...Because I like the history and performance with managable recoil, I'm also aware that it's not as practical as the 416, due to the bigger selection of available bullets.

However, I'm not keen on going to a big action for the 416 Rigby. A long action (read MRC 1999) as that is what I'm going to get will handle the .404, 416 Remington Magnum and .458 / .458 Lott.

So, apart from the .404 what would be a good choice (I've shot the .458 Win Mag, so recoil is not an issue for me). Looking at one rifle for PG and DG is the intention.

A 375H&H.......

No, I want a big bore, not a medium bore.

You already said it--416 Rem mag

SSR

I have a P Marquart in 416 Howell. The Howell uses the 404J case, but is necked down slightly (.423 to .416) so it can utilize all the .416 bullets available out there.

What do you think about the 416 Taylor and Ruger?

Have some class.... 404 Jeffery

All of the calibers under consideration will do the job....

But you don't need more than a 404

From a practical point of view the .416 Rem. is probably the best caliber out there today..With a 350 gr. bullet at 2600 FPS plus and a 400 gr. at 2400 FPS its awfully hard to beat. Also for the light plainsgame the 300 gr. at probably near 2800 would be a good bet, but I have not used that one...

I settled on the 416 Rem years ago..I still love the 404 Jefferys also and I am just finishing one up on a Rem Enfield action and it was inexpensive to build by comparison with a rebore..Bullets are plentiful for the 404 and so is brass, that should not be a problem, but in New Zealand it may be????

The 458 Lott is always a great option as you can load it to 2150 FPS, with extremely mild pressures, 85% load Density, and 0 compaction with many powders. IMO it's what the 458 Win. should have been to start with. However I consider the 45 calibers best for the big stuff and it's not my cup of tea for plainsgame.

If you only intend to hunt DG on ocassion, then I would probably opt for the 375 or perhaps a 9.3x62 with a 26 inch barrel, long magazine, and throat (that will duplicate the .375 for all practical purposes) Both calibers good enough for DG if used properly and one understands their limitations.

All good options and you won't go wrong with any of them. The only requirement for any DG caliber is good shooting.

quote:

The Howell uses the 404J case, but is necked down slightly (.423 to .416

Isn't the Howell also 3.34"? If you stay with a 3.34" there is the 416 Ruger and 416AR

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
Bullets are plentiful for the 404 and so is brass, that should not be a problem, but in New Zealand it may be????

Bullets for the 404 are no problem in New Zealand, especially if you want the best with Woodleigh and GS Customs. Longer range PG to up close DG, a 404 with these options would cover it all.
For high volume practice - fun a 350gn Cast bullet at 2365fps or a plinker at 1900 is just about right.

PM me if you want good quality 404 cast bullets.

Von Gruff.

Thanks guys,

I was just testing the water so to speak, so for me I'm going to stick with the 404.

Michael.

build the 404.. and a winchester, SC action, is going to be better than most.

i can't get around the toggle button release on some actions.

it really is a great round.. not my fav, but that and 3 bucks will get you coffee at starbucks

How can one get hjold of Winchester 300 ultra mag action to rebarrel into 404 Jeffery? I would be happy to do that or build one on a Mauser 98.

There is a 300 Winchester Ultra Mag Model 70 for sale on Guns America. If you do a "new today" search, it will be shown.

I may be wrong on this and please correct me if I am but aren't all M70 long actions the same. If this is the case ony the bolt face would need to be sized to the jefferies case. If this is the case I would look for the cheapest CRF long action out there to make my donor.

I believe there are issues with the feed rails and magazine box that are eliminated by selecting an Ultra Mag. I'm sure a good gunsmith can fix them but why take a chance?

Inasmuch as the 300 Ultra mag is based on the 404 Jefferys case, most of the work is done before you start, its one of the better actions to build a 404 on..

I prefer the Enfield and primarily the Rem Mod. 30-S or 720 for a 404, the action is big enough, strong as hell, control feed, takes very little work to make it feed, add a new bolt handle, a barrel and sights and bling to your taste and your set to go. The Enfield is longer than M-70s or Mausers unless you get a Mauser Mod. 20 or one of its copies, and they cost an arm and a leg.. The Rem 30 Enfield comm. guns cock on the opening and the top has been modified, the bottom metal is decent. I like the Enfield safety as its silent and positive, its a slick action, not needing a lot of work,

It is also about the only action I will build one of the 500s or 505 on. I have used it a lot and its my pick.

The best part is I can build a nice working gun in a 404 Jefferys and can sell it for around $3500 or less with the Enfield.. A Mod. 70 or a Mauser costs me much more and to build so the selling price goes up considerably.

Anyway the Remingtons are not expensive to buy and considering a factory 404 such as a CZ is damn expensive, they are a good option for a working gun or a full blown custom big bore.

Ray,

With a ~$2K CZ Safari Classic, why wouldn't someone go that direction and spend a little money on some AHR tweaks? Is the rifle action just too big making the rifle too heavy?

Thanks!
Sid