Hello

I have a zastava 9.3x62 which i was thinking of converting to either a 8x68s or 404 jeffrey. Being a standard length mauser variation action is it possible for either without an excessive number of issues to overcome, or am i better off using a magnum length cz550 action for the build?

Thanks

quote:

am i better off using a magnum length cz550 action for the build?

Yes in my opinion.

As BWW said below neither "require" a magnum action. The 404 has been built on the 98 action for years. Both will need bolt face work. The mag box is too short in both cases so it will need to be extended. Feed ramp then will need to match. Feeding??

As to the 8x68s the rim is larger than the 62 but smaller than a normal magnum . Would in function on the magnum bolt I don't know.

If it were my $ I would use a 505 if I was building a 404. For a 8x68s maybe the zastava might make more sense.

Did I confuse you enough?

The 8x68S is the same length (pretty much) as the 30-06.

Bolt face is bigger. Neither round requires a magnum action.

With 404, reliable feeding and function is not a slam dunk. Proper stack can only be obtained with a proper configured box and plenty of rail work, plus bolt and action mods, while at it a new follower.

To second Mr. Wiebe.

The rear width of the 404 box is at 1.010" wide or .100" wider that the current box. They should be about 3.60" of length inside. The front width will be about .950" wide.

That is a whole lot of metal that needs to be machined out properly for the rails to work.

That is not even taking into account the proper shape of the feed ramp.

Converting a action to 404 is not for the faint of heart, and you need to have someone who knows what they are doing so the converion can be done properly.

Jim Wisner

Ok thanks fellas. Will go with a 8x68s with this action. Now just need to get the gunsmith to finish my 318 wr before i start this.

quote:

Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
The 8x68S is the same length (pretty much) as the 30-06.

Bolt face is bigger. Neither round requires a magnum action.

Not quite.
The 8x68S will work best with a 90mm mag box, while the -06 is happy with 85mm...

M

Last year I had a Zastava converted to 404. I tried to get the gunsmith to open the existing magazine, but he said it would cost more in labor than to just buy $500+ bottom metal. I did and the gun fed extremely well. This is a left handed action I recently sold the barrel and bottom metal to someone wanting a right handed 404. I sent it and an action back to the same gunsmith for the work. Now I'm considering a 416 Ruger because it will feed and function well in an unaltered standard bottom metal. If anyone is set on a 404, be prepared to spend $500 extra on a magazine modification or new bottom metal.

Hi mate,

500 for a bottom metal. Was it custom built for you or just off the shelf?

"Unaltered standard bottom metal"??? Is this existing action a short mag configuration?

It seems a shame to convert a 9.3x62 to anything, its such an outstanding caliber!

I prefer a full magnum Mauser action for a .404 Jefferys, albeit that's an expensive choice.