Checking zero on the .404 J

[eljefe]

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[eljefe]

Ok, i am glad I could upload the pic on the frst go.

New scope on the .404, while the elderly Zeiss Zielvier, about 60 years old, has gone for a refurb.The No.1 ( some say its a No.3 reticle- picket and cross posts) make it a superb big game scope.

The replacement was a 1.25-5x 20 Sightron -it was on my 9.3x62 for about 10 years and gave yeoman service.
The 3 orange patches -a very hot load with 350 gr Woodleighs-first time I've used this weigh bullet.I was hoping to use this 350 gr for deer/sambhar-but now I'll definitely have to reduce the loads by 2-4 gr.

the 400gr bullet/82 gr of 2209 is my standard load.
A surprise was the 2213 load with the same 400gr Woodleigh-bullets touching, until I went and pulled one!
These groups were benched at 100 y.
The 3 shots at 10-11 o clock were with 380 gr cast with a load of 28 gr of Blue Dot. Standing, offhand. Good for plinking, paper and rabbits-But I have taken deer with it

Disclaimer-I am not based in India, and hunting is legal where I live.

[eljefe]

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[eljefe]

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My friend Roy, a dedicated bow hunter who has taken many DG with a bow, has a go with the .404

[timmy]

That's a lovely gun! It seems to like those 400 gr projectiles a lot! Those are nice looking groups.

I wonder: 82 gr charges? Don't you worry that you will wear out your powder measure from measuring out such big charges?

[shooter50]

Beautiful rifle in a classic caliber

[eljefe]

That's a lovely gun! It seems to like those 400 gr projectiles a lot! Those are nice looking groups.

I wonder: 82 gr charges? Don't you worry that you will wear out your powder measure from measuring out such big charges?

No fears there, Timmy. Very reassuring to see a good part of the case filled with powder. Compared to 105 gr in a .416 Rigby...
Being a noob to the .357 and cast, scary to see 6gr of unique barely visible in that huge .357 case.
On a good day, I’ve kept the 380gr cast touching in a clover leaf with the Blue Dot or Unique.
But the 400 gr Bertram or Woodleighs are my ‘kill loads’

[Vikram]

Jefe,

Super stuff. A proper big game rifle chambered for a timeless cartridge, shooting one-hole groups. What more do you want from a rifle like this?

[shooter50]

Here is a clip of me, shooting the 425WR. A less popular contemporary of the 404J. 410 grains FMJ at 2350 fps. It sure packs a punch.https://app.photobucket.com/u/shikari_p ... 90b1d38dd3

[timmy]

shooter50: BOOM! What a lovely collection of rifles you have! That 425 WR is quite lovely -- thanks so much for sharing them with us.

[shooter50]

shooter50: BOOM! What a lovely collection of rifles you have!

Thank you.
Thats an orignal Westley Richards 425, with a box magazine, cape buffalo horn grip cap and magazine end, 27 inch barrel. It has the famous WR cartridge centering clips. The gun according to WR was built in 1919. I have had to restock it, because the old stock had decayed and split. The 425WR generates 5000ftlb of energy, but the recoil is manageable mainly on account of the heavy long barrel. A little more kick than my 375H and H

[timmy]

In that case, in addition to noting that your rifle is quite lovely, I will add to that and compliment you in the highest terms for your beautiful and skilfull stock work. You have done a superb job on restocking that rifle, as I'm sure that you know, every time you look at it and every time you touch it off. That is one fine piece of steel and wood you have there, sir!

[eljefe]

shooter50: BOOM! What a lovely collection of rifles you have!

Thank you.
Thats an orignal Westley Richards 425, with a box magazine, cape buffalo horn grip cap and magazine end, 27 inch barrel. It has the famous WR cartridge centering clips. The gun according to WR was built in 1919. I have had to restock it, because the old stock had decayed and split. The 425WR generates 5000ftlb of energy, but the recoil is manageable mainly on account of the heavy long barrel. A little more kick than my 375H and H

Beautiful.Thats a real rifle! And congrats on the stock work!

[z375]

Jefe,

Good to see you and the old girl getting some fresh air and exercise! Which reminds me, the weekend is not far away and my shoulder impingement has recovered, so there!

[AgentDoubleS]

What a lovely rifle and setup eljefe! All it needs now is a trophy to match it.

Cheers
SS