Calling all you .404 experts.

I would at some stage like to build a .404 Jeffery but not sure if a M98 is long enough to handle this cartridge. What actions make good choices for a .404 Jeffery if modifying an M98 is going to be a hassle.

Cheers,

Michael.

quote:

would at some stage like to build a .404 Jeffery but not sure if a M98 is long enough to handle this cartridge.

There have been plenty of 98s converted to 404. Just takes time and $$. The action, bolt and box will need to be opened up to handle the longer case.

A longer magnum action would be far easier.

Hi KWC, 404s were often built on standard Mauser actions in the days when they were the choice of many an African nations game dept. As factory loaded they are slightly shorter than a 375H&H & there have been plenty of those built on std actions. The stumbling block for a good 404 conversion is probably bottom metal & getting them to feed from what I've read on here & other places but not unsolvable to a good bit of Kiwi ingenuity. Another option & a larger action to boot might be a P14 action but again it will be bottom metal & feeding as well as the tidying up they need to look anything like decent.
Steve.

I have 2 magnum mauser actions in the works and both will be Rigby cartridges. I also am doing a 404 jeff on a Winchester classic 300 rum. Some might think that a jeff should be mated to a Mauser only. But the Win M70 Rum is a perfect,inexpensive,and easy convert.

You can find M70 Rum's on gunbroker in the 600's and rebarrel for under 1K. A nice rifle and conversion.

I have one built on a 1935 Brazilian Oberndorf Mauser standard length action, and it feeds fine. I used Blackburn bottom metal on mine, but good luck getting that.