Advice Needed -- .204 Ruger Loading

[Fern]

So I found a load for my 204 ruger that shoots well. Another member graciously gave me a partial box of 39sbk that I loaded in once fired Hornady brass that were FL sized.
I decided to just load up the remaining projectiles I have but wondered but wondered if I should load them up in brass that has now been fired in my chamber or just in FL sized brass that I have.
I have headspace comparator and wondered if I should just FL 2 thousands back the now twice fired brass.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

I think either way will be fine

 

[PopCharlie]

I suggest using them same brass prep process that you used for the load that shoots well. That being said, I would also advise full length sizing your brass, with a bump of .001 to .002, after each firing.
PopCharlie

 

[RegionRat]

Fern, I am not sure I got your question straight, so let me take a crack at it.

If you worked out something you are happy with in once fired Hornady Brass that was full length sized, and now you are wondering about bumping 0.002" versus FL sizing?

Only a test will tell, but here are the potential issues.

One issue is you would want to know what the difference between the two different brass preparations really were. Sometimes, the difference in internal volume is significant, and sometimes it is not, or at least it may not show at the distance you are testing.

You will want to learn to track your virgin brass, and also the results of several cycles in your chamber. Sometimes, a chamber is so close to the virgin dimensions that a firing doesn't make a huge volume difference, but sometimes it does.

Sizing so that you are minimally working the brass does two things, it prevent premature failure of the brass, and it gives you a consistent case volume.

You will want to learn to track the sizing as well as the internal volume as an initial study to learn a new rig or caliber.

Even if your testing shows no issues this time, if you don't keep this perspective you may find your results change in a different barrel.

Roughly speaking, a 204 Ruger is about 32.4 grains of water in internal volume. You will want to learn your chamber's shoulder datum length to be able to set your sizing process, and you will want to learn the internal case capacity of your best process.

I would encourage any beginner who wants to get serious to learn their virgin brass dimensions and baseline those as well as any cycled brass as well as any brand changes they make.

Sometimes we get caught short of cycled brass and want to know if virgin shoots the same load or wants a difference. Good Luck.

 

[Fern]

Region rat you are correct in deciphering what I was trying to say lol
I did fail to mention that the once fired brass was some a neighbor gave me so that was reason why it was fl sized as it was not originally fired in my chamber
I started reloading about 3-4 years ago and 42 right now. I have lots to learn and reason I love the community so much experience people share

 

[JB10]

In my 204 i just next size for 3 firings then push shoulder back.