That IS the question facing us.

I bought 500 new BELL 404 J cases here, with the plan to build a heavy LR rifle in 338 Edge (FL 338 RUM).

I have a deal cooking on a Whitworth 375H&H/ 458 Lott length. The thought has occurred to me, that I could use half that brass for a 404 J.

Opinions welcome, but facts are better.

thanks,

Rich

Yes, build it.

You have all the bits bar the barrel.

Why not?

I had a standard Model 70 300 RUM converted and rebarelled to a 404 a couple years ago. I had plans to restock it and really fix it up. But pressed for time, I took the very basic rifle on a buff hunt and have been practicing with and shooting it, and now I'm afraid to change anything on it as it's such an accurate, consistent, relatively light, and quick handling rifle. I've passed on several nice 375s on AR-Bay simply because of my "nothing special" 404.

Why not? Just make 100% certain your reamer, headspace gauge , dies and brass all meet the same spec. It's critical

Absolutely yes - make it a real classic style.

talked me into it...

Only as a matching pair of 333 and 404 Jeffery.

Rich

I bought a .404 that is\was built on a Winchester featherwight classic in stainless and dark walnut, with a 23" Lothar Walther heavy sporter barrel on it it weighs 8.75 pounds.
It shoots wonderful but at times it will knock the piss out of you if held wrong.

Until I bought this rifle my largest was a .338 Win mag and a 9.3x62, so I am pretty new to a big bore caliber.I am sure you have shot much larger.

But It is a very nicely put together rifle that hits with authority and I know why people love to shoot bigbores.


Cal30