Building a .404 Jeff

[Dublinpiper90]

I’ve tossed the idea around and I’m 90% sold myself on wanting to build a .404J I was curious from some folks on here which rifle caliber makes a good build? I’ve read that the .300 and .338s are easier to make into a .404J than a .375HH, definitely not in a rush, I’ve also contemplated buying a .450/.400 Double and just keeping a .375hh bolt gun and selling off my Lott for a .416 Rigby and not bother with the .404J ? Let’s hear some opinions and options

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I used a Win Mod 70 in 300 RUM to build my 404J. Rebarreled with a Krieger.

 

[Choupique]

I think the easiest route is starting with a remington ultra mag and rebarreling it

 

[PanhandlinPat]

Model 70 in RUM is the best way. Interestingly enough my 1948 model 70 300 h&h action will hold and feed 4 empty 404 cases from the mag without any modifications. It’s like it was made for it.

 

[coreydb]

Agree with the 300 RUM. Reason being is that the RUM's parent case is the 404J. Just re-barrel

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Acquire the .450/.400 NE. Keep the .458 Lott for its shear big bore power. Keep the flexible .375 Holland & Holland.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

The RUM/WSM born from 404J myth. Actually all three have different diameter rims ... slightly.

I built my 404 on a STANDARD action 8mm military surplus Czech 98 Mauser. Two gunsmiths told me it couldn't be done but of course I knew it could. Standard action Mausers was all Jeffery had to build with when they designed the cartridge in 1905. A local machinist opened the bolt face and Dennis Olsen reamed, threaded, cut, and crowned the Lidja barrel. I did the rest, including modifying the feeding rails, loading ramp, follower, and extractor. I fit it with custom 316 Remingtom bottom metal, which worked fine without modification, and installed a Parkwest 3-position Model 70 style safety and a Timney trigger. The gun looks great, cycles slick, and shoots 1" groups at 100 yards (on a good day ... when I'm shooting good). At fifty yards it puts bullets on top of each other, scope or open sights.

The advantages of building on a standard action Mauser are 1) donor actions are still relatively easy to find [ = <$$$], 2) aftermarket stuff is abundant, 3) a classic African CRF dangerous game rifle, 4) standard action has shorter bolt throw. In theory it shoots faster than magnum action and less likely to short stroke and jam.

 

[SBW1975]

20" 404 on R8 platform. Very happy with the rifle.

 

[SBW1975]

Wrong gun