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204 ruger powder choice with 39s and 40s

Chris Shelton

Silver $$ Contributor
What is your favorite choice of powder for 39 gr blitzkings or 40 gr vmax? I’ve always shot 32 gr vmax out of it before I rebarreled it. Currently putting together a 20 vartarg to shoot 32s so thought I’d bump up to 39/40 on the 204. Any input is much appreciated. Ideally want to stick with hodgdon or IMR powders.
 
Do you all find 8208 to be temp stable? I have about 8 lb of it but have only used it in my 17 Remington for 1 prairie dog hunt. Didn’t have any issues but that was only a 400 rd sample in pretty cool weather.

I have about 4 lb of H4895 that I don’t use for much so I’ll give it a shot too. It can be found around these parts not constantly but pretty regular.

Thanks for the replies!
 
When I got tired of chasing R10X, Benchmark, IMR8208 which all worked great but I couldn’t count on a steady supply, I went to TAC.
It is accurate fast and readily available. For some reason the 39SBK like 26.5 grains and the 40Vmax do better with 27 grains.
 
When I got tired of chasing R10X, Benchmark, IMR8208 which all worked great but I couldn’t count on a steady supply, I went to TAC.
It is accurate fast and readily available. For some reason the 39SBK like 26.5 grains and the 40Vmax do better with 27 grains.
Good information as I’ve been wondering about trying some TAC. Do you find it to be clean burning?
 
Good information as I’ve been wondering about trying some TAC. Do you find it to be clean burning?
I clean often (100 rounds or less) and I don't see TAC being dirty. TAC was originated for military rounds and it has CFE according to my friend who loads and sells to military contracts. I bought 30 pounds several years ago and I'm still working on that keg.
 
Benchmark was the winner for me in the last one I messed with. H4895 and Varget has also worked well in a couple others.
 
H4895 RL10 and Tac. I have a 1@10 twist barrel. When I got my 204 ruger. I bought powder primers brass and bullets. To last a very long time.
 
Like others, I’ve settled on 8208 XBR. It checks the boxes for accuracy, velocity, and temp insensitivity. CFE223 and 2520 did very well but fall short in the temp stable column.
 
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