204 Ruger Pet Loads

[Mark M.]

Just finished my AR15 project in 204 Ruger, using Precision Fire Arms upper w/24" heavy fluted Bartlin Barrel 10 twist, would like some of the load data that you guys have used, hoping to use the 39gr sierra, looks like it has great bc, what do you guys think, thanks

 

[LarryDScott]

Good bullet choice, 10X is your friend. LDS

 

[jpx2rk]

Benchmark is working good for me

 

[Dusty Stevens]

8208, 322, 335, n133, lt32, 2015br along with the ones above

 

[L.Sherm]

Dont rule out imr4895 or H4895

 

[jepp2]

The powder used in the Hornady Superperformance factory loads is CFE 223 and groups well in my rifles. Other powders that have worked well for me are X-Terminator and Varget.

For my 20P's I tend to favor lighter bullets and the faster powders, but for the 204R's I have better luck with heavier bullets and slower powders.

 

[22DASHER]

Geee....OP wants pet loads and he gets ten different powders instead! Well I guess that’s a good sign that the 204 will likely shoot with a variety of combinations.

 

[Skunce]

CFE and 8208 both work well in mine with 40 grain bullets.

 

[CT10ring]

I got great results w 8208 & Sierra 39's, Sako 75 11 twist 24" bbl.

 

[jk80]

Best load so far has been benchmark and a 35 grain Berger. Really accurate and good on coyotes. 39 grain Sierra and 4895 worked well also. Gun is a Savage model twelve and luckily isn't to picky. These two bullets and powders were the keepers out of around four powders and three bullets. Hornady 40 grain shot well but was splashing on coyotes more often than I liked.

 

[fyrewall]

CFE and 8208 both work well in mine with 40 grain bullets.

same here

 

[KentuckyFisherman]

My Savage in .204 Ruger likes the 40gr V-max pushed by W748. Major splatter factor.

 

[Mark M.]

Thx Guys

 

[JSH]

CFE223,8208 and Varget

204ruger.com has a lengthy thread on this subject. Top results are interesting.

Bullet and twist will have a big reflection on end results.

 

[bloc]

27.5 Varget with that 39 Sierra. I get 3800 fps and great accuracy from my Savage FCV. It's close to max, so work up to that.

 

[long40shot]

My 204 likes Benchmark with the 32 v-max and blitzkings. I haven't tried and 40grn bullets yet.

 

[Spike A]

My buddy’s shoots half the size groups with 40gr v-max over the 32gr.. using benchmark... I would also say if shooting anything bigger than a woodchuck or paper ... I might find a less fragile bullet.. as many times he has had to shoot twice where my 223 does not with a 55gr because the do break apart so much and just not a lot of bullet there when they do ..

 

[tuttlefarm]

39gr Blitz King, H322 ....26.5 gr.... seating depth is crucial.

 

[Matt k]

I’m using benchmark and 35 grain Berger’s with good success

 

[pacificman]

Factory savage model 12 ...with 12 twist 39 grain sierra's and 24.5 grains of RL-10X was what
shot the best when I had a 204. Now I have two 20 Practicals with 11 twist and 40 gr. v-max
is the bomb with same powder...RL-10X.