404 Jeffery Project

[jbirdwell]

I'm a Winchester model 70 fan so I am looking at possibly converting one of the new ones to 404 Jeffery. Can someone tell me the best caliber to convert since they make them in 375 H&H, 416 Rem and 458 Win? Or does it matter? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I converted a Win M70 Super Grade in 300 RUM to 404J. The RUM cartridge family used the 404J as the parent cartridge. I think the RUMs are no longer made, so not sure what the best option is. Bolt face size is one of the critical factors.

 

[deewayne2003]

.375 & .458 both used the same bolt face and I believe it would have to be opened up for the .404 & I’m not sure about the .416 bolt face but that would be the main thing I would look into.

Also perhaps the magazine box dimensions- if there are any differences that are beneficial between the calibers.

 

[RR 314]

I converted a Win M70 Super Grade in 300 RUM to 404J. The RUM cartridge family used the 404J as the parent cartridge. I think the RUMs are no longer made, so not sure what the best option is. Bolt face size is one of the critical factors.

As .375 Ruger stated, the RUM actions are the best starting point. Make no mistake about it, it has been written everywhere by many (otherwise) knowledgeable “gun writers” that the .404J is the parent cartridge of the RUMs, but this not true. Perhaps some inbred cousin, but not parent. They are close…but different cases. They are so close that the conversion is very simple.

 

[eyedok]

i used a 458 win model 70 for my 404 and it feeds/shoots perfect, they did modify the bolt and follower but it works well, taking it for elephant next year

 

[Tucketed]

I used a mod 70 in 375HH. It feeds great on Swift and Barnes haven’t put a solid through. Killed to bulls this past September with it.

 

[jbirdwell]

Thanks guys for all the information.

 

[Safari Dave]

The following use the same bolt face:

.540 +/-	257 Weatherby	Long Action
.540 +/-	26 Nosler	Long Action
.540 +/-	264 Win Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	270 Weatherby Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	7mm Rem Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	7mm Weatherby Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	7 STW	Long Action
.540 +/-	7mm PRC	Long Action
.540 +/-	28 Nosler	Long Action
.540 +/-	28 Sherman Magnum	Long Action
.540 +/-	7LRM (Long Range Magnum)	Long Action
.540 +/-	7mm Rem Ultra Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	300 H & H	Long Action
.540 +/-	300 Win Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	300 PRC	Long Action
.540 +/-	30 Sherman Magnum	Long Action
.540 +/-	300 Weatherby Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	300 RUM	Long Action
.540 +/-	303 Brit	Long Action
.540 +/-	8mm Rem Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	338 Win Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	338 EDGE	Long Action
.540 +/-	340 Weatherby Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	338 RUM	Long Action
.540 +/-	375 H & H	Long Action
.540 +/-	375 Weatherby	Long Action
.540 +/-	375 RUM	Long Action
.540 +/-	416 Rem Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	458 Win Mag	Long Action
.540 +/-	458 Lott	Long Action

I think the .404 Jeffery is a great cartridge is a great chambering, but it is nearly impossible to find factory ammo or reloading components right now.

Rechambering a .458 Winchester to a .458 Lott would give you much versatility.


.45 caliber projectiles suitable for either are very much available. If you reload, you can go from 250g to 600g.

You would be covered from white-tailed deer to elephant and everything in between, unless "long-range" shooting is desirable, but then, a .404J is not great for that either.

 

[Rob404]

I supplied my Gunsmith with a donor Winchester 375HH action to build my 404Jeff the end result was a great shooter and a great looking rifle

 

[jbirdwell]

Of all the insane reasons we as gun hoarders want a specific gun or something else to add to our collection, I decided on the 404 Jeffery because that is my 1st name. Lol. Plus the recoil on the Jeffery is going to be the top of my limit. I also have a 1909 Argentina Mauser that the bolt face was opened up for a 257 Wby I never got around to finishing but I’m assuming that action would be too short.

Or when my Silencerco Hybrid 46M gets here, I can give up my man card and thread a 458 barrel if I wanted to go that route.

 

[AZDAVE]

the 1909 can be used, however it will require a gunsmith that know what he is doing!!! The action will need to be worked to tak a little out of the back to get a shorter ejector, bolt stop, mage box with have to extensively reworked, feed rails worked and a few more things to get it to be a reliable functional DG rifle. Many of the 404 that game rangers were issued wer made on standard M98 mauser actions. so yours would be historically correct if you have the work done.

 

[jbirdwell]

the 1909 can be used, however it will require a gunsmith that know what he is doing!!! The action will need to be worked to tak a little out of the back to get a shorter ejector, bolt stop, mage box with have to extensively reworked, feed rails worked and a few more things to get it to be a reliable functional DG rifle. Many of the 404 that game rangers were issued wer made on standard M98 mauser actions. so yours would be historically correct if you have the work done.

Thanks for the info. I'll get with the gunsmith that does all my work I can't do myself.

 

[Nevada Mike]

A magnum length Mauser would be the ideal for the 404 Jeffery. A model 70 or Enfield would also work pretty well. The standard 98 Mauser is a bit short and would require a fair amount of (expensive) work. If you want to use a less expensive action go with an Enfield.

 

[Rob404]

A magnum length Mauser would be the ideal for the 404 Jeffery. A model 70 or Enfield would also work pretty well. The standard 98 Mauser is a bit short and would require a fair amount of (expensive) work. If you want to use a less expensive action go with an Enfield.

Finding the donor rifle is not near as difficult as finding a competent gunsmith to handle the conversion