404 rimless Nitro Express r

doublegunz

New member
Joined
Sep 22, 2023
Messages
11
Reaction score
11
I have two .404 rimless Nitro Express rifle barrels and the bores measure .415". I need information to purchase reloading dies. My .404 Jeffrey has a bore diameter of .422". I want to build the Nitro version. Help thank you
 
The cartridge 404 Jeffery was never anything other than a NC loaded cartridge.

Bore diameter: 412"
Groove diameter: 422"/423"


According to Art Alphin in his book, original British specifications called for an undersized barrel ( Bore diameter: 410" / Groove diameter: 418" ) , but was quickly abandoned.

It's best to check the exact caliber of your barrels and possibly also the dimensions of the cartridge chamber. A bore diameter of 415" is very unusual.
 
The cartridge 404 Jeffery was never anything other than a NC loaded cartridge.

Bore diameter: 412"
Groove diameter: 422"/423"


According to Art Alphin in his book, original British specifications called for an undersized barrel ( Bore diameter: 410" / Groove diameter: 418" ) , but was quickly abandoned.

It's best to check the exact caliber of your barrels and possibly also the dimensions of the cartridge chamber. A bore diameter of 415" is very unusual.
 
You are correct. I bought three .404 Jefffery barrels recently that had been on commercial large ring Mauser rifles that the Tanzania game rangers used for game management. I got confused after looking at my Cartridge for collectors book by Fred A. Datig. These barrels are in transit and I will check them out. The gunsmith gave my this demension information over the phone. The Cartridges of the World book made be think that they are two separate Cartridges. Thank you for helping me.
 

Attachments

  • 17371304000483119170974239706923.jpg
    17371304000483119170974239706923.jpg
    3.5 MB · Views: 36
Welcome to AH! Nice to have you as part of our community. Enjoy the site!
 
Welcome to AH! Nice to have you on the site.
 
You are correct. I bought three .404 Jefffery barrels recently that had been on commercial large ring Mauser rifles that the Tanzania game rangers used for game management. I got confused after looking at my Cartridge for collectors book by Fred A. Datig. These barrels are in transit and I will check them out. The gunsmith gave my this demension information over the phone. The Cartridges of the World book made be think that they are two separate Cartridges. Thank you for helping me.
That source is very messed up. The case length is obviously not half an inch! Several typos. The bullet cited was 300 gr but the velocity is for 400 gr. Jeffery and Kynoch stopped making 300 gr ammo after only a few years because with old style bullets it wasn't enough thump for buffalo and elephants. 400 gr became and remains the standard. I have no idea what the cordite load was for either bullet but would not surprise me if the author got that wrong too. I wouldn't put much stock in that source.
 
Greetings doubkegunz,

Khomas Highland Hunting and Fishing Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.

Best Regards,
Velo Dog.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
60,632
Messages
1,322,496
Members
112,100
Latest member
ChristinPl
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Safari Dave wrote on GUN & TROPHY INSURANCE's profile.
I have been using a "Personal Property" rider on my State Farm homeowner's policy to cover guns when I travel with them.
I have several firearms, but only one is worth over $20K (A Heym double rifle).
Very interested.
Would firearms be covered for damage, as well as, complete loss?
I'll can let the State Farm rider cover my watches...
Behind the scenes of taking that perfect picture.....






WhatsApp Image 2025-04-23 at 09.58.07.jpeg
krokodil42 wrote on Jager Waffen74's profile.
Good Evening Evert One.
Would like to purchase 16 Ga 2.50 ammo !!
Rattler1 wrote on trperk1's profile.
trperk1, I bought the Kimber Caprivi 375 back in an earlier post. You attached a target with an impressive three rounds touching 100 yards. I took the 2x10 VX5 off and put a VX6 HD Gen 2 1x6x24 Duplex Firedot on the rifle. It's definitely a shooter curious what loads you used for the group. Loving this rifle so fun to shoot. Africa 2026 Mozambique. Buff and PG. Any info appreciated.
Ready for the hunt with HTK Safaris
 
Top