If you had a 404 Jeffery sized action...
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Do you reload? Handloading opens up many more options.
There are still many commercial options based on the .404 Jeffrey case... ie. the RUM's, WSM's, Nosler's.
You say you have the "action," so I assume that you have not committed to a bore diameter yet? If the caliber is still open, I would decide what you hope to accomplish with this build, what it's likely use will be and then go from there. Do you have a bore preference? Will you hunt medium game at long range? or large game at medium range? Is this to be a dedicated purpose rifle, or an All-around rifle? These will influence which direction you go with your build... are you thinking a more traditional build in a Walnut stock, such as a Safari iteration, or a stainless modern build with synthetic stock?
I would personally be looking strongly at the Nosler case... there are lots of caliber options now and proper headstamped brass, albeit, not cheap. Performance will be excellent... I would choose something between the .26 and .33, but likely the .28 or .30... pick a fast twist barrel and seat heavy high BC bullets out long, as you have plenty of room to do that... might as well take advantage of your platform.
Just some thoughts.
There are still many commercial options based on the .404 Jeffrey case... ie. the RUM's, WSM's, Nosler's.
You say you have the "action," so I assume that you have not committed to a bore diameter yet? If the caliber is still open, I would decide what you hope to accomplish with this build, what it's likely use will be and then go from there. Do you have a bore preference? Will you hunt medium game at long range? or large game at medium range? Is this to be a dedicated purpose rifle, or an All-around rifle? These will influence which direction you go with your build... are you thinking a more traditional build in a Walnut stock, such as a Safari iteration, or a stainless modern build with synthetic stock?
I would personally be looking strongly at the Nosler case... there are lots of caliber options now and proper headstamped brass, albeit, not cheap. Performance will be excellent... I would choose something between the .26 and .33, but likely the .28 or .30... pick a fast twist barrel and seat heavy high BC bullets out long, as you have plenty of room to do that... might as well take advantage of your platform.
Just some thoughts.
The 404 has been around since 1909, and still a very desirable calibre!
Just try to buy a 404 now, there sold before there listed on most gun sites.
But if your not a reloaded, limited ammo choice for sure. You should stick to the 375 H&H if your just hunting North America, it's the do all big original.
I'm on the adventure of a full 404 build just because
very expensive build unless you do a barrel swap on an H&H and find sum one to make it feed!
Good luck in your journey!
Just try to buy a 404 now, there sold before there listed on most gun sites.
But if your not a reloaded, limited ammo choice for sure. You should stick to the 375 H&H if your just hunting North America, it's the do all big original.
I'm on the adventure of a full 404 build just because
very expensive build unless you do a barrel swap on an H&H and find sum one to make it feed!Good luck in your journey!
What action/rifle do you have? I have barrel, brass, dies and bullets for another 404j build. Mine will get built on a Winchester CRF... I have a 300win mag stainless but would like to start from a RUM if I can find one to trade mabey.....
375 rum - rj
Looking to not reload, or have to take a few years to find brass. It seems like you cant find the dakota or rum loaded stuff anywhere, and for a rifle i might well shoot less than a 100 rounds a years, getting into reloading is an extra cost i would like to avoid. was thinking 375 or maybe 458, but they seem a little dull. Just thought folks might have an idea I missed.
I don’t think you’ve missed anything, basically you’re options are rare factory ammo or reloading. To be honest if that’s what you’re looking for you probably are actually better off selling the action and simply buying an action that suits a cartridge that meets your needs better. If you do consider doing that please shoot me a pm, I wouldn’t mind picking up an action that’s already set up for a .404 case (I already have dies and brass! ).
Ellwood Epps has 6 boxes of 20 each. Loaded Hornady Ammo. That will get you started for the first year. Then can fill that empty brass, or find new loaded ammo. I fill mine with 123 grain round ball for Grouse and Rabbit, 420 grain cast for whatever, and full load jacketed for the other stuff. Some of the full loads go at 2150 fps, the other at 2350 fps. An all round cartridge.
Why??? If you were planning a build, I presume that you know it will come at a cost... the WSM and Nosler cartridges are readily available and currently made, they cost more than run-of-the-mill .270 and .308 and .30/06 loads, but not exponentially more than the .375 H&H you are considering, which is not the best use of the action.
EG; .28 Nosler or .30 Nosler Brass at $3.25/each or ammo at $3.75 each hardly puts the build out of reach if you are considering ANY build at all. If that is a problem, then sell the action and buy an off the rack Tikka T3 in .308 don the Minion suit (with blaze cap) and shoot paper until your eyes bleed.
But really, it appears that the .404 action should be adopted by a new loving home.
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BigUglyMan
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I mean, I need a 300 or 338 RUM like I need a hole in my head. So it stands to reason that a 404 would make the most sense for me. If I lived out West and there wasn't a big shortage of components then I would probably convince myself to build up a 338 RUM or Edge for very long range fun. But here in Nova Scotia? Pretty much pointless, though I did find some 300 RUM brass in the discard bin at the range a while back...real head-shaker that was.
If you don't like the 404, what about another of the Jeffery cartridges, as they're all built on the 404 case?
For a medium bore, the .333 Jeffery, but maybe using a .338 barrel instead. And Woodleigh or Norma 300 grain bullets in softs or solids.
And for a light, long-distance shooter, how about the 280 Jeffery, aka 333/280?
And, if you've just won the lottery, a brace of Jefferys, built as a switch-barrel rig, one in each of the above, all nestled in a Huey oak & leather case with all accessories contained therein.
For a medium bore, the .333 Jeffery, but maybe using a .338 barrel instead. And Woodleigh or Norma 300 grain bullets in softs or solids.
And for a light, long-distance shooter, how about the 280 Jeffery, aka 333/280?
And, if you've just won the lottery, a brace of Jefferys, built as a switch-barrel rig, one in each of the above, all nestled in a Huey oak & leather case with all accessories contained therein.
