Mauser Caliber Ideas

[OntarioHunter]

Put on your big boy pants. Last summer I built this 404 Jeffery on an 8mm BRNO vz.24.
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Lilja made the barrel and Dennis Olsen put it on the action. Both are in Plains, MT. A local machinist here opened up the bolt face using Duane Wiebe's useful booklet for making these conversions. I did the rest of the work including installing a 3-position Model 70 style safety from Parkwest, 416 Remington bottom metal (trigger guard/magazine box) from Swift-Blackburn, magnum length follower from New England Custom Gun, Model 70 Safari Express iron sights from eBay, Timney trigger from eBay, semifinished stock from a GunPost vendor, scope rail from Sarco, and Warne Quick Detach rings from eBay. I also modified the action feeding ramp, rails, exctractor, and follower to cycle much longer and fatter 404 cartridges. The stock came with one recoil crossbolt and I added a second "internal" one behind the magazine box (a la Weatherby). And I floated the barrel and bedded the action.

I would advise upgrading to 375 H&H rather than 404. It's easier to find ammo and components for 375 which is also a more versatile caliber. These actions have been built into 416 Rigby (e.g. Harry Selby's rifle) but I think that's pushing the envelope ... for both shooter and the action. 375 is an excellent caliber for anything from deer to 1700 lb Cape buffalo. I used one to take two buffalo.
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Did I mention I've never built a big bore rifle before? It's not rocket science. Not quite.

Just finished upgrading my 404 Jeffery project with a used commercial stock I bought on line, a new 1-4x 30mm scope, and lower one-piece base. To beef up the stock for 404's heavy recoil I added croosbolts and a steel reinforcement rod through the wrist. The military action and Timney trigger had to be modified to fit the slimmer commercial stock. Then I rebedded the action and refinished the stock using Linspeed oil. Turned out well.

 

[6mm Remington]

I have a .338-06 and wish they made a good 200gr option. I use both the 185gr and 210gr Barnes TTSX

200 gr. Nosler Accubond
200 gr. Nosler E-tip