Finding the sweet spot of a load for a rifle- .204 Ruger

[Tom Kat]

I have 2 very similar rifles, the Ruger American Gen 1 and Gen 2.

Gen 1 was a lights out shooter, it liked a load of 28gr 8208XBR and 35 gr Bergers. I could cover those groups with a dime. I didnt like the cheap stock that gun came with and bought a Magpull Hunter stock which did not affect the groups in any way.

Then along comes the Gen 2, with a much better stock and bolt handle. I bought it, did my normal barrel break in and discovered...it did not really like that load. After some testing, it turns out it likes the same bullet and powder but at a load of 27Gr.

And it gives me very good MOA groups.

who else has had a similar experience? Faster is not always better, all things being equal.

 

[NC/Br Shooter]

I don't shoot 204 but. I go through same routine with evey bbl Iv ever had. It never ends and I hope it never does.

 

[RegionRat]

I have 2 very similar rifles, the Ruger American Gen 1 and Gen 2.

Gen 1 was a lights out shooter, it liked a load of 28gr 8208XBR and 35 gr Bergers. I could cover those groups with a dime. I didnt like the cheap stock that gun came with and bought a Magpull Hunter stock which did not affect the groups in any way.

Then along comes the Gen 2, with a much better stock and bolt handle. I bought it, did my normal barrel break in and discovered...it did not really like that load. After some testing, it turns out it likes the same bullet and powder but at a load of 27Gr.

And it gives me very good MOA groups.

who else has had a similar experience? Faster is not always better, all things being equal.

It isn't an unusual experience when the context is a bbl and chamber like those on inexpensive Ruger American Rifles.

There is enough difference between those Gen 1 and Gen 2 bbls that it shouldn't be a surprise, not to mention that if we are being picky, you would see the same things even between two different Gen 1 bbls.

Glad to hear it shoots well. I only just set up a Gen 2 for my first time and consider the safety an improvement over the noise that a Gen 1 makes. The Gen 2 is much quieter in a coyote rifle context.

 

[charlie b]

Every barrel is different, especially the mass produced ones.

Watch a video on rifle barrel manufacture. Most will bend a barrel straight at some point in the process. How much depends on how badly the source steel was made and how concentric the initial bore was done. That's why sometimes you can have a barrel that blows groups when it warms up or another will keep them all in the same spot.

The processes are getting better as the steel is of better quality and the boring equipment gets better. That means more consistency in the long run. But...there is a reason why premium barrels cost more

 

[Tom Kat]

It isn't an unusual experience when the context is a bbl and chamber like those on inexpensive Ruger American Rifles.

There is enough difference between those Gen 1 and Gen 2 bbls that it shouldn't be a surprise, not to mention that if we are being picky, you would see the same things even between two different Gen 1 bbls.

Glad to hear it shoots well. I only just set up a Gen 2 for my first time and consider the safety an improvement over the noise that a Gen 1 makes. The Gen 2 is much quieter in a coyote rifle context.

I bought the Gen 2 because of the new stock and better safety. I actually replaced the improved bolt handle with one I like better. You are correct, there will be variations in mass produced...anything. But for what ever reason, I think the Gen 1 barrel, in my case, may be a little more accurate. Time will tell.

My excuse for shooting...."more testing is needed".