All we need is a lefty !

IIRC there there were originally 2 Heym express actions, with a 'light' version available for the .375 H&H.
Is the new Heym/Martini one in .375 on the same action as the others, or a lighter one?

Very nice.

I love the close up pic, is that of the same rifle? I'd love to handle that one, looks beautiful not that "melted" look you see on tactial 1911's sometimes that ends up making the gun look sad.

Red

Might as well bring this thread uptodate from the other one.

quote:

Originally posted by new_guy:
Here is a new HEYM "Martini" 404 Jeffery in progress.

Shown so far are the blank and the roughed out stock.

Will try to add to the photos as the rifle comes together.

Changing my order a little:
I'll keep waiting for two in stainless and synthetic with integral QRW bases and slick barrels, chambered for ".375/404 Jeffery Saeed"
and "12.7X68 49-10."


... From my cold, dead hands,
... or when I go blind,
... but I will keep the shotguns if just blind.

quote:

Originally posted by maxbear:
I really like this rifle a lot compared to the old version.

I can't imagine how much talking it took to get the German's to change their old way.

Chris you deserve a keg of beer. Good Job!!!!

I am betting because the design comes from another German, that is why they liked it.

Chris,

You are an evil, evil man. I was almost back on the wagon, as far as rifles go at least, but a Jeffery or a Rigby on this platform is a dire temptation.

As to RIP's suggestion, all I can say is "YUK"!

quote:

Originally posted by JabaliHunter:
IIRC there there were originally 2 Heym express actions, with a 'light' version available for the .375 H&H.
Is the new Heym/Martini one in .375 on the same action as the others, or a lighter one?

Is the new 'Martini' rifle based on a single action size (presumably the original Heym Express Magnum)?
Or are there different action sizes (eg smaller for 375HH; bigger for the other calibers)?

All the new Heym Express rifles use the same action size.

However, the barrel diameters in the larger bores, and the magazine bopxes, allow them to weigh more than the 375 H&H, which is how it should be.

The Magazine boxes are designed specifically for each of the different calibers.

These Express rifles handle extremely well.

They are designed from the ground up to be the ultimate DG Bolt Action hunting rifle.

Just got a reply from Chris Sells; the new Martini Express will be a replacement for the current two Express models.
Better get your orders in for the current model calibers, if the future calibers don't cover your wish-lists!

Here I send you some photos of an brand-new Heym Martini from today.

Very high quality, steel and wood.

And: This is "only" the basic version (no extras).

Thanks for the pictures Frank!

Well, I couldn't resist any longer. Stopped by to look these over at the DSC and ended up owning a 404 Jeffery. I'll get some pics up after I pick the rifle from my dealer. The pictures I had seen certainly got my attention, but when I had this one in hand I just had to own it. The fit and finish are as expected, excellent. The action is the smoothest of any Mauser variant that I have ever cycled. The stock design is comfortable, comes to shoulder quickly, and points naturally.

Adamsdjr

I used a 404 Jeffery Heym Express in Mozimbique to shoot a warthog, a couple of bush pigs, and a reedbock. [Did not see any elephants ]

I also saw 2 cape buff, 2 other warthogs, 4 other reedbocks, a nyala, and a monster eland shot with the same rifle.

The 404 is a most excellent choice IMHO...

Looks like I'll have to check these out this weekend, apparently Martini/Hagn will be here at the local show this weekend, they have them listed on their site now , also.

N E 450, what ammo did you use on your hunt? I had planned to handload using CEB's or Barnes X's but given your recent direct experience I would like to know what worked well for your group. Thanks in advance, Dave

quote:

Originally posted by Adamsdjr:
N E 450, what ammo did you use on your hunt? I had planned to handload using CEB's or Barnes X's but given your recent direct experience I would like to know what worked well for your group. Thanks in advance, Dave

Congrats on your 404 Jeffery.

I have not used the CEBs (will try at some point) but have been using the North Fork 380 grain solids (Elephant) and softs (buffalo and PG) and they work really well...

RIP posted some reloading data (if you do a search you should fine it here) and I have used his VARGET loading.

DISCLAIMER - You should always work up your own loads starting lower, etc..

I settled on 76 grains of VARGET, Norma Brass (Hornady is avialable and good stuff), Federal 215 Macth Grade Primers, trimmed, etc....gives me a nomial 2400 fps with 380 grain North Forks and POA solids and soft is good. VARGET and H 4350 seem to work well in the 404...

Good luck with your 404, great chambering!

Did you notice that there's not a really fat man in the group photo? Can you imagine what a photo of similar ages and professions of Americans would look like? We Americans are too fat and I'm including myself.

We used reloads with 400gr Barnes X bullets. They did great on the buffalo, and good on everything else.

I do think a bullet that expands to a larger diameter like a Woodleigh, a North Fork or a Swift, will work faster on the smaller game, but we had several DRT's with the Barnes X bullets on the plains game we shot.

The 404 is a very plesant round to shoot.