Hello,

I broke my 404 into today at the range testing some loads. I stuck at 50 yards. What was amazing is that all loads and bullets hit within the same 1"x1" center square, so I think the rifle is accurate.

I was working with two Northfork bullets (used Woodleighs to get on paper): 380 gr SS and 430 gr FPS.

My goal for the 380 gr was 2,500 fps (for Buffalo and PG) and 2,300 fps for the 430 fps (elephant)

As recommended by NF, I loaded all to 3.59" with H4350. They recommended Federal 215 primers, I used CCI 250s. Norma brass. Barrel length: 24"

380 gr SS:

84 gr I averaged 2,406 fps.

86 gr things went crazy. I recorded 2,603; 2,800, and 2,751. All well above where you'd want to be for bullet construction and recoil. Didn't see any pressure signs.

I didn't try the 88 gr loads.

So first question - I think 2,400 fps +/- seems pretty suitable for a 404 J. I think I'm done here. Agree?


430 gr FPS:

79 gr I averaged 2,280 fps

81 gr I averaged 2,365 fps

I didn't run the 83 gr load.

I think the 2,280 fps is more than enough. Or do you think I should try backing it down to 78 gr? I figure I might lose 40-50 fps, but still be over 2,200 fps.


Thoughts appreciated.

Austin,

The 'Heavy-Mediums' (>=.400 caliber and .458 caliber) make their 'African name' with 400gr bullets loaded at 2150fps MV. The 404 Jeffery was later loaded to 2400fps to match the 416 Rigby MV.

So yes your loads will kill game right nicely - as long as they're accurate that is.

Austin

Experience with my own 404 on a few Aussie buffalo using Parker Hale factory ammo at 2,245 fps, Kynoch at 2,225 fps and my own reloads at around 2,200 fps (all 400gr bullets) proved every time I pulled the trigger that I didn't need any more velocity.

RWS factory ammo was loaded to 2,330fps, some old DWM catalogues listed a load at 2,400 fps but most other factory loaded ammo for the 404 stuck to around the 2,200 fps level.

My neck today is saying "Less powder" Of course when you hunt, you don't crank this many rounds through and you are standing.

I used woodleighs loaded to about 2150. It worked fine on buffalo. I don't think that you need more velocity than that.

I'm going to load down 1 and 2 grs on each bullet and see where I end up on FPS. I think 2,200 fps for the Solid and 2,300 fps for the SP would be minimum.

quote:

What was amazing is that all loads and bullets hit within the same 1"x1" center square, so I think the rifle is accurate.

I would stop right there! What more do you want?

I would make sure I get similar MOA (2 inch) same POI at 100 meters.

I have been working on my CZ 416 Rigby for 16 months & I have now settled on my hunting loads.

Though I was getting 2800+ fps with 350 gr TSX, I found that at 2 to 4 grs less powder, I got the 350 gr TSX & 340 Gr Woodleigh PP on same POI with 2" 5 shot groups off sticks at 50 meters. The CEB 325 gr Raptor & the 350 gr solids also printed within 1 inch of the above group at 50 meters off sticks.

Final story - 20 shots from 4 different bullets within 4.5 inches or so at 50 meters off sticks.

I will use either the TSX or the Woodleigh for PG at longer ranges. I still need to check their performance at 200 meters.

Velocities were all at standard Rigby levels - 2630 fps to 2730 fps.