A friend wants to get into the big bore game and start with a 404Jeff. It looks like a Weatherby Vanguard in 300 Weath. is an easy conversion: barrel, rails and a little bolt face work. I don't know magazine length on their 7 or 300 Win mags. Any other actions that would work without major reconstruction?

CZ 550 action would work a montana long action

I agree, a 550 is about one one the coolest things around. But, for this project I'm looling for cheap and easy.

cz 550 is the easiest action to do a 404 jeff of thats the name of the action cz 550 not a caliber cz action about 600 parnor barrel 170-200 and add ur stock and sights and your done

I've been looking at the different options for buidling a 404 and I don't think cheap and easy can go into the same sentence. I've found 3 options. 1) buy a CZ in 404 2) Find a Winchester 70 in one of the ultra mag calibers and rechamber 3) build one on a large 98 action. I'm sure there are others but these are the 3 I've settled on. 1) the smartest and easiest would be to buy a CZ, I think if you look you can find one for $1600-$1800. 2) I think a Winchester 70 would be the next easiest way, other that finding and action. They are tough to come by. Look to spend $800-$1000 on the action. Then just guess of another $1000 to turn it into a Jeffery. 3) build from the ground up. $200-300 for the action. Not sure on the cost of the other metal work and could be upto $3000-4000 for a custom stock.

I've got a 300 RUM and a 1909 Argentine action and I think I am going with option #3.

There are other on the forum more knowledgable and experienced than I but this is what I have found so far.

I have a model 70 classic rum 404 conversion at a gunsmith now. I purchased a win factory safari classic stock with crossbolts and it's being checkered ect.

The project cost more than I first budgeted, I think they always do. Doing it again I would still go with the model 70.

Hi Express,
I know what a CZ 550 is. Wonderful actions but might as well just buy a factory 404 as far as price goes. I do my own rebarrelling and chambering. I am looking for an action and mag box that can handle the length of the 404. Thunder Stick, I would avoid the military 98 for a cartridge of this length. It is done but often the feeed ramp is shortened which is a bad deal because the feed ramp is also the bottom bolt lug shoulder.

A quick and dirty route would be to locate a rifle chambered for one of the RUM cartidges and re-barrel.

George

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:
A quick and dirty route would be to locate a rifle chambered for one of the RUM cartidges and re-barrel.

George

+1

I went with option 1, bought a new CZ in 404j.
I'm very happy with it. Frankly, it's probably the least expensive and quickest way to go.

quote:

1)buy a CZ in 404 ... 1) the smartest and easiest would be to buy a CZ, I think if you look you can find one for $1600-$1800.

Can I find a CZ in 404 for $1600? This is a special order from the custom shop at $3,000. Are people dumping then for 50% used? Or were they one time a standard factory (from chek republic) offering? Just talking, not really looking.

One point not mentioned directly, is the Model 70 could make a lighter rifle than a factory CZ. Easy carry and fast swinging, if the original .404 loading were used. For the hot Hornady load the CZ weight is probably about right for guys like me.

quote:

Originally posted by tiggertate:

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:
A quick and dirty route would be to locate a rifle chambered for one of the RUM cartidges and re-barrel.

George

+1

+1

Just sell the Vanguard and put the cash in t5he one you want to buy or build.

Keith

quote:

Originally posted by GeorgeS:
A quick and dirty route would be to locate a rifle chambered for one of the RUM cartidges and re-barrel.

George

THis is what I did. You can add as many bells & whistles as you want to it. Cheapest would probably be a M700RUM & rebarrel that, but I would lean to the M70.

quote:

Can I find a CZ in 404 for $1600? This is a special order from the custom shop at $3,000. Are people dumping then for 50% used? Or were they one time a standard factory (from chek republic) offering? Just talking, not really looking.

Here you go

http://forums.accuratereloadin...2711043/m/6451097701

I just got my .404 on a Rem 700 action from McGowans. I haven't had a chance to shoot it yet but will report on it within the next few weeks, time permitting.
kh

FredJ338, That's a nice piece. All the parts are working together. Functional and businesslike.

Fred338, nice looking rifle. I have a NEW M70 in 300 WBY that I am saving for a special project. I have now added the 404J to the list of possible choices. Lou

The Montana Rifle Co.'s long action makes a great 404 Jeffery Right and Left Handed.

quote:

I know what a CZ 550 is. Wonderful actions but might as well just buy a factory 404 as far as price goes. I do my own rebarrelling and chambering. I am looking for an action and mag box that can handle the length of the 404.

I built one on a Model 70 Winchester PF in .300 WinMag. The only modification needed was a long "window" magazine box and a rail modification. When I sent it to Dennis Olson for the rail work, he wouldn't do it on a PF and I had it converted by him (long story) to CRF. Even the bolt face didn't require opening even though the Jeffrey is about .007" larger than a belted magnum.