Ok, I'm looking to make up a 404J on a Columbian M98 as a work gun for Buffalo hunts. Now I have been told by the Smith that he is happy to work on the 30/06 Columbian and get it to feed the 404 well. The question is CAN I fit 3 rounds in the mag and slightly close the bolt over the rim of no3 and clip No 4 round onto the claw and chamber?
I can do this efficiently with my 458 and my ex 425 but not sure if this system of loading will work with the longer 404J?
What do you say?
Will be built to the same lines as the bottom 458Lott Rifle;

This is a direct quote from Duane Wiebe on another thread.

"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."

Perhaps he will jump in here and explain it in more detail.

Sounds like Oz Hunter's gunsmith has it under control.

quote:

Originally posted by Duane Wiebe (CG&R):
Sounds like Oz Hunter's gunsmith has it under control.

Hi Duane, can a forth round be clipped in with not to much fuss or do I need your bottom metal? I have one of your in the 458Win and it's great

Ozhunter, you have a PM.

OZ: Well, the 404 bottom metal we make is cartridge specific and can hold down four with compression room to put another up the spout.

Exporting any gun part is now a real PIA, but can be done legally with additional fees to a broker. One part is not cost effective, but fee is same for one or ten. I never tried it, but perhaps your gunsmith can spread out the bottom of the box (trapezoid) to cheat in an extra round. Kinda Mickey Mouse....

Here is how I think on the subject; three rounds of 404 is enough; why do you need five? If you have not got the job done in three (or 4) rounds then there is a problem. We use double rifles and single shots just fine, holding fewer rounds, don't we?

It should be no problem to have 4+1 in .404Jeffery.

Without changing or altering the box it is a big problem. There isn't room for 4 rounds down.

My 404J on a standard M98 action takes 3 down 1 up. It takes about 3 and a half down so quick and easy to chamber the 4th from the top of the magazine which by the way has the standard follower. The spring seems quite soft in my 404 magazine which makes for a butter smooth and reliable feed. Don't know if the spring was modified but the follower and bolt are highly polished, almost a chrome like finish and this contributes to an exceptional smooth feed.

I think Phil has 4 down with a standard factory bottom metal with the sides and front of the magazine walls removed.

Thanks guys.
Eagle57, that's the answer I was looking for.
I want at least 3 down with the ability to slide the fourth in

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
Thanks guys.
Eagle57, that's the answer I was looking for.
I want at least 3 down with the ability to slide the fourth in

Oz, just a word in respect of getting a smooth feed from the magazine. I received my Mauser from Africa after it had been opened up for the 404J cartridge and it was a real pig when feeding from the magazine, stiff and scratching the hell out of the cases. I slung the barrel over my shoulder and carefully observed a feed from the magazine and could see immediately that the case head was being held up from slipping up onto the bolt face until way too late by the toe or heal of the extractor. A little stoning of the toe of the extractor was magic (see photo below). I think this could be an important step in getting a good feed when using a standard M98 action for the 404J, a task which seems some do struggle with. After my little tweak to the extractor I have had flawless feeding and extraction with absolutely no sign of scratching on the cases.

Can anybody recommend a smith in the states that can do a 3+1 404 Jeffery on a factory commercial or military 98 bottom metal?

Not and guarantee the results. This is not an "on the cheap project." You are best served by getting the proper bottom metal and magazine, and then throwing $100.00 bills at your gunsmith. (Hint: Don't hire someone who has not done this before.)