Blaser R8 In Large Calibers

[MerlinMc]

With the R8’s it’s mostly stock type one prefers, magnum vs non-magnum bolt head though those can be swapped out. You can only get above a 375 H&H with the traditional type stocks, not the thumb hole style. The rifle is designed to be modular but there are some limitations. There are quite a few barrel options available as well.

I have a Professional Success and Ultimate, both of which are thumb hole. You can get a .375 RUM in these, which is a vicious round. My .375 has worked well on a variety of DG with the thumb hole stocks. Unless you're hunting elephant, a .375 in H&H, Ruger, Blaser or RUM is all you need.

You can get a custom barrel in any caliber and other customization imaginable. A 28" barrel, needed for ultra high velocity rounds, works great in these stocks.

For the bigger calibers, .416 and above, you need the traditional safari stock.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

The interchangeability, take down, etc are all nice but I haven’t seen mentioned my favorite feature: the action length. Due to the design, it is a few inches shorter than a usual rifle and that not only saves a few inches, it changes the balance. I find my R8 to be the easiest-handling rifle I own. Part is the weight- I have the aluminum receiver, synthetic stock, standard barrel 375 so it’s pretty light for what it is- but it is also how it is distributed.

 

[ay2626]

Question for the couple of guys that have custom 404 Jeffery barrels for their R8. What magazine insert are you using? Also it’s been confirmed in another post that the ultra magnum bolt head definitely works, but heard speculation elsewhere that a normal magnum works fine as well. Anyone know if that is true?

 

[Red Leg]

The interchangeability, take down, etc are all nice but I haven’t seen mentioned my favorite feature: the action length. Due to the design, it is a few inches shorter than a usual rifle and that not only saves a few inches, it changes the balance. I find my R8 to be the easiest-handling rifle I own. Part is the weight- I have the aluminum receiver, synthetic stock, standard barrel 375 so it’s pretty light for what it is- but it is also how it is distributed.

You are exactly correct. On of the attributes often touted for single shots like the No 1. I use the exact same set-up as you, and the rifle is perfectly balanced between the hands.

 

[MerlinMc]

Question for the couple of guys that have custom 404 Jeffery barrels for their R8. What magazine insert are you using? Also it’s been confirmed in another post that the ultra magnum bolt head definitely works, but heard speculation elsewhere that a normal magnum works fine as well. Anyone know if that is true?

You might try this insert:

 

[Forrest Halley]

Question for the couple of guys that have custom 404 Jeffery barrels for their R8. What magazine insert are you using? Also it’s been confirmed in another post that the ultra magnum bolt head definitely works, but heard speculation elsewhere that a normal magnum works fine as well. Anyone know if that is true?

This is interesting to me this discussion of an ultra mag and mag bolthead being a different thing. See below table from the Blaser website.

Just how many bolt heads are there actually? Is there any difference in the Magnum and Ultra Magnum bolt heads?

Are we going to be disappointed if we could take calipers to these different bolt heads and find out they aren't so different after all? Which granted probably won't happen easily since the parts are so expensive and a dealer sure wouldn't want that to get out if there is no difference aside from markings. I have already seen that the Lapua bolt head is just a Jeffrey bolt head struck out and relabeled at least in one instance.

Anyone with a Lapua care to comment?

I was actually thinking about this very question the other day of just which bolt head would a .404 user want to use for a Jeffrey build.

 

[TheWhitetailNut]

I believe @Red Leg mentioned something about this one time before.
For the life of me I can't remember what he said.

For the R8 (in the US) the ATF considers the stock the "gun" portion of the puzzle.
However the barrels also have a serial number.
All of these must be listed on your CBP4457 for re-entry into the US.
Along with the serial numbers of your scopes and binos.

Why in the world would the serial for my binoculars need to be on a 4457?

 

[BeeMaa]

Why in the world would the serial for my binoculars need to be on a 4457?

It's to prove that you didn't purchase a high priced item out of the country so it's not subject to any import tariff or tax. In truth, the 4457 is only for the US Customs although foreign country officials do look at it. This form is to prove you are only bringing back into the country with what you left with.

Truthfully, I know several people who don't do this and have been to Africa and other places around the world without a problem. However, the trouble of adding on the serial number of my binos and scopes is easier than having to possibly deal with a Customs agent who's had a bad day and feels like busting my chops. Call it a "belt and suspenders" approach. Your choice.

 

[Holyfreak]

One in 458 Lott and the other in 300wm

 

[RTG]

One in 458 Lott and the other in 300wmView attachment 443176

Gorgeous!

 

[Tra3]

One in 458 Lott and the other in 300wmView attachment 443176

Which stock do you prefer for regular use? And why? I have the ultimate (thumbhole) stock and really like it. I prefer it over my kids’ professional stocks. (Not asking about aesthetics, the wood stock should be named Jealous rather than selous.)

