I really think a guy should have one of each. Right now, I have two 416 Rigbys and I don't have a 404, but I do have a 1909 Argentine action.

Having said all that - I really do like the 416 Rigby, it can do it all without even breathing hard. The knock on it is, it takes a magnum length action. These actions tend to weigh a little more and cost a lot more the a standard length mauser action.

I could be happy with either and both have a proven track record in the game fields of Africa. For me, the deciding choice would be the "rifle or action" issue.....magnum length vs standard length......but I still like the idea of having one of each.

Is that beautiful 404 built on a standard M98 action or a long/magnum action?

I voted 404, because that is what I am having built right now.

I owned a two different 416 Rigby's and sold both of them. I am hoping I like the 404 better.

I sold them strickly because of recoil, and hopefully according to my calculations I will be able to handle the 404J a little better.

Well that is a beautiful rifle That 404. I hope it can kill as good as it looks.

Both calibers are more than adequate to do the job on DG and offer more versitily than larger caliber rounds.

Up to this point, I have had one 416 Rigby and given the larger case it can be loaded up to levels that approach the 416 weatherby but that is not required to get the job done and only adds to recoil and the related affects....

I sold my Rigby a few years back. My reasoning was the 416 Rigby case is not needed to meet what I was looking for, that being a lighter, trimmer, faster handling rifle, etc....

Hopefully, I will take delivery on my custom built 404 Jeffery in July/August this year and it will fill a gap. At least in my mind a gap that needs filling

If some company legitimized the 460 G&A, a 458 caliber based on the 404 Jeffery, I would be very interested in having one of those built as well. I think the 404 Jeffery case is a very good basis for a well balanced DGR....

You can't really go wrong with either choice...

quote:

Originally posted by A7Dave:
Is that beautiful 404 built on a standard M98 action or a long/magnum action?

Standard action.

because I have a 416 Rigby

Both are great cartridges, and barely different in end results. I voted Rigby because there are more bullets readily available, and because it's such a low-pressure cartridge when loaded reasonably (to 2400 fps or slightly less). I don't mind the weight of the action, because I don't find the recoil tolerable until the rifle weighs about 10.5 pounds, anyway.

Others may have more tolerance for recoil, or find that the .404 recoils less.

De gustibus non disputandum est.

Recono,

thanks. You need to change your location to PRD* of Massachusetts now.

Rich

* Peoples Republican Democracy of Mass.

We used to call it Taxachusetts or the People's Republic of Massachusetts.

quote:

I can say this, whether it was a 416 Rigby, 404 Jeffery, 416 Rem Mag or even a 416 WBY mag [I had one of them] I would load 400 gr bullets at 2200fps...

Shhhhh... Do not tell anyone.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
404 Jeffery, cause I own one!

Me too! It's even better now that factory ammo is available from Hornady. More bullets because of that too. There is little diff between the two in the field. The 404j can be put together in a slightly smaller rifle. Both will run 400gr bullets to 2300fps+ w/ ease (although I find 2200fps works just fine).

404J
LW Barrel, Zastava action, bits and pieces by Recknagel-should be ready in a couple of months (I'm hoping...)

Have a hump back CZ .416 Rigby that is well bedded and cross bolted. 404J was not widely available seven years ago when I acquired the Rigby.

Rigby is probably more versatile ... and the bullet selection is better.

404J is lovely and very effective!

PSmith ... beautiful rifle!

quote:

Originally posted by Big Bore Boar Hunter:
Rigby, only because of the availability of ammo and components.

John

I second what he said.

I chose to build a 404J, but it was a very close call. Who could be unhappy with either?

404

To bad you cannot always test them prior to buying them. If so, I would choose the one that would shoot clover leafs at 100 yards.
I had a 416 Rem made almost from scratch out of a Mod 70 platform. Picked out the wood , dimensions and waited 2 years to take delivery. It will shoot clover leafs all day long with about any bullet.
I thought I had to have a Rigby and bought one, a nice one however I cannot get it to come close to my project rifle in accuracy. BTW: MY 416 Rem does not have pressure issues with my handloads or any factory fodder I have tried.
Keep the ones that shoot straight; it will instill confidence! You might find it is the one on your shoulder most often.

EZ

I would choose 416 Rigby, which I consider to be a more flexible cartridge, both are an outstanding figure and I like but I choose 416 Rigby, in fact this cartridge was one of my options but I chose 458 Lott on already having had 375 H&H Magnum.

Oscar.

quote:

Originally posted by jjs:

If some company legitimized the 460 G&A, a 458 caliber based on the 404 Jeffery, I would be very interested in having one of those built as well. I think the 404 Jeffery case is a very good basis for a well balanced DGR....

You can't really go wrong with either choice...

You could also split the difference and make up a .416 Howell.

Didn't winchester toy with legitimizing the .416 Howell in the late 70's early 80's??

In 20/20 hindsight they missed a good thing by not following through.

.

quote:

Originally posted by RIP:
Young men prefer the .416 Rigby.
Wise men prefer the 404 Jeffery.
Letter Rip

404J for me.

One soon to be in my hands on a winchester action.

Crl

crl,

If you could buy a factory M70 in 416 Rigby, would that affect your decision?

I have owned both, in CZs, and kept the Rigby.

regards,

Rich

A factor M-70 migh change things--In fact i think they have with the 416 REM Mag. It will
do anything reasonable loads do in the other two do and is easy to put in smaller action. Decent ammo avaiability. and just think-
the rigby was'nt iconic when we think of it as famous I will bet a new one that there are more Rigbys hunting to day than ever before and I understand that the 458 lott has replaced the 404 j with game departments.
I just wish they had brought out the 416 Taylor instead of the RemMAG.

SSR

I've got a M-76 African in .404 J. It was just so cute that I had to bring it home. I have since fallen in love with the .404 it's sweet to shoot easy to feed and mine is stupid accurate.

I haven't had a chance to pop any big game with it yet but I will.

quote:

Originally posted by MHC_TX:
I really think a guy should have one of each. Right now, I have two 416 Rigbys and I don't have a 404, but I do have a 1909 Argentine action.

Having said all that - I really do like the 416 Rigby, it can do it all without even breathing hard. The knock on it is, it takes a magnum length action. These actions tend to weigh a little more and cost a lot more the a standard length mauser action.

I could be happy with either and both have a proven track record in the game fields of Africa. For me, the deciding choice would be the "rifle or action" issue.....magnum length vs standard length......but I still like the idea of having one of each.

The 416 Rigby can be and has been put in standard actions. Harry Shelby's 416 rigby was built on a standard 98 Mauser action

I voted 404, because that is the rifle that my wife has.

The caption read Harry Selby and his MIGHTY .416 Rigby. Nothing about the 404 with a neck longer than Audry Hepburn

Give Surestrike a Gold Star! It was hard to figure which one to keep, Harry Selby made the decision for me nearly sixty years ago though!

Rich

quote:

Nothing about the 404 with a neck longer than Audry Hepburn

That's not possible...

quote:

Originally posted by jwp475:
The caption read Harry Selby and his MIGHTY .416 Rigby. Nothing about the 404 with a neck longer than Audry Hepburn

And oh so true......