I would surely like to read member's thoughts, experiences and whatever on the 404 Jeffery. I have been interested in this cartridge and the rifles that shoot it for a long time. I always thought that since it does not have the H&H belt, the shoulder being such a slight angle, that headspace would be a problem, especially for hand loads. Perhaps that is not correct info, but it is only one of the items I would like the read your opinion, and knowledge on.

Thanks, KB

KB,
All I have shot have been handloads in my 404 Jeffery. I have not had any problems.

Mine is a custom made rifle on a Montana Rifle Co. Long Action.

I think the best deal going is to find a CZ already made in 404 Jeffery. You'll save money and time.
BTW, I really like my 404 Jeffery!

I haven't shot mine at game yet so will not comment on performance in the field. But I have had no problems reloading. I'm not new to reloading so when I started reloading the 404 I probably unconscienciously avoid creating my own problems,so no problems for me to report. It's not that hard to set up the resizing die for a slight crush fit on the shoulder if that's what you want. My rifle feeds just fine so for practice I neck size only. Chamfering the case mouth is a good idea with the relatively thin case walls or you might get some crumpling of the neck but other than that I can't think of any other warnings.

So, headspace/shoulder is not a problem. This cartridge looks like it would feed very well in the right action, much like the 375 H&H feeds - slick.

Tell me what you know about opening up the bolt face, and rails, if necessary, on the CZ 550 magnum action, which has the standard .532 bolt face now.

Thanks, KB

Mine is also on a MRC 1999 action and works very well.

The 404 feeds well, headspaces well and in general is as good as you want. No problems with reliability at all!!!

The only question is about practicality.....the 416 Rem Mag is far more practical and when it comes to putting things on the ground is as good.....

The old 404 in a modern action is no slouch at all...it's a real powerhouse.....I wouldn't hesitate to use it on the biggest nastiest stuff the planet has to offer.....but not sure I'd build one again.....I could have done far worse I suspect.....I could have built a 400 H&H like I was planning!!!

quote:

Tell me what you know about opening up the bolt face, and rails, if necessary, on the CZ 550 magnum action, which has the standard .532 bolt face now.

My 1999 still has the standard bolt face which I'll open a bit when I'm totally convinced it's going to be a 404 for life.....until then I have turned the case heads to .532!

I didn't have to touch the rails at all...it fed the 404 as is!

Don't laugh...it's working well for me right now.

It took me a bit of work to build it...you can judge if it was worth the effort!!

Vapodog,
If your rifle functions and shoots as good as it looks, you have a very extraordinary rifle. I like it.

Also, you have answered several of my issues with the 404. I was having trouble with the notion of opening the bolt face and extractor for the same reasons you have. I didn't think about just turning the rim of the brass to fit. Good solution.

Also, it's good to know someone who thought of the 400 H&H and decided not.

Also, you seem to share my thoughts as well that the 40 calibers are nice, and fun, but maybe too specialty to devote so much money on such a rifle.

KB

With my .404, I used a Model 70 PF action originally in .300 WINMAG, I have had no problems with the rim dimension. I have used re-formed .375 RUM brass, which has the belted mag rim dimension, Bell and Norma .404 brass and all chamber and extract with no problems. It is currently at Dennis Olson's (for the last 16 months) getting him to make it feed peoperly. The Montana action is probably the way to go if you don't want a CZ550.

www.rifleactions.com - Very, very good rifles.

Not cheap, but not crazy high priced either,

[especially if you are good with synthetic stocks]

and worth the money for SURE!

I love my .404jeffery & I have hunted it. Mine is built off a M70 in .300RUM. A new 23"bbl. dbl. cross bolts, Dakota 1/4rib & NECG banded front sight. It feeds 100% & running 380gr-400gr bullets @ 2200fps gives me a managable round that kills very well, including an honest one shot drop of my first cape buffalo & everything else I shot with it. Practical, maybe not but very satisfying.
Today you can buy a CZ from the factory & tweek it a bit for a great rifle. Lot's of good bullets & factory brass is readily available. You can even make cheap practice brass out of RUM cases.

Vapodog
I think your rifle looks great. Nice wood, nice fit. If she shoot as good as she looks, it must be one accurate rifle.

vapo, the rifle looks great. Finish it up & start shooting it as a .404jeffery!

hey vap...can you make me one in stainless

I shoot an old Manton Mauser in .404, never have used it on big game, somehow it seems too imposing for Texas Whitetails, but it's a breeze to reload, nothing difficult or unusual.

LLS

Mine is on a M98 1909 action, I am happy with mine and it is a light sweet handling gun.

Vapo Love yours great job.

quote:

Originally posted by PC:
Mine is on a M98 1909 action,

PC,
Can you post pics please.....several folks have asked me if they can build one on the VZ-24 and I have no clue how it's done.....I just can't give advice when I really don't know....it seems like it can't be done....but it's done for sure.

Did your smith cut front or back or both?...and how much?

Maybe we can talk Rusty into posting photos of his as well.....