I received this e-mail from Roger Ferrell, the Atlanta area gunsmith, today. Whoopee!

Ernest,
I shot your .404 today and have nothing but positive developments to report. Feeding & ejection were fine. Accuracy was about 1" at 50 yards which is as good as I can shoot iron sights. When adjusted so the bullet's point of impact is 1" above the point of aim at 50 yards, the points of aim & impact coincide at 100 yards. Recoil is very manageable; the rifle is comfortable to shoot. Ammo is good. Chronograph velocity at 15' is 2285 fps. No problems. Bluing is next.
Roger

The gun was originally a Winchester special production Model 70 Classic, a notch or two above a Super Grade made by the Custom Shop for some distributer, I suppose. I bought it from a private party NIB, for a whopping $700.

The original caliber was .300 RUM, and since I prefer "long range" rifles to be ensconced in synthetic stocks and have stainess barrels, I decided to re-barrel to .404 Jeffery.

The ammo Roger was using was my Jeffery loads with Woodleigh solids. I'll work up a load later with Mike's North Fork cups and FPS, too. I think that the velocity is all I will ever need!

I chose NECG sights, a large bead front (with detachable hood) and a fixed and flip-up (200 yds) shallow express-style "V" on an island rear.

Roger pillar bedded the action and also full-length bedded the barrel.

I think you folks will be amazed with the quality of the wood (for $700). I'll probably put Talley QD mounts and a 1.5x5 Leupold on it.

I'm eagerly awaiting delivery next week and will get some pictures then.

Judge,
Glad it's going well for you. The 300RUM to 404 is a pretty darn good and easy fit for the 404

jeffe

Judge:

That's great to hear. I am using Roger for my son's .30-06 project. Bill Soverns is doing the stocking.

You should bring that Beauty to Cooley!

Ernest,
Look forward to pics! I have always wanted a custom .404 with all the trimmings... sounds like you built one. Congrats on her being a shooter.

I shall bring it to the DRSS meeting, subject to Rusty and Mac's blessing, of course... and my paying the final total to Roger, too, I reckon!

Jeffeosso:
The original follower would allow the cartridges on the left side to pop out, but Roger replaced it with a .375 H&H one, and, without modification, works just fine... Go figure?

Judge G, sounds great. Looking forwrd to seeing some pictures soon.

Hog Killer