PC I've found the reply from RCBS tech for you:

Quote:

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Hi John - we do not make custom pilots - but the 416 pilot should work for
you - part # 9397 - $3.95 - also if you are using the trim pro - the shell
holder is #41 - 90341 - have a great day

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PC I am quite content to let my 375 be the flat shooter & the 404J to be the " Thumper" . Therefore my target will be 2100 to 2200 whichever lines up with my iron sights the best.

Since you are in Melb you may raise the matter of lug setback with Bob & let me know. I did not think about it till you raised it, but now that you have I am being cautious. This being my first Mauser & a military one at that I don't know.

Listen I am not a big fan of the M70 3pos safety. I think a 2 position is simpler & faster plus the M70 type costs a packet & still needs to be worked over to make it smooth plus a bit on the noisy side. Have not found a way around that. I reckon the ideal may be a low swing flag type but on the left side for a right hander. Just think about it your thumb would be able to take it off safe in the one movement. Plus it has Mauser all over it.

I'll be going with a low swing flag safety by choice.

I know BAW gave you the Trim to length as 2.858 but according to Uncle Nick the Max L = 72.64mm=2.8620" and Trim Lgth=72.45mm=2.8545". Trouble is my Norma cases average Brand New a Case Length =2.868 inch. So something must be wrong in the conversion.

Hope Bob" chambers are generous in length.

Its a real pain that Nick Harvey's manual has all the measurements in mm whereas in reloading most stuff are still in inches.

Regards
John

I have the same question except with a different twist to it. What scope for an old classic 404? I have an old C&H from the thirties. My smith says it really needs an older scope to be period consistent. What older scopes can take the beating. I am thinking maybe a fixed 2x or 4 x. Thanks "D"

Fair enough Mike.

I have just about finalised the "buy a gun from the US" project my self. I started in January and it was posted on Friday just gone (1886 extra lite 45/70) Cost me $409AUS for simpsons to do it for me.

No doubt there will be a few more fees upon arrival at customs.

.460 Camo sounds good

PC,

Everytime I open the forum there is a 404 post somewhere and from you You must be getting close to launch date.

Mike

John,

I did ask Bob and he felt it was not an issue with a low pressure round like the .404. I have requested that my 1909 be re-carbourized and re-heat reated for what it's worth.

I will most like ly trim my brass to the length BAW has given, I like you will not push the barrow with my mauser .404. Funnily enough the 5o Norma cases I have measure the same as yours do...usually I have not needed to trim Norma brass before using so I wonder if it's needed at all.

John have you fired your .404 yet ??

Please post some pics and show those Yanks that we have one of the best smiths going around...I reckon he would give Echols a run, wouldn't that put a rocket up there clacker

Im shooting a VXIII 1.5x5 & a Leup. 2.5comp. as a backup scope. Good eye relief & durable. Check on e-bay, sometimes you can get a very good deal.

I have used both a Leupold 1x4 in VariX-II and a 1.5x5 in VariX-III with my .404. Both have held up well. One concern with the straight tube Leupolds, though. It is possible (if the front ring is directly over the objective lens) to put enough pressure on it when tightening the front ring to damage the lens. The solution is simple... just make sure the ring is behind the lens. This may be difficult with magnum length actions unless you have extention rings, however.

I can't see much use for more than 4 or 5 power in a .404 and anyway, I don't like the esthetics of a big objective bell on a DRG rifle. For my last DGR project, I chose a Leupold in 2.5X with a post from www.premierreticles.com I am quite happy with it and find the post faster than iron sights. Just my opinions.

Okay .404 shooters what scopes are preferred for .404's,

My dream scope for the .404 is the swarvo 1.25-4 but it's out of my price range I think.

What does everyone else use on there .404's ??

John T,

If you used the 2.5x comapct leupold on your .404 I am thinking thaat the flag safety should neally work due to the little leupold being so short.