I got tired of all the guys on the small caliber forum telling me I can't shoot deer with 22 centerfires.

So I have been enlightened and recently purchased a Model 70 Classic in 300 Remington Ultra Mag.

Since I have been so enlightened, I don't think a 300 Rem UM is big enough either. So I would like to turn this rifle into a 404 Jeffery.

What all does this entail? Is it an easy new barrel/chamber and off to the races? Check the feeding and out the door?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Especially from anyone who has been there, done that.

My advice would be to sell that and get a 22CF.

Mike is being too sensible.

Cut 2" off the front of the stock so you can have a barrel band soldered on the barrel.

Then it's pretty much like you describe.

Lose the Winchester stock and buy a Sako Hunter patterned stock from McMillan.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........trade it on a 22 CF.

What's wrong with a 22short? It's just shot placement.
Butch

The deer seem to be getting thicker in the hide and more tenacious every decade, maybe consider a .505........................ You will have enough grunt for elk then too.

Over here in Oz people often have the same opinions, hopefully it will make the smaller calibres cheaper.

quote:

My advice would be to sell that and get a 22CF.

I have plenty of those. And unlike some in the small caliber forum, I have actually used them on deer and they work.

I just thought it would be a slightly humorous way to title a post.

But I am not kidding about converting the Ultra Mag to a Jeffery. Seems way too easy to get a 404 Jeffery going that route. But then I'll take easy after my last fiasco with getting a rifle built. The metalsmith part was absolutely fantastic, but the stockmaker was a serious letdown.

I even plan on starting with factory Hornady ammo. If it shoots good, I may not mess with loading my own until I get a good supply of brass built up.

Donor rifle is a Model 70 stainless classic with tupperware stock.

Tentative plans are a Krieger barrel, Brockman pop up peep, NECG banded front sight, Talley QR rings, barrel band and maybe a McMmillan stock.

I just didn't know about the details, as I thought I read once that the mag box and follower needs to be changed out.

I see that McMillan makes a stock that fits a Sunnyhill drop box. But I don't know if I need the extra round that would give me, and I have never liked the pregnant rifle look of a drop box.

I plan on useing a M70 375 H&H on whitetail this year. God I pray that it will be enough!

How about having a sabot made for those 40 grain hollow points?

Want to really piss them off, invest in a 17 cal.

404 jeffery,...hhmm...i don't think i'd use it on anything bigger than a blacktail.....

Not only will it kill a deer, if you reload to classic levels, you can scope it and pretty much curl up with it ... very minimal recoil

and, well, you wont believe the difference in animal reaction .. hit them on the shoulder.. TRY to ruin meat... 400gr at 2200 will make a 2"bruise of bloodshot, and the critter will fall like poleaxed

quote:

What all does this entail? Is it an easy new barrel/chamber and off to the races? Check the feeding and out the door?

YES!

I've heard that with the right shot from a 404 Jeffery on a whitetail, that you can kill them and field dress them with only one shot. I don't know though, as it would take some really good shot placement to peel the hide back just so and not puncture the intestines. I think he might have been exaggerating....

What do you all think? Can it be done or was he just blowing smoke?

quote:

So I would like to turn this rifle into a 404 Jeffery.

What all does this entail? Is it an easy new barrel/chamber and off to the races? Check the feeding and out the door?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Especially from anyone who has been there, done that.

I think he knows it is enough gun but wants to know about the conversion from the RUM. I have seen several here post about it but have not done it myself.

Thanks for all the replies.

quote:

if you reload to classic levels, you can scope it and pretty much curl up with it ... very minimal recoil

Exactly what I am looking for, I loved the CZ Rigby I had, but it was too much recoil. A person has got to know their limitations. I found mine with that cartridge. I can handle my 9.3x64 Brenneke's with ease. I did not have a problem when I owned a 375 H&H. But I want something bigger!

Yes the big enough for deer comment is definitely tongue in cheek. Just being a smart azz.

I believe the conversion is very simple and straightforward, from the replies I have gotten.

Here's a couple more questions:

What barrel contour? #5 seems to be consensus, or smallest contour suggested.
Twist: 14 or 16. Leaning towards a 14.

I should have a M70 300 rum to a 404 back in a couple weeks.

I suggest trying to find a takeoff Safari express stock. Lilja makes the correct contour, IIRC it's the win375b contour. The Lilja barrel is a 14 twist.