404 Jeffrey vs 416 Rigby

[Jon Glajchen]

I have the Rigby but there’s nothing in it between the two. Both are classic calibers!

 

[bowjijohn]

404 jeff

History and nostalgia

“When I were a lad”

I was lucky to get a job with Parks in Zambia - where I was borne

Everyone I aspired to be carried a 404

Me?

I had my gramp’s 303 - on loan

When I grew up I chose a calibre that resonated with my youth

 

[cmk]

I appreciate the replies. I find I’m somewhat recoil shy so probably wouldn’t load either past about 2200 fps.

In that case, pick the rifle you like most when you find one. Both are more than capable of sending a 400-450gn bullet at that velocity.

You will find more loaded ammo (factory or boutique) options for the 416, but 404 components or ammo are not unobtainium. E.g. Midway currently have three varieties for the 404 in stock, vs eight for the 416.

Once you have 100 cases they're going to last quite a while if you're reloading.

 

[dogcat1]

Also, I have both... Like both.... Like them like brothers.... I also like .375's but only in H&H....
If you own a .416, then it needs to be a Rigby. The Remington variety and the Ruger variety and the other varieties are imposters... Shoot the real deal....

 

[M70375!]

In my experience shooting both of these (similar weight rifles), the 404 recoil feels a bit softer and a little less ‘sharp’. That said, the .416 Rigby is still comfortable to shoot with very manageable felt recoil.

If recoil is an issue, and you won't go past 2200fps, please get a 416 Taylor, at 2200 it would be a joy to shoot, the Rigby at 2200 burns 84 grains of Somchem, the Taylor at 2385 takes 70 grains of Varget. Taylor at2325 fps with 400 grain has 47 lbs of recoil in an 8 lb gun, Rigby with 410 gr gives 63.9 lbs of recoil, a very noticeable difference. Taylor uses standard length action, so it will be nicer to carry too.
My 2 cents worth

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Both have nostalgic charm aplenty.

One plus for the .404 Jeffery is that it can be built on a standard 98 action.

lots of previous discussions here, eg

Thread '404 jeffery vs 416 Rigby'

Feb 9, 2014

this was asked in an after thought in another post recently and my knee jerk reaction was to vote for the 404 Jeffery. however I just sat down with my reloading manuals and took a look at both cartridges. it would seem at least according to the info I have that the 404 Jeffery and the 416 Rigby are nearly ballistic twins which a slight edge going to the Rigby due to the smaller diameter bullet. now according to my books they both push a 400gr bullet at around 2300 fps give or take 100fps depending on type of powder used. my major flaw here is that I don't have any real world experience...

• matt85
• Replies: 257
• Forum: .375 & up

• 

416 Rigby and 375 H&H can both be built on standard Mauser action. Ruark's Harry Selby used a standard action 416 for nearly forty years. At one point the barrel wore out and replaced by Rigby but otherwise it backed up countless clients without a hiccup.

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

I built myself a 404 as a homage to a deceased friend, he didn’t live long enough to build his (cancer), but I’ve shot a few 416’s and I think I prefer the 404, nicer to shoot and, for me, cheaper to load for. They will both do what you want and both can be loaded up or down to suit. Though the 416 Taylor is, as suggested, a good candidate for most DG with the correct projectile choice
Gumpy

 

[Hank2211]

I have one of each and have used them both in Africa. I would say:

1. The performance of each is pretty similar, and not so different that any animal would notice;

2. Ammo for the ,416 may be a bit easier to find in Africa - and elsewhere - than for the .404, but that’s may not be always the case everywhere;

3. Both are historic calibers, and speak to me, at least, of “olde Africa”; and

4. To what @Tintin said - the recoil from the .404 seems lighter, more of a push, or at least easier to take than the recoil from the .416, though while both do kick, neither is unmanageable for most people.

You can’t go wrong with either.

 

[318AE]

I have 404s and 416s by their eponymous makers. My choice is the 425 Westley Richards with Woodleighs. Hits like the hammer of Thor.

 

[Jack Stevens]

Jeffery’s .404 …..

