ) __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

March 17, 2009, 03:08 PM	#17
pesta2 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2006 Location: Fairmont, WV Posts: 1,682	CZ http://safariclassics.com/ http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=50 __________________ http://www.stevekonya.com

March 17, 2009, 03:22 PM	#18
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	+1 for the Ruger No. 1. As far as caliber, you can't go wrong with a .375 H&H. As for the big calibers, the .375 is one of the more versatile rounds and it easier to find that some of the others. My local Bass Pro (Cincinnati) actually stocks .375. The No. 1 action is one of the strongest around and the old 45-70 govt can loaded pretty hot. The 45-70 actually can be hot loaded into the lower realms of the .458 Winchester. Might be another round to consider. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

March 17, 2009, 04:13 PM	#19
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	I had a Ruger No 1 in a .416 Rem mag that I just sold. Like everyone is saying they are very costly to shoot even if you reload. I did reload, and used a Barnes 325 pure copper. I dont think they make the 325 anymore. Had it moving really fast. Like everyone is asking it depends on what you wanted it for. I just used mine to play around with, and shot one bear with it that was no doubt overkill. If I was to do it over again I am not sure on what rifle I would pick sure some nice ones on this post, but I would go with the 375 that should handle about anything you want. Good luck!

March 17, 2009, 05:30 PM	#20
banditt007 Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2006 Posts: 694	if the safari CZ's are anything like my CZ 452 .22lr, its a heck of a gun! seems to be made very well. feels very nice.

March 17, 2009, 06:39 PM	#21
WyrTwister Member Join Date: August 31, 2007 Posts: 47	Larger Caliber Rifle Help What are you wanting to shoot ? Do you need a big bore or want a big bore ? I have 2 Marlin .45-70's that I shoot , but do not need . A lot cheaper than what you are describing . Or a 444 Marlin ? Or a ( grimace ) .450 Marlin ? God bless Wyr