Trying to decide on a new rifle to buy, and want to try one of these two calibers. Does anyone have any comments for one over the other?

I'll probably never make it to Africa, but will be using it on bear in Alaska. Also, I don't handload ammo, so what's available from the factory will be a consideration.

Looks like the 404 actually shoots a .423" bullet?

How do these compare as bear hunting calibers?

David

David - You are splitting hairs trying to find any performance difference between the two. Both cartridges are equally capable at the range and in the field.

Obviously the .416 Rigby is a far more common factory chambering. However, the .404J is still around. Feeding either caliber with factory ammo is going to be pricy. If you decide to reload, you will have better bullet selection in the .416 caliber. Other than this, you will find little difference between the two. It is really going to come down to personal preference.

[ 01-02-2003, 02:13: Message edited by: Zero Drift ]

DavidAk, there is also the concideration of action size. A 404 can built on a smaller lighter action, even a standard 98 Mauser action will work. The Rigby will require a much larger and difficult to find action combination. This means a lighter rifle capable of killing anything on earth.
lb404

Hi DavidAK,
Welcome to the forum. You mentioned buy and not build so the 416 Rigby is as easy as putting down aproximately $600.00 and buying a new CZ 550. It will do anything you could ask of it and should give you a confidence margin for North American hunting. With a scope the weight will still be alright and you can buy factory ammo for it until you can find someone that can help you reload. Then you will really love it.

Take care,
470 Mbogo

Thanks for giving me a few things to think about. I'm looking into the cost of having a .404 built for me..but the CZ sounds attractive also.

choices, choices..

David,

I know you didn't ask about this caliber but the 416 Remington can do anything the 404 or Rigby can do in a resonably priced rifle and the cartridges are about $40.00 less per box.

I'm not sure that the 404 ammo is even available anywhere in Anchorage or AK period.

Regardless of which large bore cartridge you choose, you will become a handloader after your first trip to the range.

As has been said many times over, the .416 Rigby simply rules. I've had some serious trigger time behind one and frankly with about 35 AFRICAN critters worth of experience ( including 5 Buff), the .416 Rigby simply performs. The effect on game is noticeably better than a .375. The .416 Rigby at 2400 fps with a 410 gr woodleigh is a killing machine. recoil is lnot appreciably more than a .375 and most people can handle one with no proble,s. I have no experience with the 404 jeff other than in the Rem Ultramag varients. However, I doubt there is much difference in performance. The 404 Jeff can be built on a M98 which means a lighter gun. this might be a major advantage when you have to carry the gun all day long.
My personal objective is to build a .416 Rigby on a M98 just like Rigby used to do in the 30'S. I shot just such a gun in Zimbabwe last year and it is a dream come true.-Rob