Thinking about a 404J caliber bolt action, I went to CZ USA to see they discontinued their 550 Magnums in 2020.

It is unclear to me if this is a short-term COVID production issue or something else.

Perhaps raw actions are still available because it looks like AHR is still building 550 Magnum based rifles. Or, perhaps I should consider some other options.

A ~$5K EU sourced rifle is not an option and I wonder about the secondary market as I'm sure there are people out there whose dreams of an African Safari have gone away either due to COVID travel restrictions or more basic financial considerations.

I have considered the various 30-06 ".40" variants but, I want something low pressure that has more case capacity and magazine length for heavy or long bullet options. I also want to stay away from obscure "wildcats" but, a simple run through a full-length sizer and fire forming is doable for alternative thoughts. The 404J bore size is attractive but, I could be swayed somewhere else if a 404J isn't viable in today's economy and marketplaces.

Is there something wrong with buying a 'previously owned' rifle? Or converting a long action rifle to .404J? that is not going to cost you much.

OR, buy a Ruger M77 in .416 Ruger. Pretty easy to find for small money.

an enfield 14 or 17 is your action - one large part of a custom rifle is the stock, and there's plenty of stocks available.

just a shooter to have one? a barrel plumber could put one together for you cheaply.

a reliable DGR? frankly there's still CZs around .. find one in 458 (either) ....

but a 458(either) with 400 tsx bullets can easily match all the perf of a 404, and then some

What about a 416 Taylor?

I started with a search of all the normal places for a previously owned 404J and came up empty. Then I went to the CZ USA website.

The 404J is an "itch I want to scratch". Would a Winchester 70 CRF rifle be a good candidate for conversion and if so, who and what is the ball park cost? I don't want or need Heym quality and pricing (as one example) but, I also want something more than a basic 'gun plumber' special.

Thanks!

These days, the long action Winchester Model 70 approach would seem to be the most practical.

I would think about straightening the bolt handle and restocking along English lines in order to achieve the right look, and also for best feel and function.

Good luck!

Plenty of 404s have been made on standard length M98 actions making nice light carry sporters.

Have to make a decision about mine one day, got 3 hunting sons but to date none into reloading or thoughts of big game hunting. Will only cause a row if it is still around when I kick the bucket.
These days I guess it is too difficult to sell across borders.

A standard length M98 Oberndorf 404 going one day (sadly).