204 brass questions

[Schandler]

The 204 cartridge seems easy to load for and I have found surprisingly accurate loads with factory rifles without trying a dozen bullets / powders. I have several boxes of Berger 40gr and they seemed to shoot better than lighter 20cal bullets I've tried. With most factory rifles having a jump to the lands I figure neck tension is more important with 204 than most and I want to get the most accuracy I can out of a rifle coming soon from a member here. I have never turned necks on 204 and never tried Norma brass in 204 with what little reloading I have done for 204 but would like suggestions as far as brass - can't find lapua and all I have is Winchester and a few hornady factory spent cases. Does anyone turn their brass with improvement in accuracy and what brass ihave you found most consistent ? Any other suggestions is welcome also Thanks

 

[th82457]

I have used Winchester, Norma and Hornady in two different .204's. Honestly all three seem to shoot equally well with the same loads. Normally can not say that with most calibers. I am pretty picky with some of my guns on brass manufacture and prep, but for whatever reason my 204's have not been picky and all I do is size, clean, trim if necessary & load. I have had no reason to turn necks. Just my experience. I do size all new brass and have had some Win brass that needed necks annealed right away.

Terry

 

[Schandler]

thanks fellas for the input - just what i wanted to hear because after pulling all my brass and looking - its all hornady brass ;D - i have 50 cases ready and primed to work a load as soon as i get the rifle.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

+1 on Hornady 204R brass. Next best would be Winchester IMO.

If you really do want to use Lapua brass, you can cut your barrel back and chamber it to a 20 Tactical. Almost identical performance, but then you could use Lapua 223 brass to make the 20 TAC cases. Just a thought...

 

[Schandler]

i read a little on the 20 TAC and i am all about trying something new but so far i have been pleased with what i see from the 204 cartridge and its still kind of new to me. Heck i dont even have the rifle yet and most of my brass for all other calibers is lapua but let me wear the hornady brass out first !! maybe by then lapua will make 204 brass. i have a weaver t 36 coming also to go on the xr 100. with all the bad weather i am afraid it will be several days before i receive everything and get out to shoot. This delay is just making the crows feel more safe ;D in the back yard and giving me more time to reload. again thanks for all the input and i will try to post back with load info and how it shoots. Never shot a crow with a 204 but i bet its going to be nothing but few feathers left floating.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I have a 204 Ruger...bought the 20 TAC dies...bought over 1000 223 pieces of brass...But I just can't get myself to cut my 204R barrel back because it shoots so dang good! Probably just end up building another rifle in 20 TAC.

And as far as the damage the 204 does on small animals? Oh man! It's borderline evil, but definitely humane because they won't feel a thing