204 build

[bench]

Want to build a 204 Ruger for varmint hunting only.(bench setup)
Heavy barrel,pierce short action action,Macmillan stock,NightForce competition scope.
Give me any ideas what you would build.
Also what bolt face measurement should I have if if I find a good used action.

 

[Catfish]

Any action from a 223, 222 ect. (.378) If you`ll be shooting coyotes you will need a 1 in 10 twist or faster for heavier bullets.

 

[BMW]

I'd do it on an AR15 platform.

 

[bench]

Sorry guys if I did not make myself clear enough.
The new build will be used for Varmints such as Prairie dogs only and shooting from a bench setup.
So I want it to be heavy and a large barrel such as a PacNor heavy palma or straight taper.
My choice of stock might not be correct so let me know.

 

[jghoghunter]

My choice of stock might not be correct so let me know.
[/quote]

For a stock choice i would go with the McMillan Tooley MBR. It just simply works in the bags as a bench rest stock.

 

['Freak]

Often enough, a 1:12 twist does not want to adequately stabilize the 40 grain stuff but will shoot Sierra’s 39 grain Ballistic Tip. Go with a 1:11 twist if a 40 grain is the heaviest/longest bullet you’ll be shooting. A PM to Rick in Oregon could get you decent 204 Ruger finish reamer specs, etc., if he doesn’t notice this thread.

 

[daniel brothers]

decide which bullet you want to use.... then build everything around it.... so... what bullet do you want to use?

 

[bench]

My first choice of bullets would be Nosler 40gr spitzer Ballistic tip varmint,second choice would be Sierra BlitzKings 39gr.
I will check out the McMillan Tooley MBR stock and see what it looks like.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

The 39gr Sierra BK has consistently been the most accurate bullet by a long shot in my last 204 barrel that I shot out and the current barrel I have on the rifle. Groups hover under 1/2" @ 200 yards. Both barrels had 1 in 12" twist. My 204 always likes IMR 4895, Hogdon BLC-2, and RL-15 with the 39 gr BK. Never could get Nosler bullets to shoot as good.

I recently built a 20 Tactical with a 1 in 11" three groove barrel on an AR15. Havent shot it yet, but if it shoots well, all my future 20 cal barrels will be for an AR15. The magazine capacity will be awesome on a hot dog town. Nit even gonna put roumds in boxes. Just load all the rounds in mags and head out. I have the Bag Rider attachments to make the AR usuable from a BR setup. Should work well.

 

[daniel brothers]

Just wondering....

There are so many factory rifles that will shoot 39 grainers super good.. so why build a normal factory caliber.

Why not a wildcat... like a 20-250...?

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Just wondering....

There are so many factory rifles that will shoot 39 grainers super good.. so why build a normal factory caliber.

Why not a wildcat... like a 20-250...?

Because everything is cheaper. Brass is cheaper, dies are cheaper, reamers are readily available, and barrel life of the 204R would be longer than a 20-250 so you save money there too. Accuracy is in the build and the shooter. "Most" wildcats serve no purpose other than having something "different". If a wildcat IS a lot better than other similar calibers then it often becomes a SAAMI cartridge chambered in factory rifles.