what are you shooting in yours? I finally got the bases, rings, and scope on my VZ-24 404 Jefferys and loaded a few rounds this morning.

Just two of the 400gr TSX FB to see it go bang. About 2340fps with 76gr of RL-15. Recoil is not bad, but it does get your attention.

What powders are you using with the Barnes 400's.

thanks,

Rich

I use VihtaVuori N550, using loads straight from Barnes' own tables.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/f...11/404JefferyWeb.pdf

I usually end up in the 2250 to 2300 fps area with the TSX for what is a nice balance in my Mauser. As you can see, the max load for the 400 grain Banded Solid with VV550 is a real stomper.

I have used both the 400 gr. and the 350 gr. BarnesX bullets, even the 300 gr. (discontinued as I recall) Actually I preferred the 350 gr. Barnes X as it had all the penetration I ever needed and it shot a bit flatter and faster. I used the 350 gr. on PG and buffalo and on one Bison bull. I used the 350 gr. Barnes x bullets on larger animals like Eland, Buffalo, Bison, elk, moose..For Hippo, elephant, the 400 gr solids would be my choice I suspect.

I used the 400 gr. also on buffalo so I am sure the 400 gr.Barnes will suit your needs pretty well.

thanks to both of you...

Forgot to add..I prefer H4831 or IMR-4831 in the 404, it fills the case with a tad of compaction and gets the highest velocity..My std. African load is 93 grs. of 4831 with a 400 gr. Woodleigh soft or solid, may need to drop a grain with the solid in some guns to make them both come to zero together..Vel. is a tad over 2400 FPS...I have loaded them up to 96 grs to about 2650 FPS, most of my guns maxed out at 95 grs. and its a brutal killer on both ends..The 404 is right at a 416 Rigby without a rim as to case capacity, and is underloaded my nearly everyone, based on misinformation and failure to work up their own loads.

I have shot Africa many times with the 95 gr. load, and in the hottest months without any problems, that has always been the beauty of 4831,high velocity and mild pressure in most any caliber its designated for.

These loads were tested by North Fork some 10 years ago, and he got 259? in his test barrel and mild pressure, sent me bunch of North Fork bullets and pages to describe the results and I shot a dozen or so buffalo with that load and his bullets, sent them to him, he cleaned them, photographed them and returned them..Those NF are great bullets btw, boringly repeatable! always a perfect toadstool and plenty of penetration. Barnes X are great bullets in big bores also, and one of my favorites is the A-Square dead tuffs, no longer available. then the wonderful Woodleighs, especially the 450 gr. softs..Come to think of it there are no bad bullets for the .423 caliber.