What is it about 404 Jeffery?

[WAB]

+1

+2

 

[Rob404]

I'm sticking with the Cooliness Factor

 

[nztimb]

So how and why did Jeffery come up with the 404 as the name for the cartridge?
I have to wonder if it has something to do with one of these speculative reasons.
The cartridge design and rifles for it must have been in the design stages in 1904 as there is known examples of 404 rifles produced with a 1905 date.
A 40 cal cartridge from 1904 so 40 04 reduced to 404 as being less cumbersome (the 30-03 had not long been released) and perhaps in conjunction with 40 cal cartridges x 4 in the Mauser rifle as compared to the general DG double rifle that had just the two loaded and ready to go.
Any other speculative thoughts on the name ??

 

[DWB]

It was called the 404 so that we can enjoy the look on the 416 guys' faces when they find out ours is actually bigger 8)

Gotta love the caliber! Did all the work without all the glory

 

[Rob404]

375,,303,,404,, It's a British thing

 

[ve7poi]

Love mine 400 gr Barnes TSX @ 2300fps
Nice load doesn’t kick the snot out of you even from prone position
Very accurate as well
I’ve loaded it heavier for 2450 no pressure signs but not as accurate and what is going to stand In it’s way at 2300 FPS as long as you do your part with x bullets or solids.
Also have a load for 450 woodleigh at 2150 that is nice to shoot as well.
Rifle weighs 10.3 lbs 24”bbl

 

[BeeMaa]

Was doing some surfing and ran across this...
https://www.bansnerandcompany.com/super-safari/
Not exactly cheap but it looks like you get what you pay for in this instance.

 

[2L8]

The following is what I have been told. Forgive me if I am in error

The original .404 J. loading was 400 grain at 2125 fps. The original loading of the .404 Kynoch was 400 grain at 2200 fps.

The question is; Which is the .404 of legend?

The magic of the .404 was the perfect balance of recoil and performance. My only concern is our tendency to "improve" everything. I certainly haven't seen any commercial cartridges loaded to original specs and many seem to exceed the specs of the .404 Kynoch.

If you want more power it's available in lots of chamberings. Let the .404 be the .404...

As to the current popularity of the .404 it's mostly about nostalgia. The only thing the .404 does better than the .416s is 450 grain bullet and if your going that route it isn't your traditional .404 Jeffery. If going the handloading route you could certainly load the .416 Ruger with 400 grain at 2125 fps and get the mild recoil.

 

[nztimb]

The RWS loading for the 404 was the 400gn bullet at 2300fps which is what I loaded mine to and found it very comfortable in a 9 1/2 lb rifle.

 

[Rule 303]

I originally was tossing up between the 404J and 416Rigby. Came down to availability and cost. 416R for $1600 Aussie Dollars or a 404J for 4000 Aussie Dollars. The 404 recoil is easier but in the end both do the job and do it well.

 

[ve7poi]

Both good cartridges
weight of rifles makes a bigger difference in felt recoil
I have both and enjoy hunting with either one they feel the same to me for recoil

 

[Newboomer]

Maybe they have no soul?

VonGruff,
There is nothing in the least romantic about them. Frankly, to me, they look like hell and feel just as bad. Nothing beats or even comes close to a nice piece of walnut and blue steel. The look and feel brings life and warmth to a good rifle and enhances the history of a great caliber. Anything else is an insult.

 

[Shootist43]

Ron Petty CEO of Montana Rifle Co, are you reading this thread? It looks to me like there is a niche you guys can fill.

I bought my 404 Jeffery from Lon Denny (Tokoloshe Safaris) several years ago. Using Von Gruff's recommended load of 84 Gr. of H4350 the gun is quite pleasant to shoot. It also dropped a big Eland in his tracks last July. I'm impressed enough with the caliber to be looking for a second one. With performance on par with a 416 Rigby using 10 Gr. less powder, what's not to like?

 

[Shootist43]

Reloading components for the 404 Jeffery are readily available. They may not be as easy to find as those for a 416 Rigby but in less than two months I purchased enough brass to last me a lifetime. Swift, Northfork, Woodleigh and others offer bullets and H4350 powder is all that you need, end of story.

 

[Ridgewalker]

H4350 powder is all that you need

Hense the problem! After 3 years of an H4350 shortage, I finally found some a couple of months ago. The 6.5 Creedmoor guys have been taking it all. I had always used it in my 22-250, 243, 30-06 and some 300 WM leadings. Wanted it for my 375 H&H as well, but the supply ran dry before I realized it.
That said, I have found that H414 has worked well as a substitute (differing grains though). It drops much better. And it burns maybe a bit cleaner. Also costs a bit less.

 

[Shootist43]

Ridgewalker, have you ever "shopped" at Powder Valley? https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product/hodgdon-h4350/

I just checked, they have 337 8 Lb. kegs on the shelf.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Ridgewalker, have you ever "shopped" at Powder Valley? https://www.powdervalleyinc.com/product/hodgdon-h4350/
I just checked, they have 337 8 Lb. kegs on the shelf.

Yes sir for many years. They too were dried up. My plan now is to try to stay ahead of the sales. I suspect all powders are made in batches and not dedicated lines, thus the problem is increased waiting for the next run.

 

[crs]

Speaking to the original question of this thread, here is what Wikipedia says: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.404_Jeffery

Someone asked why call it a 404? For the same reason my 405 WCF is not called a .410 or .411 WCF?

Lastly, I noticed that many of the 404 loads referenced are in the same power ballpark as my 1886 45-90 firing 450 grain Kodiak bullets at 2150 fps. There are sooo many ways to skin a cat, or drop a buffalo or ele.

 

[ronp]

There is history with the 404, as there is with the Rigby, Gibbs, etc. So it trumps the 416 Rem mag and Ruger on that part of the cool factor. It has a somewhat unique case that has been used as the parent for others. The loaded cartridge has a somewhat different look to it. Back to it's history, it has a reputation of getting the job done! And doing so without undue punishment in recoil to the shooter. I've seen claims that ot hits an animal like a 416 but with recoil more like a 375.

Beyond that all, I am convinced that the general difficulty of obtaining one is the biggest drawing card

Exactly why we will have the 404 in the line up this coming year!!

 

[nztimb]

Exactly why we will have the 404 in the line up this coming year!!

That will be welcome news to those who do not want to go the custom route with some serious thought needing to go into this package