 

[Holyfreak]

I have Blasers with all 3 Stocks. For DG and BG there is nothing better than a normal Stock (super fast ready to shoot). If u have time and need to get long precise shot i prefer the Ultimate stock.

This is my favourite gun, ultra light shoots 1/4 moa out of the box

 

[TOBY458]

It’s amazing how many people have been converted to the R8 since this thread was first started. I currently own four complete R8s in 458 Lott, 458 Win Mag, 375 H&H and 9.3x62. And have bought, sold, and/or traded five other R8s and a multitude of barrels since this thread began. I’ve found that if you’re patient, you can pick up used barrels, receivers and components for good deals and even make some money doing so along the way.
I’ve now used my R8s on two different trips to Zim for Elephant, Buffalo and PG with great success. If there are any of you still on the fence about owning an R8, I can assure you they are a great tool for hunting.

 

[Inline6]

It’s amazing how many people have been converted to the R8 since this thread was first started. I currently own four complete R8s in 458 Lott, 458 Win Mag, 375 H&H and 9.3x62. And have bought, sold, and/or traded five other R8s and a multitude of barrels since this thread began. I’ve found that if you’re patient, you can pick up used barrels, receivers and components for good deals and even make some money doing so along the way.
I’ve now used my R8s on two different trips to Zim for Elephant, Buffalo and PG with great success. If there are any of you still on the fence about owning an R8, I can assure you they are a great tool for hunting.

I now have a 458Lott, 375H&H, and a 7PRC. That takes care of most of my hunting needs. Have been very happy with all three of them.

 

[375Ruger416]

I now have a 458Lott, 375H&H, and a 7PRC. That takes care of most of my hunting needs. Have been very happy with all three of them.

Who made your 7 PRC barrel? Happy with quality and service?

 

[WesRic404Jeff]

Question for the couple of guys that have custom 404 Jeffery barrels for their R8. What magazine insert are you using? Also it’s been confirmed in another post that the ultra magnum bolt head definitely works, but heard speculation elsewhere that a normal magnum works fine as well. Anyone know if that is true?

Magazine insert nr 11.
Bolt head UM.

 

[Inline6]

Who made your 7 PRC barrel? Happy with quality and service?

Palehorse Zero did the work. They used a PacNor barrel. It took almost a box to get the barrel to settle in. Once that happened, she has no problem shooting sub .5 moa groups.

 

[Schroeder]

I have a Blaser R8 PH model, with barrels in 500 Jeffery and 8x68 (And some others). The 500 Jeffery is exactly 5kg with steel receiver, kickstop, and steel bolt knob. I us a Docter 3 red dot in a Henneberger extremely low mount, with four feet. This mount puts the Docter extremely low, and my check really well supported on the stock. It is extremely accurate and I am very comfortable shooting it. I think check weld is very important, especially for these larger calibers.
I have owned this rifle many years and never had any issues or failures with it.
I like the ability to fit a 22LR barrel to it for practice. You get really familiar with a rifles, trigger, decocker, and handling, shooting a 22LR.
The below target is shooting 600 grain Woodleighs with the Docter off sticks.
I have no complaints and will never sell it.

 

[Spearhead]

This is a thread that cannot possibly go on without @Red Leg. He owns one, revers it, and has shot a number of buffs and plains game with the various barrels...

I got a quote at SCI for a R8 Professional Savanna Big Bore Stock Receiver with .375 H&H "Selous" barrel (includes barrel band swivel and barrel band front sight) and .300 Wby barrel. I handled one and was flabbergasted at how appropriately heavy it was (10 lbs 13 oz). I initially did not even want to pick it up as it appeared small and light - and I have zero interest in a 8 1/2 lbs. .375 - but I was really impressed by the proper weight, balance and overall stock design.

I am toying with a minimalist concept of a Kreighoff .470 (which I already own) and a R8 with two barrels (.375 H&H and .300 Wby), or maybe three (.257 Wby), all in one single Pelican of deep suitcase size..........

I objectively do not think that any bolt action of any design can compare to a double in terms of second shot, and the R8 manipulations will certainly require getting used to, but the convenience is hard to argue.

The R8 with thumbhole stock is so ridiculously comfortable, that I cannot adequately explain it. Also, the straight pull bolt for follow up shot is equally ridiculous. Ridiculous as in super fast . Fired two quick shots in an eland and I honestly don't even remember the second shot. I'm not exaggerating!!! Depending on cartridge, it gives you a fast triple or quad. A double doesn't even come close. BUT, the double is sexy, refined and just plain gorgeous. You have to decide what works best for you and your budget. Good luck.