404 jeffery at work in Lapland

[VTT]

I have been reading this forum for years dreaming of a safari rifle of my own. In february this year I came across a 404 jeffery in Mauser 98 action for a great deal and went for it.
Added Meopta 1.7-10x42 on top of it and had the barrel shortened to 20". Had to learn to reload ammo. After finding out about South African Peregrine copper bullets worked out a load and this is now my first hunting season with the jeffery. I hunt moose and brown bear above the arctic circle in Finland.

 

[Shootist43]

VTT the 404 Jeffrey is more than up to the tasks you are currently using it for. We can't get Peregrine bullets in the states, I've tried several times. What do you use for a load? Have you shot it for group, what velocity are you getting?

 

[VTT]

Bullet: Peregrine VRG-3 400grain
Powder: Vihtavuori N550 81.0grain
Primer: Federal GM215M
Brass: Norma, trimmed to 2.85"
COAL: 3.54"

This shoots under 1MOA groups at 100 yards, haven't measured the velocity but I'd assume it's around 2200-2300fps.

 

[Christot]

Did you notice a significant difference in the response of the animals compared to the calibers (if so, which ones) used before?

 

[Shootist43]

VTT, according to my QuickLoad software program your load develops 2237 FPS from a 20 " barrel. if you ever chronograph your load please let me know how accurate the "prediction" was.

Just for giggles I Maxed out a load using VV N550 using that same bullet. You can go up to a max of 83.6 Gr of powder for a velocity of 2312 FPS with 4746 lbs. of energy

 

[VTT]

Did you notice a significant difference in the response of the animals compared to the calibers (if so, which ones) used before?

So far I haven't noticed big differences for better or worse. I will post if I get a chance to really test the gun in a thicket.

 

[Scrumbag]

Great stuff! I am about to start reloading the Jeff myself. I went for a Meopta 1-6x24 Optika on my .404 Jeff.

Have some Peregrines, think I will use N150.

Scrummy