.404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73) Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73): At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Big Game Hunting, Dangerous Game |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1909 |
.404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73): Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent stopping power for large and dangerous game
- ✔ Good penetration for thick-skinned animals
- ✔ Relatively flat trajectory for its power class
- ✔ Lower recoil compared to some other big-bore cartridges
- ✔ Versatile for various African game species
Cons
- ✘ Limited availability of ammunition
- ✘ Expensive to shoot due to specialized nature
- ✘ Heavy recoil compared to standard hunting cartridges
- ✘ Overkill for most non-dangerous game hunting
- ✘ Requires a large, heavy rifle for optimal performance
.404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73): A Powerful African Big Game Cartridge
The .404 Jeffery, also known as the 10.75x73mm, is a large bore rifle cartridge designed for hunting dangerous game in Africa. Developed by W.J. Jeffery & Co in 1905, it quickly gained a reputation as a reliable and effective cartridge for taking down large and potentially dangerous animals such as elephants, rhinoceros, and cape buffalo. The .404 Jeffery offers an impressive combination of power, penetration, and manageable recoil, making it a favorite among professional hunters and safari enthusiasts.
History and Development
The .404 Jeffery was introduced in 1905 by W.J. Jeffery & Co, a renowned British gunmaker. It was designed to meet the demand for a powerful, yet manageable cartridge suitable for hunting dangerous game in Africa. The cartridge was created to bridge the gap between the .375 H&H Magnum and the more powerful .450/400 Nitro Express.
The .404 Jeffery gained popularity among professional hunters and sportsmen due to its effectiveness on large game and its relatively moderate recoil compared to other big bore cartridges of the time. It was adopted by several colonial administrations in Africa for use by game wardens and became a standard cartridge for professional hunters.
During World War I, the British Army adopted the .404 Jeffery for use in anti-tank rifles, recognizing its power and penetration capabilities. This military use further cemented the cartridge's reputation for reliability and effectiveness.
After World War II, the popularity of the .404 Jeffery declined with the introduction of newer cartridges and changing hunting regulations. However, it experienced a resurgence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with renewed interest from hunters and firearm manufacturers.
Today, the .404 Jeffery remains a respected choice for dangerous game hunting in Africa. Modern ammunition manufacturers produce a variety of loads for the cartridge, utilizing advanced bullet designs to enhance its already formidable performance.
Ballistic Performance
The .404 Jeffery typically fires a 400-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 2,150-2,350 feet per second, generating muzzle energy of 4,100-4,900 foot-pounds. This combination of a heavy bullet and high velocity results in excellent penetration and stopping power, crucial for hunting dangerous game.
The cartridge's performance is characterized by a relatively flat trajectory for its caliber, making it effective at ranges up to 300 yards. Its large-diameter bullet creates wide wound channels, enhancing its stopping power on large, thick-skinned animals.
Despite its power, the .404 Jeffery produces manageable recoil compared to larger dangerous game cartridges. This allows for faster follow-up shots, an important consideration when hunting potentially aggressive animals.
Timeline of .404 Jeffery Development and Usage:
.404 Jeffery Performance Characteristics
The .404 Jeffery offers impressive ballistic performance, making it suitable for hunting large and dangerous game. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 400 grains Standard bullet weight for most factory loads |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,150-2,350 fps Varies based on specific load and barrel length |
| Muzzle Energy | 4,100-4,900 ft-lbs Provides excellent stopping power for large game |
| Effective Range | Up to 300 yards Optimal performance within this range for dangerous game hunting |
| Recoil | Moderate to heavy Manageable compared to larger dangerous game cartridges |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73) loads.
.404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73): Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .404 Jeffery ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities for this powerful big game cartridge.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous Game Hunting | 0-100 | Ideal for close-range encounters with dangerous African game |
| Big Game Hunting | 0-300 | Effective for large, non-dangerous game at medium ranges |
| Long-Range Shooting | 0-500 | Capable of accuracy at extended ranges with proper loads |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .404 Jeffery is renowned for its stopping power and penetration, making it a favored choice for dangerous game hunting. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73)
The .404 Jeffery's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for specific hunting applications:
Caliber Comparisons: .404 Jeffery
The .404 Jeffery (10.75 x 73) is a powerful big game cartridge. To understand its capabilities, let's compare it to similar large-bore rifle cartridges:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .404 Jeffery with other large-bore rifle cartridges. (Based on a 10 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .404 Jeffery with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .404 Jeffery with other large-bore rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .404 Jeffery with other large-bore rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .404 Jeffery
The .404 Jeffery is a large bore rifle cartridge designed for hunting large and dangerous game. It was introduced in 1905 and is known for its stopping power and penetration.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .404 Jeffery | 400 | 0.325 |
| .404 Jeffery | 450 | 0.366 |
| .404 Jeffery | 300 | 0.244 |
Note: The .404 Jeffery cartridge typically uses heavy bullets with high sectional densities, contributing to its excellent penetration capabilities. This makes it well-suited for hunting large, thick-skinned game animals. The cartridge's performance is also influenced by factors such as velocity and bullet construction.