Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only Tell Me About The 404 Jeffrey

Glad to see this old thread revived.

FWIW, I've found 375 RUM cases reformed in a 404J sizing die to be a practical way to source practice brass. These are getting harder (impossible?) to find, but I lay in a supply several years ago and still use them. 404J basic cases also turn up form time to time and are a good investment.

For the OP: Bob, did you ever get that 404J built?

Bob must be out and about, away from his computer. I sent him a PM, letting him know this site has been re-activated. He hasn't read or answered the PM and hasn't posted on this site.

He'll probably surface shortly. I'm interested in what he finally did regarding his .404 J. itch.

DF

DF: I never did do a 404J,but I think it's a good idea.

At the time of this thread, there was a wonderful 404J built on a M70 by Winsron Elrod. I handled the rifle at Cabela's ain Scarborough. Nyrifleman (Doug) on here was looking at it as well.That was why I asked about the cartridge.

I did not buy it,and far as I know neither did Doug....I go back and forth on anything over 375....
Not really something I have any need for; but I do think the 404 is a neat cartridge!

JB writes that if one is truly practical he'll get a .416 Rem or stay with the .375 H&H.

That's what he says and it makes perfect sense. He's a Loony, however, just like us, and I don't how "practical" he would/could be starting from scratch, shopping for a big rifle. I think he'd end up with another .416 Rigby or something similar.

I just like the .404 J. I had my hunting partner ready to go halves on one I found. Then, I sobered up and took a deep breath. It may be a long time before we go to Africa. And we already have more than adequate firepower for anything that walks on the North American continent.

So, I'm going to wait. If I run across a used M-70 in a RUM caliber, I may pick it up as a donor for a future build. Time is on my side, but of course, that's logical thinking. I'm just not too sure about the effects of time on the sanity of a Loony...

DF

Actually, I have come real close to buying a .450/.400 3" double a couple-three times, which is basically the rimmed equivalent of the .404. But each time I figured the price of the double would pay for another safari, a rare practical thought.

Did own one of the Ruger No. 1 .450/.400's for a while, but never took it hunting. Guess I'm just a .416 Rigby guy!

Gotta be careful with those "practical" thoughts...

Could taint your image...

DF


edited for spelling.

MD, Your old No. 1 is safe and in good hands. Don't be too practical and go for the 404J - nostalgia and all, you know! We're all loonies still.

That's a fact-- they are charming, and they do work just fine. I shot the one I had with 400-gr bullets, and they ran about 2300 fps. I'm quite sure that's very effective, though some are a touch faster. I just don't think that is needed.

Given that nature of our hunting, I think you ought to take whatever you want, within reason. .404 Jeffery, I'm quite certain, works just fine. .404 Ruger will work just fine too, I'm certain .

Dennis

That's what I did... bought a .300 RUM for a donor after I shoot out the factory tube. Problem is, I have been picking up new rifles so fast I haven't had a chance to shoot it!

Here is my 404J built on FN Mauser standard action, holds 4 down.

Banded rear sight and front swivel.


Possibly a Mahillion build. Pics of some proof marks, engraving.

Built mine on a 50's FN Colombian ex mill.


400gn Woodleigh 84gn H4350 (ADI2209) 2300fps +
All shots at 55 yds with aperture sights Some targets showing off centre loads were in the initial testing and were regulated after loads established.



350gn HT cast bullet 87gn H4350 (ADI 2209) 2415fps



350gn cast bullet 63gn H4350 (ADI2209) 1900fps



Von Gruff.

VG, you've built the epitome of the 404J - classically restrained elegance and simplicity. And a hammer to boot. Kudos!

BTW plan to try your load in my No. 1.

Wildcatter did not build one; not sure I want one....but here's one I would like to have! This would make me a 404 fan in a hurry


Category - Custom Rifles African Dangerous Game Safari Magazine Rifles
Guns International #: 100242052

Lister Inventory #: 2096
George Hoenig Custom 70
Description:
George Hoenig custom Model 70 Ser. No. 350501 .404 Jeffery- 25" barrel with matted quarter rib and adjustable express sight and hinged front sight shroud. Barrel band swivel and trap door grip cap. Mounted with a 3X9 Swarovski scope. Very accurate rifle by a classic master. Wt. 10 lbs. 12 ozs. Ready for Africa!

Sorry can't get the pics up.But go over there and take a peek.

Sorry I did not see your post. I was in NYC last week.

WOW! Since you can't take it with you, take a look at the other Hoenig stocked 404J (how often do you see 2 at once?) on GI:

Guns International #: 100248161
Lister Inventory #: 2116
W J Jeffery .404
Description:
W J Jeffery barrel on a Mauser single square bridge action Jeffery No. 28116. .404 Jeffery- 25" barrel with quarter rib and express sights. QD scope mounts with 3X leupold and trap door grip cap. Stocked by George Hoenig with beautiful piece of fiddleback wood. A classic big rifle and ready for Africa!

Think I'd be happy with either - though I'd favor the 3x Leupold for this work - when walking the African plain one last time! The stuff dreams are made of.

Wildcatter I saw the Mauser as well...equally fabulous..I mean I sorta doubt he made very many 404J's....

Spooky thing is RinB on here has actually seen/held the M70....he knows GH and says it's a fabulous rifle.

Good grief! What rifles!

Don't think many other than the bespoke London trade made too many 404Js - part of the allure.

I rcall, maybe 25 years ago,a Cogswell&Harrison Mauser 404J at my local gun shop hangout.....these were a working class London gun, I guess.Minty clean....Frankly, I did not know what it was....but the price was well below a grand,so I don't think anyone else knew either.

When I think of 404J's,that rifle comes to mind.....and the idiotic decision not to buy it....

Here's a .404 J. Cogswell and Harrison built on an Enfield action. Got the photo on line.

What's your thoughts on using a 1917 Enfield? Sometime one can find a sporterized Enfield with a lot of the expensive work already done and that crooked bolt handle would have to go. The follower and rails would need work to handle the fatter .404 J. round.

Enfields have a big, deep box mag. and often when they're customized, the floorplate/box is cut and welded to eliminate the drop. For a .404 J. I think you'd want to keep the deep, drop type mag.

DF

i think the 1917 makes a heavy 30-06(or 338-06 in the case of the one in my safe) but would be great for a bigger round.....infact mine will wind up as something bigger as i dont like carrying a 9 pound rifle around anymore for something like a 338-06....

The mistakes of our youths would fill a book. Well, live and hopefully learn. But you never know when the next right rifle/wrong choice situation will come along. No wonder we're loony.