From the reading I have done on the varied bore dia of some of the early 404's and any safety issues with loaded or loading ammo.

As the 404 was not a proprietery cartridge and was chambered by many, some of whom also made thier own barrels, with the resultant variety in dimensions, untill the industry wide chamber and barrel specs were standardised.
This was the reason that Kynoch, and now Woodleigh produced the bullets with the tapered nose in front of the crimp groove and short rear paralell shank so that it will fit in even the 418 bore and from down if needed, without the over pressure that would, or might develope if a greater length of the bullet were paralell as in some other designs. The Kynoch ammo from yesteryear or the new loaded with the Woodleigh bullets should be safe to fire in 404 chambered rifles from all era's loaded as it is - was to mild but still very effective 2125fps and the necessary lowere pressures. The RWS on the other hand would be best kept for those with a measured 423 bore.

Von Gruff.

Von Gruff,

Thanks much. I shall let you know how it develops...another few days

quote:

one of us
Picture of shootaway

Posted 20 March 2010 15:55 Hide Post
I like the shape of the stock and its color.I was wondering if the barrel was made that way to distribute most of the weight over the forearm.

The wood on most "old" rifles in India tends to be that colour. Over oiling I guess.

Not sure about the barrel contour, but I do know that the earlier ones (this included) were conversions to military M98 actions as Rigby had the monopoly on the Magnum mausers till around 1911/12.

I shall let you know how it handles in a few days

Page 229, "Original Oberndorf Sporting Rifles", Jon Speed, has a picture of a .404 Jeffery Magnum Mauser rifle which is very, very similar to the one posted by Esskay. The picture quality isn't the best, but the barrel taper looks to be the same. Differences; the rifle in Speed's book is a square bridge and the rear sights might be different. While certainly not a conclusive reference or validation, it does appear plausible Esskay's .404J is, or is close to, original.

LJB,

Thanks for the info. Per a phone call to Jeffrey (J.R.Roberts & Co), I was told this rifle was made by them in 1908. I am following up for more information and will wait on that before I actually "buy"...but for now it is looking good

Assuming the price is anywhere near right, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It's a magnificent piece of history and even if it needs a bit of work it'll be well worth it.

The comment about calibre is correct. I reckon Mr Jeffery must have had the nose of a good saleman and chose numbers that'd sell.

In reality, .404 Jeffery is .423 and .500 Jeffery is .510