Will a 416 Dakota work in a mod 70 winchester action. Is the bolt thick enough to allow it to be opened up to a, I think .544 rim size. I know its long enough. I was going to build a 416 Rem on a 300 win Super Grade I got several years ago. The 300 just would not shoot. I tried everything, 1.5 to 2.00 at a hundred. I had my smith order a Krieger 416 BBL, I just dont know what caliber to go for. I like the Dakota, no rim. Any help?

Yes, that would work. My dad had a Winchester Super Express 458 rebarelled to 330 Dakota, and it worked fine. They have to slightly enlarge the bolt face cutout. The feeding will have to be adjusted as well. The rails will need to be opened up a little to get it to feed right. On that one, I would think the standard follower would be OK, but that is a easy thing to swap if it doesn't work.

Yes, it will work, but I believe I'd go with the 416 Rem, simply because one never knows when these smaller companies will fold, like Kimber and a few others. You will always have brass for the 416 Rem...

I would go for a 404 if you have not already ordered a barrel or can change..that is my all time favorite in a bolt gun...but either will do.

The above post is true. Remington is the one that "folded" here. They no longer produce 416 Rem. brass. Only Bell is available.

Remington does still produce 416 remington brass, I see it all the time in stock at reloading suppliers. I just checked midway's website and they have it in stock in boxes of 20, 100, and 500. I'm sure this caliber is just like any other, the factories only produce it on a rotational basis, once every year or so. The oft repeated rumor that remington no longer produces it is a myth.

My vote would also go .404. BUllets are a bit harder to get, but you will probaby always be able to get brass. I am hoping mine will be done this summer for a buff. hunt in 2004.

Dakota will run out of brass but the jeffery will ne around forever?
Isn't the one made from the other?

The Jeffery rim is .537, or .007 smaller than the Dakota. Are the tolerances of bolt face diameter such that you could slip either into the other, e.g., use Dakota brass for your 404J?
And Slimmpd, check out the Canadian Mag if you haven't, as an alternative. Same as Dakota, but with Jeffery case (same rebated rim.) I don't think they chambered a .416 but the brass is same for their .308, .338, .375 and .450, so it's another source if you're concerned about that.
I say go for it.
And let me know how many rounds you can squeeze down her.