I have a ruger RSM 375H&H that I had planned to rebore into a 500 Jeffery. Now that I have a MRC PH on the way I am reconsidering this idea. Especially since ruger RSM stocks are breaking on 458 Lotts. Does anyone have an opinion on the 404? This would be a real easy conversion. I have a Rem big game syn in 416 right now. Just looking for some input from those who have shot a 404 or own one now.

Thanks Brad

I had Tip Burns take my MRC Long Action, add a 26 inch Lothar Walther barrel and I couldn't be happier! You can load it down or up. The 404 Jeffery has been killing game for over a century now at traditional velocities and higher if you need it. You want it to kick your ass when you shoot, it can do that!

Brass is readily available, bullets as well.
Although, Tip has built a 500 Jeffery for the Houston Safari Club, I really like the work he did for me!

I,m as happy as I could be with my 416 Rem mag .7 thou difference isn,t going to add any killing ability ...... I will probably just build a duplicate of the rifle I have or possibly the same case but necked to .411 .
The 404 is a good round , but for me the belted full length carts. make much more sense .......JMO .

The 404 won't do anything a 416 Remington won't do with less expense and effort. That said, I'm accumulating parts and pieces to build a 404 Jeffery.

I've long been intrigued with the 404 and readily admit it comes mostly from nostalgia. The turning point in my decision to actually have one built came when Hornady announced they will be producing bullets and brass for the 404 Jeffery. Having a cheaper source of brass and bullets will make the 404 much more desireable for many shooters.

Another consideration is that Woodleigh is making .423 softs and solids in 450 grains which will give the 404 a bullet with the sectional density to match a 410 gr .416 bullet (long recognized for terrific penetration). A high SD 450 grain bullet at 2150 or even 2250 fps is potent medicine for anything that walks.

Currently, Hornady is planning on making only DGX softs and solids in .423. I really wish they would make (at least occassional) runs of 400 grain traditional Interlock bullets. It sure would be great to have some good practice bullets for $.50/each.

The 404 offers something for everyone: 400 grains at the traditional 2150 for easy-on-the-shoulder big bore fun; 400 grains at 2400 for the modern DG hunter; and 450 grains at 2200 for a stomper-stopper load that is right on the heels of a 458 Lott.

I think I'm talking myself into it.

quote:

450 grains at 2200 for a stomper-stopper load that is right on the heels of a 458 Lott.

That just may be a stretch of the imagination.

Of course one can buy 450 gr. .416 Woodleighs too, but I am sure that is irrelevant!!

......Can anyone prove or add merit to the notion that a 450 gr cup and core bullet from the 404 @ 2200 fps,kills at all faster than say a 350 gr X bullet or even a 300gr weight GSC HV @2550-2900 fps ?????
Not trying to or .. Just wondering if anyone has any proof that the steeper trajectory and increased recoil are worth it ..???

I know that as far as dumpin bears is concerned the medium and light weight bullets in the 40-458 rounds work as well if not better than the standard heavy weight bullets .....[excluding the lever gun rounds , which work well with the medium weight bullets ] .

Perhaps its just the utilitarian use of my .416 with 300 -350 gr monometal expanding bullets that I,m hooked on ...??

How do you price nostalgia...???as soon as you do it's not nostalgia anymore...its commercialism.

Besides if you want a 404 why are you asking permission of a bunch of wetwillys on the net?

You want commercialism...buy a 416 RM...you want nostalgia...build a 404 Jeffery AND a 500 so you don't miss out on any of the fun.

'Njoy

quote:

Originally posted by Will:

quote:

450 grains at 2200 for a stomper-stopper load that is right on the heels of a 458 Lott.

That just may be a stretch of the imagination.

Of course one can buy 450 gr. .416 Woodleighs too, but I am sure that is irrelevant!!

Quit trying to burst my bubble Will.
Next thing you know, you'll be trying to talk me out of buying a pith helmet.

Not trying to burst anyone's bubble.

Personally, I use the most absurd rationalization to buy something I want!

But a pith helmet? Even I haven't gone that far, yet anyway.

There are several insurmountable problems with pith helmets.

First, they make a pop or snap noise when struck by a tree branch or twig.

Second, it is difficult to use shooting muffs while wearing one.

Third, they take up valuable room in the suitcase during international transport.

Fourth, they are in the way in the cruiser when not on your head.

Fifth, the camp staff will be distracted from their duties by the absurdity of a pith helmet, possibly decreasing the quality of your safari.

I love the 404 Jefferys and have used it to shoot about everything in Africa, Its my favorite caliber in a bolt gun..

Is it worth the trouble? it used to be for me but it is hard to make one feed 110%...today I would just opt for the .416 Rem, it's everybit as good and a lot cheaper to shoot and a bunch less trouble..It just does not have the nostalgia, and I like nostalgia, but I have run out of nostalgia in my old age and gone back to the .416 Rem and my new 416 Ruger, that have the same practical application and power...

Shooting the 404 at 2150 FPS is carrying nostalgia over the top, it should have a 26" or the original 27" tube and shoot 400 gr. bullets at 2400 to 2600 plus FPS...

If your young and nostalgic then have at it, it will do your heart good and make you a happy hunter, that can't be bad at all.....