...anyone loading Benchmark in .204's ?

[RHBII]

I trying to work up some loads for my Savage 12 LRPV .204 to take PD hunting. The only powder I have is Benchmark. Primers will be CCI 400's, new winchester brass, and 40 gr V-Max. I would appreciate your comments and experiences.

Thanks, Rich

 

[Waskawood]

I settled on BM in my Savage 12VLP. I found that my VLP had a very long throat. It seemed to shoot best with my bullets seated L as long as possible. I never could touch the lands with the bullet though. I also found that there was 2 or 3 different nodes that shot well. I finally ended up using a milder load of BM. I would start at 24.0 Gr and work up to see what your particular rifle likes. You won't have to go far.

 

[RHBII]

Thanks for the info Waska. I have also found that my Savage has a very long throat and I am only able to get within .010 of the lands with the 40 gr V-Max. I currently am using 26.2 gr of BM at 3725 fps with no signs of pressure, but I think I'll work back down to a lighter load in the interest of accuracy.

Rich

 

[Nodak7mm]

I settled on BM in my Savage 12VLP. I found that my VLP had a very long throat. It seemed to shoot best with my bullets seated L as long as possible. I never could touch the lands with the bullet though. I also found that there was 2 or 3 different nodes that shot well. I finally ended up using a milder load of BM. I would start at 24.0 Gr and work up to see what your particular rifle likes. You won't have to go far.

Yup, what Waska said... +1 on Benchmark in the .204. I use it with 34gr bullets in my Ruger VT.

Rod

 

[th82457]

I have used Benchmark in my .204 and it has worked well - but my gun does not like the 40 V-Max. Mine shoots best with a Sierre 39 BK or a Berger 35 FB. Just another variable to consider.

Terry

 

[bow shot]

Benchmark for me. I it did well for me my savage 1:12 VPL and also in an AR. I could expect 0.5" 5 shot groups without trying, and 0.3" if I was shooting very carefuly with these bullets (Fed 205M or CCI small mag primers):

32 VMax
40 VMax
39 SBK
40 Berger

Though the AR does as well with 32 SBKs, the VLP did not like them.

I just seated normal OAL, and adjusted powder charge. Closing in on and backing off of the lands didn't give me anything??

 

[JeffG]

I tried benchmark in my savage barrel with 35g Bergers, Re-10x worked much better for me