I am considering a 404 Dakota and was curious if anyone is using one. I know brass is an issue and I would buy plenty going in. Seems like an efficient cartridge that should be very handy on a buffalo. Am I making a mistake?

LJS,
I won’t get into the action you’re using or proffer alternative cartridges. That said…you’re not making a mistake with the 404 Dakota cartridge especially as you’re planning on procuring sufficient brass to keep it running.

This cartridge was high on my list but I wanted a matching .500 caliber using the same case plus I wanted a nice shoulder and case taper for both…so I’m using a shortened .338 Lapua case for both cartridges.

LJS, if you are getting a deal on one, the caliber is a good one. I had one by Gary Goudy, and it was quite a rifle. But it's really about the same as the 416 Remington, 416 Rigby, 404 Jeffery, 425 Express, 500-416, 416 Hoffman, and all those in the 400gr @ 2,400 fps power level.

Biebs I know it is a duplicate of a lot of easier to obtain choices. The short case is what interests me. I guess the short mag bug bit me.

If you're like me, you don't need much of an excuse to buy a new rifle!!!

I'm nostalgic, so I still like and shoot the great old 404 Jefferys. If I was to desire a short .423 magnum then I would use the 375 or 416 Ruger case necked up..Its a short big case, well designed, and would give you and easy 2400 FPS with a 400 gr. bullet, and brass would be available at a reasonable price for the next decade..

I built a .404 Ruger on a std. Mauser action for a doctor friend of mine and I had to file in the iron sights and sight it in with his loaded ammo that he had chronographed at 2439 FPS with 400 gr. Woodleigh softs and solids and as I recall he used RL-15, Hornady cases, Fed.215s..It shot 1.5 with irons at 75 yards one inch high.

I was impressed and intend to build myself one if I ever get caught up.

Would be a great option for your consideration.