204 for accuracy

[Fern]

I have a 204r shooting 8208 and 39sbk. It’s a cz 527 with a pac nor barrel. I took charges up to 28.1 pushing 3998fps.
I settled on load of 26.9 as I felt that one gave me best group. Had another at the upper end but don’t need to run it that fast

 

[jlorenzo]

Always enjoyed this video from way back

 

[long40shot]

I loaded the Bergers with H4895 on my single stage press and tricked the powder. But when my 39grn Sierra ammo that I loaded on a Dillon 650 considerably out performed them, it's hard to wasn't to waste the powder again. Maybe I will try a completely different powder next time with the Bergers.

 

[slickshot223]

That was also my best combo, proper case prep and neck tension consistency also play a big roll in accuracy

I started with RL 15 shot quite well, powder bridged in powder funnel on the Dillon, switched to H 335, flows through the funnel without issue, however it does not shoot as tight of groups as the RL15!! Both are excellent loads 1/2" or less!!

 

[Jrjones]

I bought a ruger 77 varmint target gray brand new when it came out. Also had a 527 and an encore barrel. Ran all 3 for a long time. I never found anything that shot consistently better than the 39gr BK but, all 3 shot everything pretty well. I played w all the powders and bullets and tested on crows and chucks for many years. Pretty surprising how well 32gr vmax always shot. The 45gr hornady sp was the best 20cal coyote bullet we ever had imo. I guess all the cartridges in the 222/223 family just work well no matter what. All great fun. I have since switched to 20-222 and probably not looking back!

 

[ohlongarmisle]

I bought a ruger 77 varmint target gray brand new when it came out. Also had a 527 and an encore barrel. Ran all 3 for a long time. I never found anything that shot consistently better than the 39gr BK but, all 3 shot everything pretty well. I played w all the powders and bullets and tested on crows and chucks for many years. Pretty surprising how well 32gr vmax always shot. The 45gr hornady sp was the best 20cal coyote bullet we ever had imo. I guess all the cartridges in the 222/223 family just work well no matter what. All great fun. I have since switched to 20-222 and probably not looking back!

Hornady is definitely hot, a close contender is the Federal premium Nosler ballistic tip,40 grain, ballistically almost identical.

 

[ohlongarmisle]

Hornady is definitely hot, a close contender is the Federal premium Nosler ballistic tip,40 grain, ballistically almost identical.

 

[long40shot]

I've got a box of ammo loaded, ready for the range, the universe has kept me away lately....

 

[slancey]

My .204 shoots the 40-grain Berger using 26.7gr. IMR 8208XBR:

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/aw-hell-i-fell-for-the-20s.4006256/post-37912912

 

[Fern]

My .204 shoots the 40-grain Berger using 26.7gr. IMR 8208XBR:

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/aw-hell-i-fell-for-the-20s.4006256/post-37912912

Same powder with the 39sbk with very close charge like yours producing great group

 

[MDT6BRA]

Same powder with the 39sbk with very close charge like yours producing great group

What kind of velocity are you seeing? Mine shot great at same node but only about 3500

 

[Fern]

What kind of velocity are you seeing? Mine shot great at same node but only about 3500

Charge was 26.9 for mine with 7 1/2 primer in a win case.

 

[MDT6BRA]

Charge was 26.9 for mine with 7 1/2 primer in a win case. View attachment 1675396

What barrel length? Mine is 22” I’m running 28.3gr and right at 3900

 

[Fern]

It’s 24” and think I tested charges up to what you have around 28.3. I got a good group but I didn’t need to push it that hard. As someone said a p dog won’t know difference between 3800 and 3900fps.
Here is what I had for 28.1

 

[Stugots]

It would be helpful if you would list whether you are shooting a bolt action (Safer/stronger than an AR15 build) or an AR15, which would normally have a lower max powder charge.

 

[MDT6BRA]

Mine is 700 vsf 22” all factory

 

[Fern]

It would be helpful if you would list whether you are shooting a bolt action (Safer/stronger than an AR15 build) or an AR15, which would normally have a lower max powder charge.

Not sure if your referring to me but mentioned earlier cz527 with a 24” pac nor barrel 11 twist

 

[mike4aera]

H322 and 32 Grn Vmaxs. Super accurate in My 12 twist Savage and Cooper. H322 can no longer be found. When I run out I'll be looking for something else.

I found H322 at Scheels in Reno last month in 1 pound containers

 

[Mark M.]

I have a 204r shooting 8208 and 39sbk. It’s a cz 527 with a pac nor barrel. I took charges up to 28.1 pushing 3998fps.
I settled on load of 26.9 as I felt that one gave me best group. Had another at the upper end but don’t need to run it that fast

Not a match cartridge by any means, but good enough for what is was intended

 

[varmintshooter]

I have 2 Coopers, 1 Rem, 1 CZ and a Savage all 204's and have shot .25" 3 shot groups with all of them. 8208 and 39 sbk. 32 gr Hornady also worked very well. I ran out of 8208 so tried IMR4198 and it is working well too