I settled on a 404 Jeffrey in a Heym Express Rifle. Took 23 animals with it in Africa in 2013. Pure magic.
Velocity was 2,350 with a 400 grain Swift A-Frame. Absolutely deadly and stupid-accurate.
I would suggest trying a CZ if you are on a budget. (FWIW, other rifles I've tried over the years include: .375 H&H, .416 Rigby and 450/400 3" NE. They have all been fabulous in their own way, but the 404 is special.
Regarding recoil, in my experience it's a matter of stock design and also getting used to it. It's not severe. I'd call it very managable and very similar to the .375 H&H in my Ruger RSM. Probably better, in fact.
The 404 just adds 100 grns of bullet weight and about 400 fps to the 405............not even in the same ballpark. The 404 is a true medium bore capable of taking large and dangerous game, such as elephant, rhino, hippo and cape buffalo..........
Interesting recoil table. I always thought my little 45-70 thumped pretty good, but I didn't think it was as bad as a 375 and worse than the 300 RUM. No wonder it ain't a lot of fun in a t-shirt.![]()
The stock design of a M-95 Guide Gun adds to the charm of the recoil from a hot loaded .45-70. I think the .404, chambered in a beefy bolt gun like the CZ, would be pleasant by comparison.
Your are correct Sir ! my 45-70 Gov 95g or my 450 Marlin blr are NASTY with the 525-540 gr-ers in the 1500-1600 fps range ! Not a lot of CHARM ! lol RJ
A-zone. Did you ever post a thread showing this rifle off? I've always liked seeing those Heym Express rifles. Did you buy the Martini designed version?
That rifle would be my ultimate working Africa rifle, if I could afford such a thing.
I have learned BUM is emoticon challenged.
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