Which would you prefer- 416 or 404

[grand veneur]

Last minute been thinking of an Elephant/Buffalo bolt rifle- a couple of options locally available as mentioned a 416 Taylor or a 404 Jeffery.

The 416 would be about $2000
the Jeffery about $3000

Which would you prefer and why?

I tend to use old classic cartridges out of tradition and personal preference, nevertheless, I will try to explain my choice objectively. I am not familiar with the cartridge 416 Taylor in practice, but I suspect that a much higher pressure is needed to achieve the same ballistic performance as that of the cartridge 404 Jeffery. Pressure is a factor to consider when hunting in hot climates. Therefore, if I were you and for this reason, I would prefer the cartridge 404 Jeffery.

 

[wildwilderness]

This is my 1964 Belgian Browning FN CRF Mauser. This one is chambered .338 Winchester Magnum. All factory markings are on the barrel with exception of proof marks on the action port side. I have seen an older FN Mauser with markings on top of the front receiver ring. The number inside of the bolt is the serial number which will match the serial number on factory barrel. For make and model I would list “Browning” and “Safari Grade”. Look up the serial number on inside of bolt and it will tell you year of manufacture. That’s a beautiful rifle and looks like a steal at $2k USD.

Can you please post or PM me pictures of the markings on the barrel? As this rifle I has a new 416 Taylor barrel I think the original barrel marks are gone

If I get it I would consider engraving them agin on the barrel for ease of checking in and out in airports

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I looked at the 416 T and there are no markings on the action- there is a number under the stock and on the inside of the bolt handle

Is this common? What do you put for make and model on the 4457 or import docs?


View attachment 775438

I can apply for Canadian temporary export documents online so no 4457 inspection hassles for me. However, the South African police at Joberg airport will check for serial numbers. You may have a problem with yours being under the stock. Is number on bolt handle sufficient? I'd be surprised if it is as bolts can be easily swapped out. I would suggest having the serial number engraved on side of receiver. My military Springfield 03A3 has Remington name on top of locking ring and covered with scope base. Fortunately the serial number is just visible on the side of locking ring and "30-06" is stamped on the spoterized barrel. So far make and model being obscured has not been an issue for four safaris. Just identifying the serial number and caliber satisfied the South African police inspections.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Port Side of rifle:

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Starboard Side of rifle:

 

[Ruraldoc]

Just find a Model 70 Winchester in 416 Remington.

Works on everything, ammo widely available too.I have used mine on plains game at up to 200 yards as well as Cape Buffalo with perfect results.

 

[C.W. Richter]

416. Ammo more widely available, greater stopping power and utility for longer shots. *Taylor performance is a hot handload just to show (the smallest 416's) capability.

That said, the Jeffrey (lifted from German Schuler a la Mauser from Rigby) is a fantastic case that has birthed a lot of Wildcats (and continues to do so!) 'Wouldn't have my outstanding performer 264-300 WSM if not for Schuler!!

 

[TOBY458]

Blaser would be nice, EuroOptic has a nice package in 416 REM about $5500 now…

I just bought one two weeks ago. Heck of of deal on those. The barrel alone would cost you $4k?

 

[coreydb]

When comparing DG calibers, I tend to look first at the broadest application in which I can hunt other game. As much as I love the large caliber DG rifles and am one where "I want them all", I can't justify (beyond my wants) spending a lot of money on DG rifles with limited application. This doesn't really answer the question posed in this string, but I'll take them both.

 

[wildwilderness]

When comparing DG calibers, I tend to look first at the broadest application in which I can hunt other game. As much as I love the large caliber DG rifles and am one where "I want them all", I can't justify (beyond my wants) spending a lot of money on DG rifles with limited application. This doesn't really answer the question posed in this string, but I'll take them both.

That might be the answer! I can get both and shoot them and see which one feels best to me and I like the best.

Then I can pass along the other to someone else

 

[TOBY458]

That might be the answer! I can get both and shoot them and see which one feels best to me and I like the best.

Then I can pass along the other to someone else

The 404 would be my choice of your two options. Much easier to sell if you decided you didn’t want it. 416 Taylor is a good caliber, but not nearly as popular/desirable as 404. On the other hand, 416 Taylor brass is easily made from 458 Win Mag brass. So you’d always have that option available for hand loading.

 

[Rare Breed]

I have owned both and enjoyed both. All of us will agree you can’t go wrong with either. @BeeMaa makes the best point which is ammo is readily found for the 416 versus the 404 is only supplied by Hornady or for reloader like me a few others but not in the league of the 416. Having said that I have finally settled on a Rigby 404 J for nostalgia purposes only. One could easily argue based on nostalgia I should have selected the 416

 

[Rare Breed]

My apologies…I am speaking of the 416 Rigby not Taylor compared to the 404J

 

[AZDAVE]

Love the 404 for it’s history!!!

However a firmly entrenched in the 416 camp.
500/416 double

Bolt
416 Rigby
416 Ruger
416 WSM
416 express (350rem mag necked to 416)

Collecting parts to build a 416 Taylor

 

[wildwilderness]

I handled the 404 j as well and it’s a plain Jane set up. Seems like it could be a good working rifle. Not as pretty as the Stock on the 416..

 

[Tanks]

I don't mean lost ammo, but the availability properly headstamped brass will be a concern for the 416T

Last 15 years or so with wildcat cartridges etc., the headstamps have never been inspected.

 

[wildwilderness]

So I decided that to go with the Browning in 416 Taylor- got it for a really good deal and such pretty wood! I am good with the performance and reloading for it and availability of 416 bullets. And there is plenty of proper head-stamped brass



If anyone is looking For a 404 J that Winchester 70 is available! I can let you know who to contact

 

[Choupique]

plain Jane set up

I can feel the recoil through the picture! My eyeballs hurt just looking at it!

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I can feel the recoil through the picture! My eyeballs hurt just looking at it!

Right. My puny 404 with walnut and heavy #5 profile 24" barrel shakes my teeth in their sockets (literally!). He can always add weight and mercury reducer if the kick is too much. Many on here have experience with those modifications (but not me).

 

[analog_peninsula]

The brake on the 404 is either a big plus or a big minus depending on your point of view. If you hate brakes, the Taylor became the obvious choice.