Another large caliber thread .404 or .416

[cpr0312]

Hello AH! I know there have been numerous threads on this kind of topic. I know there will be lots of different preferences and opinions, but I would like to hear them.

This is a big theoretical for me, but if I were to choose one either the .404 or .416, which would it be.

I currently have a .375, but am looking for something more in case the need arises to use it in the future. I dont know much about the .404, a little bit about the .416 from reading about it on AH.

Please tell me your thoughts on either one or both if you have them. Gun would primarily and/or theoretically (as this is just a dream now)be used for something like hippo/elephant.

In the .416 caliber, I would be in the market for guns in the range of Winchester, CZ, Kimber, Sako type price range.

Another question for you .416 guys is deciding between a Rigby, Rem Mag, Ruger

Look forward to any feedback, thanks guys!

 

[peras]

Reedy, no animal will tell the difference between the two. The 404 has a bigger diameter(423) and less recoil than the 416.
In most places 416 ammo will be more readily available.
For nostalgic reasons I will go 404, for practical reasons(different makes, ammo, etc) I will go 416.

 

[spike.t]

Another question for you .416 guys is deciding between a Rigby, Rem Mag, Ruger

!!! how many times do i have to say this there is only one .416!!! and thats the .416 RIGBY ....and as pieter said nothing will notice the difference, and with factory ammo i cant feel much difference with recoil between the 2. neither is that bad. seems to be when people want to load the Rigby to super speeds does it seem to become too fierce to those firing it......which to me seems pointless as it always has worked fine to original specs

 

[PeteG]

Go with the 416 if you can, its about x1,000,000 better than a 404 and about 2,000,000x better than a 416rem or 416ruger!!

I couldnt tell any difference between the recoil on spike.t's 404 and my 416 rigby, and that was shooting one and another right there and then.
I doubt there is much difference at the end of the day between any of the 416's. i just prefer the rigby.

The biggest differences and issue's come in with reloading which i am sure many will chime in on.

So to answer your question honestly, i would go for a 416Rigby and then a 404 Jeff.
No, thats not one or the other... thats one AND the other

 

[spike.t]

So to answer your question honestly, i would go for a 416Rigby and then a 404 Jeff.
No, thats not one or the other... thats one AND the other

Ahhh pete you beat me to that one was going to say get both but forgot

 

[cpr0312]

@spike.t and @PeteG ,

I meant to mention in the original post that of the .416 and the research I had done, the Rigby was the most likely choice. Thanks for the input guys

 

[spike.t]

@spike.t and @PeteG ,

I meant to mention in the original post that of the .416 and the research I had done, the Rigby was the most likely choice. Thanks for the input guys

i am still waiting for the ruger and rem boys to come steaming in....... .....but you just cant beat class

 

[CAustin]

Ok spike t here comes the Ruger 416 guy. Love the Guide Gun that I have and have obviously been very successful with it. Ammo is available in Pretoria as Pieter and I checked. Hand load guys can do what they want with the type projectile employed. I have one friend who has the 404 and he has been very successful as well with his rifle. They are all great in my mind.
Reedy you might as well just step up to a double say in 470 NE and be done with it. You know your going to end up doing an elephant hunt one day and you might as well have a nice Merkel or Blaser.

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Hi guys.
I think that only 404Jeffery.
Witold

 

[Ray B]

Now that 404 brass and bullets are commonly available I prefer the 404 to the 416. My reasoning is:
1. Action and boltface are "near" standard - ie slight modification to a .532" boltface/extractor, & usual opening of standard length action.
2. Standard magnum diameter cases with shallow angle neck results in easy chambering and less adjustments to action
3. the 404 is .007" larger than the 416
4. Bullets of 350, 400 & 450 grains allow for multi-aspect hunting &
5, When loaded to similar pressures, there is virtually no difference in ballistics between the 404 & 416.

Both the 404 & 416 are available in the CZ 550.

 

[larry4831]

i am still waiting for the ruger and rem boys to come steaming in....... .....but you just cant beat class

I have a 416 Ruger, but when it comes to class the 416 Righy is it. Ruger rounds $80 a box for 20, Rigby rounds $200 a box for 20

 

[Wheels]

Charles,

Is it really a choice.



Grandpaw’s Jeffery

It rested between the Ivory
That hung on Grandpa's wall
It's finally checked and yellowed
Like the tusks it helped to fall

It's barrel smooth and polished
From a hundred bearers hands
It reflected the light warmly
Like campfires flickering brands

The stock of English walnut
Chewed and clawed a bit
It still showed a trace of checkering
an a dent where a horn had hit

Stamped on the barrel lightly
Was a name and not much more
A single word "Jeffery"
"Jeffery .404"

If that rifle could only talk
And take us back once again
With grandpa in Africa
A time of Buffalo, Elephants and men

But that day has set it's sun
And the rifle speaks no more
Oh what I'd give for one last time
To hear it's mighty roar





Doc also had something to say about this.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/404-jeffery-a-phs-point-of-view.7684/



All the best on your decision.

 

[CAustin]

And there you have my friend who has a 404!

 

[Nyati]

As has been said before, ballistics are very similar, so I would recommend that you concentrate in finding a rifle which fits you well and you can handle comfortably in any of the mentioned calibers.

 

[stug]

Going with your heart, go with the .404 Jeffery. Going with your head, go with a .416.

 

[enysse]

They are all great! The .416 Rem Mag and .416 Ruger are on the affordable end of the spectrum. The .416 Rigby creeps up in cost, but is versatile, a lot of history. Then you have the classic .404 Jeffrey, bullets are not bad in cost, rifles are not cheap, a gentlemen's gun.........

 

[cpr0312]

Thanks for the input so far guys! Look forward to more thoughts

 

[Mekaniks]

I do not have either so..... you should buy both...amd write an review here on AH

 

[Ray B]

Speaking of the .404 I just got a trial pack of .427" bullets from Oregon Trail. Ran them through the sizer die. they were evenly reduced to .423" and fit perfectly in the neck. So by next hunting season I should be REAL familiar with the 404. Anyone have loading data for a 404 Jeffery with 200 grain hard cast bullet? One more advantage the 404 has over the 416.

 

[cpr0312]

@Mekaniks ..... I wish I could