 

[sgt_zim]

As much as I like my 404J, brass is unobtanium. I've spent over $1000 acquiring 200 pieces of new Bertram. And that's all I've been able to find in the last 2 or 3 years.

416 Rigby and 416 Rem mag brass are both plentiful.

Raven Rocks has Norma for the Rigby, the rest is all Hornady for both the 416s.

 

[BonUm16]

If recoil is an issue, and you won't go past 2200fps, please get a 416 Taylor, at 2200 it would be a joy to shoot, the Rigby at 2200 burns 84 grains of Somchem, the Taylor at 2385 takes 70 grains of Varget. Taylor at2325 fps with 400 grain has 47 lbs of recoil in an 8 lb gun, Rigby with 410 gr gives 63.9 lbs of recoil, a very noticeable difference. Taylor uses standard length action, so it will be nicer to carry too.
My 2 cents worth

How about showing your math on that recoil # for the Taylor. Only way I can get the numbers to work is if the load is using a mere 32gr of powder.

 

[get53]

As much as I like my 404J, brass is unobtanium. I've spent over $1000 acquiring 200 pieces of new Bertram. And that's all I've been able to find in the last 2 or 3 years.

416 Rigby and 416 Rem mag brass are both plentiful.

Raven Rocks has Norma for the Rigby, the rest is all Hornady for both the 416s.

Desert Tech Munitions has some Bertram 404 J brass coming in soon.

 

[sgt_zim]

200, plus the 40-odd ruger brass I have should last me a lifetime.

 

[Lab Herder]

Both are great calibers. I now have both, but ordered my Heym in .404. I pick the rifle up from my FFL today!

 

[ftrovato]

Both are great calibers. I now have both, but ordered my Heym in .404. I pick the rifle up from my FFL today!

Let's see some pics when you get her!

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Wanting a dg rifle in either of these 2 calibers. Which would you choose and why?

Honestly, I’d be happier with either. But if you don’t handload, then I would like the .416 Rigby due to the wider variety of factory loaded ammunition (Hornady, Federal, Barnes). Ammunition for the .404 Jeffery is available only from Hornady.

A side note: If you hand load and own a .404 Jeffery, then always opt for the German loading (2350 FPS). Not the British loading (2150 FPS).

 

[Lab Herder]

Shot both the .404 and .416 today. Let me see if i can get these photos to post -

Top: Nick Makinson custom rifle (.416 Rigby)

Bottom: Heym Express rifle by Martini (.404 Jeffery)


I was impressed by both guns, super smooth feeding and shooting rifles. That said, I'm looking forward to mounting scope on both, mostly to add another 1.0 - 1.5 pounds. I was shooting stout rounds and the recoil was a little stiffer than I remember.

 

[Happy Myles]

Both of my 416 Rigby are extremely accurate, if I am on my best, three shots touching off the bench at 100 yards with handloads. The actions are smooth and efficient during moments of tension. Have used them over fifty years taking many buffalo and many plains game. Plus two forest elephant. They deliver 400 grain bullets with authority and killing power.
Have not used the 404.

 

[PCC600]

I have a new Rigby Big Game 416 - a nice rifle to shoot . Ammo easy to get as are reloading components . I also have a 100+ year old 404J. A Mauser Type A made with a single. Square bridge magnum action . Made to shoot 400grain bullets at 2150fps . Weight circa 9lbs . Original horn butt plate . It pleasant to shoot . With modern loads it is awful . Ammo and reloading components are more difficult to obtain . Despite everything I see written about it being a mild felt recoil this 404 is a stinker . While not part of this thread I can say the 450/400 NE which was the 404J’s partner for double and single shot rifles is a dream to shoot . And finally again not part of this thread but the other African heavy lifter for game management was the 425 Westley Richards . It is directly comparable to the 416Rigby and 404J . I my experience it is a far nicer round to shoot ( in very beautifully made WR rifles) compared to both the 416 and 404 . Same energy as the 416 . I much prefer the 425 over the other two - although you need to be a reloader . I have two 425s both best grade WR’s and they are my go to rifles .