Disappointed In My New 404 Jeffery

[Andrew Short]

Well after waiting months and months, I finally picked up the 404 Jeffrey today. I came home, and I immediately went out back and put some rounds down range. Much to my surprise, the recoil was very significant. “Much more than my 416.” After just three rounds, I was ready to put the rifle down. I went to the safe and got the 416 Rigby and shot it a few times. After shooting the Rigby and realizing the recoil was much less, I installed the muzzle brake that came with the new 404. I then shot 3 more rounds and the recoil was significantly less, I would say around 40% less.

“Both ammo was factory Hornady”

The 416 weighs 11 lbs and the 404 weighed in at 9.2.

I found the felt recoil of the 404 very surprising. What are all of you guys think?

 

[Opposite Pole]

Not trying to be cheeky but 11-9.2=1.8 - that is a significant difference in weight and therefore felt recoil.

 

[TOBY458]

I've said it a thousand times. A 400 gr bullet at 2350fps is a 400 grain bullet at 2350 fps. No matter what case it comes out of. All this nonsense about the 404 being some pussycat to shoot is BS. Gun weight and stock fit are infinitely more important than any slight case design differences. When the 404 came out it was loaded to 2100 fps or thereabouts. If you load any of the 416 rounds to that level you'll have an easy shooting load as well.
My Winchester 70 416 Rem Mag weighs in at 9lbs even with scope mounts only, no scope. With scope it comes in at 9lbs 14 oz. Loaded to 2350 fps it is no pussycat to shoot either. But it is shootable nonetheless. Especially since I had the stock lengthened to my correct LOP.
Did you have your 404 made to your correct LOP?

 

[Philip Glass]

Well after waiting months and months, I finally picked up the 404 Jeffrey today. I came home, and I immediately went out back and put some rounds down range. Much to my surprise, the recoil was very significant. “Much more than my 416.” After just three rounds, I was ready to put the rifle down. I went to the safe and got the 416 Rigby and shot it a few times. After shooting the Rigby and realizing the recoil was much less, I installed the muzzle brake that came with the new 404. I then shot 3 more rounds and the recoil was significantly less, I would say around 40% less.

“Both ammo was factory Hornady”

The 416 weighs 11 lbs and the 404 weighed in at 9.2.

I found the felt recoil of the 404 very surprising. What are all of you guys think?

Your .416 is all you need.

 

[R.M.C.]

1.8 pound difference is pretty big in my opinion

 

[Andrew Short]

I've said it a thousand times. A 400 gr bullet at 2350fps is a 400 grain bullet at 2350 fps. No matter what case it comes out of. All this nonsense about the 404 being some pussycat to shoot is BS. Gun weight and stock fit are infinitely more important than any slight case design differences. When the 404 came out it was loaded to 2100 fps or thereabouts. If you load any of the 416 rounds to that level you'll have an easy shooting load as well.
My Winchester 70 416 Rem Mag weighs in at 9lbs even with scope mounts only, no scope. With scope it comes in at 9lbs 14 oz. Loaded to 2350 fps it is no pussycat to shoot either. But it is shootable nonetheless. Especially since I had the stock lengthened to my correct LOP.
Did you have your 404 made to your correct LOP?

Agreed Toby! “Hope you’re well by the way”

It’s MRC 99 with custom work but not a custom stock. The LOP is 13 3/4 while the Rigby is 14 1/8.

 

[Andrew Short]

1.8 pound difference is pretty big in my opinion

Yes I think so too. I would be open to adding weight to it. May just sell it too.

 

[TOBY458]

Agreed Toby! “Hope you’re well by the way”

It’s MRC 99 with custom work but not a custom stock. The LOP is 13 3/4 while the Rigby is 14 1/8.

Which LOP is more comfortable to you?

 

[Andrew Short]

Definitely the 14 3/4. I’m not a big guy but it’s definitely more comfortable.

 

[crs]

Andrew, Toby, et al, My Miroku Winchester 1895 .405 WCF weighs just under 8 pounds and the recoil with 400 grain bullets at 2100 fps is noticeable. Not bad enough to keep me from hunting with it, but enough to get my attention. However, it does kill Cape Buff and everything that I shoot with it.


A friend has loaded 400 grain Woodies up to over 2150 fps in his 1895 .405, and plans to take it to Africa to shoot some big stuff. I am sure it will do the job if he can hang on to it.

PS Shooting 400 grainers in my .405 double rifle is easy because of the weight and stock design:

 

[Newboomer]

That is pretty damn light for that caliber. If it was me I'd add at least 1 lb. somewhere. Maybe in the stock AND get the stock fitted to you.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Just curious as to what type of recoil pad is on it? As for the muzzle break, although I don’t own one, they’re good for clearing out the benches next to you when at the range, and then take it off when hunting?

 

[expresshunt]

Of course a 404 will kick hard at 9.2lb.
But keep in mind a 416 Rigby at 9.2lb will smash you much worse.
A 404 at 11lb will be lovely and mild, a 416Rigby at 11lb WILL kick harder than the 404 at 11lb.
We all know recoil increases with less weight (and nice fit of course, etc).
That 404 rifle needs a good solid scope and solid mounts and if weight comes up to 10.1/4lb or 10 1/2lb you will love it.... If not, can I please have first option to look at, if you wish to sell.. we prefer lighter weight for carrying for months.
Many people have the removable break for the sighting in and practice purpose... then take it off hunting... a good idea to many.

 

[Tra3]

The POI will change when the brake comes off, but you probably know that.

Do you have a recoil reducer in the stock? They do work, maybe a 20% reduction in recoil.

 

[C.W. Richter]

Add 2 lb to the rifle and then compare. How do the recoil pads compare?? You said it has a muzzle brake so is it a bolt action? Add some of those Mercury recoil reducers to the butt. Gun weight and the surface area of the butt pad are everything in felt recoil.

 

[sestoppelman]

Thats a pretty long LOP for a not too big guy. Usually OK on the bench but you might tend to get hung up while shouldering the rifle in the field.

BTW, why do you use quote marks to make a statement. You arent quoting yourself.

 

[Newboomer]

Install a good thick Decelerator or Kickeze pad.

 

[Tra3]

@sestoppelman the quote marks are a newly learned process of making clear to the reader that anything inside the quotes is probably false. It is used when statements of politicians are reported in the media. Also, the technique is employed when hunters say things like “this is the last rifle I will buy” or “I’ll be home at 6:30 p.m.” or “I’m just planning a 2 day hunt”.

 

[Tucketed]

Lots of good suggestions. LOP can be increased easily for a quick test. The Pachmayr Decelerator Slip On Recoil Pad if slid over existing recoil pad gives you another inch of LOP and adds width and cushioning. Maybe not the most attractive, but for a quick test. If you find it helps there are a number of more attractive solutions made of leather.

 

[DWB]

Bear in mind Hornady ammo in the 404 is way up in the performance spectrum of the 404. They do 2350-2400fps. Bring the load down to 2200fps and you will be fine. But another 1lb of weight in the gun won't hurt!