Getting Down To Business
With the rifle zeroed, I settled in for some serious accuracy testing. Ballistic Tips have always shot well for me, so I started with Federal's 95-grain Ballistic Tip load. The first thing I noticed was the chronograph reading-2968 fps. I was shocked, considering Federal only lists the claimed velocity for that load at 3025 fps. Subsequent rounds yielded a velocity average of 2968 fps with a standard deviation of 11-talk about consistency.

This 0.469-inch, 100-yard group demonstrates the CZ 550 FS's high accuracy potential.

I am not sure if it was a result of a hot load or the quality of CZ's hammer-forged barrels, but I was quite impressed by the miniscule loss in velocity out of the 550's 20.5-inch barrel with the 95-grain Ballistic Tip load. The accuracy was impressive, too, with a five-group average of 0.76 inch and a best three-shot group of 0.469 inch.

Velocities were consistently higher than I expected going into my testing, but high velocity seemed to have no effect on accuracy. Several loads performed admirably, including a pet handload with Speer's 100-grain BTSP that turned in an average group size of 0.82 inch. But as good as it shot with 90- to 100-grain loads, the 550 FS did not like lighter bullets at all.

The CZ's 1:10 twist barrel showed a clear preference for heavier 6mm pills. Federal's 85-grain Barnes load averaged 2.61 inches while my friend Kerry O'Day's favorite load with an 85-grain Sierra at 3190 fps did only slightly better. However, considering this rifle is far more appropriate in the deer woods than as a predator rifle, I'd say that's a good thing because in my experience, the .243 is most effective on deer with heavier bullets.

The CZ 550 FS's mild recoil and light trigger pull made it a joy to shoot, although I had to revert to the standard trigger because I inadvertently launched a few group spoilers downrange while setting up with the set trigger. Once I concluded my accuracy testing, I fired several boxes of ammunition from offhand, sitting, and kneeling; this was where the full stock's handling qualities were readily apparent. Solid hits on the eight-inch gong at 100 yards were no problem. The rifle shouldered quickly and came up right on target. I would love to tote this one afield.

Overall, I really like the CZ 550 FS. It is an attractive rifle with excellent handling qualities and gorgeous lines. However, I did have two related complaints. First, the detachable magazine was difficult to insert. That could be easily remedied if CZ satisfied my other issue with the 550 line and came out with a true short action.

The advantages of short-action cartridges include lighter weight and shorter bolt throw. Those are negated on the 550 FS because it uses the same long action for short- and long-action cartridges. As much as I like this gun, I can't imagine owning it in a short-action cartridge until that is remedied. But that's okay; I've always had a hankering for a 6.5x55mm Swedish Mauser, too.

Despite its minor shortcomings, the CZ 550 FS is an incredible rifle that combines classic styling and modern-day performance at an affordable price. I would recommend it without hesitation to anyone in the market for a classy, accurate rifle that won't break the bank. The test gun has to go back, but I see a new one in 6.5x55 in my future.