The .404 Jeffery is one of the most iconic, classic cartridges used during the heyday of African hunting. It was the largest calibre ever chambered by Paul Mauser’s factory in Oberndorf, which must surely mean something.
It was designed by the English firm of WJ Jeffery & Co around 1905, using .423”-calibre (10,75 mm) bullets. This is slightly larger than the .416 Rigby (10,566 mm), made famous by Robert Ruark. In fact, a .404 Jeffery has absolutely nothing to do with the .404” diameter. Jeffery intended it to be a rimless version of the .450/400 NE, which features a bullet diameter of .408” to .411”. Why it was named in this manner remains a mystery.
The .404 Jeffery will capture the imagination of anyone interested in big bores, especially those fortunate enough
