I spent the day at the range today. It was 103 degrees in the shade. Virtually no wind. I Put the 500 Jeffery through the paces with the 535gr. Woodleigh PP with 100gr Varget andabout 4gr of Dacron batting. The gun still shoots low at 50 yd. and until I get a handel on where the bullets will fly, I won't be using the chronograph for this rifle.

The 404 Jeffery is amazing rifle. Almost any bullet I put through it makes it into 1.5" or less. Today I shot 400 gr. Hawk bullets I had left over. 80gr of H4831 got me a little over 2450 f/s. and less than an inch. It likes the North Fork bullets the best and shoots both the FPS and the CPS well under an inch.

sounds like a nice day!
quickload says about 2085fps on the 500

jeffe

Outstanding!

Glad to hear you were able to pack in 4 grains Dacron along with 100 of Varget.

The heat was more a test of your tolerance to misery.

That 500 Jeffery load would be no problem in hades itself.

It will be interesting to hear how it groups and what the velocity is when you get around to it.

You are providing a great service in furthering our understanding of this "advanced rifle looney" cartridge.

PS: They were claiming 109 degrees F in Wichita today.

PPS: I doubt QuickLoad is very close on this one.

I am trying to achieve a load for the GS FPS at about 2150-2200 f/sec. The 540gr GS are moly coated so after I do some work on the Woodleighs I will get down to work on the GS customs. I wish North Fork would make some FNS and CPS to play with. They work wonderfully in my 9.3's and 404 Jeffery rifles.

That sounds great!! Are you going to stick with those velocities or are you going to try to reach the traditional velocity?

Be easier on the shoulder to stay lower, that is for sure!!

I have read that many of the Kynoch loads were quite overstated on expected velocity. Caswell once told me that the advertised velocities of almost all of the Nitro Express rounds were never achieveable. While I had my 505 Gibbs, I was able to get some factory loaded rounds from Georges supply to compare with the rounds I was loading. The Fastest 505 load only delivered 2200 f/s 525 gr. bullet. That being said, I am hoping to send the 500 Jeffery bullets out at about the same speed, 2150 - 2200 f/s. Since my shoulder surgery, I am able to shoot up to the power level of a 416 Rigby/458 Win. Mag. and do very well. I have been shooting the 500 Jeffery off of a lead sled. I intend to go to shooting the Jeffery off hand after a break in period- PUN intended!

What action and barrel are you using on the 404?
Sounds like you have a sweet combination.

Thanks

John

quote:

Originally posted by John Greenlee:
What action and barrel are you using on the 404?
Sounds like you have a sweet combination.

Thanks

John

All of these are based on the 1935 Chilean contract Orberndorf Mauser actions. I have been collecting them for a while so as to do this project. They, I am told, were made during the high point in Orberndorf Mauser time line. All I know is that they make up into some fine rifles.