Guidance with load development on 204r

[vmaxpro]

I decided to try some varget with my 204r today. It shoots great with 8208 but Im almost out so I figured I'll give the varget a shot since I have 16lbs. Heres my issue, hopefully I can explain this ok. I started with 5 rounds each at 26.5-29gr stepping .5 at a time for now. This is with 40gr vmax. 26.5-27.5 I didnt care for, then 28 closed to .6, 28.5 closed to .450. Then, 29 ( almost 1gr over max, still not compressed) shoots a .8, however it was completely horizontal with low single digit es/sd, virtually zero vertical. I get no pressure signs with this and its 100+ out here. Coal is 2.362 with nosler brass.
So I guess my question is should I stay at 29 and try again? Is it me causing the horizontal? There was a slight breeze from 3-8mph crosswind. Im shooting from a bald eagle rest/rear bag. Im just not sure where to go from here. This is also my first time on a bald eagle rest.

 

[Swift4Yotes]

I'm no expert but if it were me, I would back the load back down to the 28.5 that shot .450" and go a tenth either way and then maybe tune with oal. If you are over max and no pressure signs then I would tend to believe your gun has a fairly loose chamber. If so I would try neck sizing only.

 

[1raggedhole]

+1 on the backing down to .45 group and tuning. I do my 204 load development in no more than 0.3 gr increments to start.

 

[Quickoz]

I agree with above. As the 204 case capacity is fairly small compared to the likes of 308 and such, you want to do no more then 0.3gr increments or you may brush over a good load. A .1gr change will have more effect then you would think due to the small case size. Back off to 28.2 and work up in .2gr increments to 29 and confirm that 28.5gr load. If 28.4 and 28.6 both shoot tight then go in the middle to 28.5 but dont go off one group.

 

[vmaxpro]

Good advice thanks everyone. Hopefully I get some time next week to shoot!

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I have had 2 204's. Neither was most accurate with 40 grainers. Sierra 39 grain bullets have worked best for me.. 3-4 powders produced good results, including Varget. Best results in my rifle are with 39 Sierras and IMR4895.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

My 204 also really likes IMR 4895, BLC-2, and RL-15. Always get those powders to shoot really well with great speeds in the heavier pills. The preferred bullet by both of my last 204 barrels has by far been the Sierra 39gr BK. Absolute tack driver. Current barrel gives 0.3ish" groups at 200 yards with the 39gr BK's and all 3 of those powders at max charge weights. If you can find any of those powders or bullets, I'd highly recommend giving them a shot.

 

[Swift4Yotes]

+1 on the 39 Blitzkings. They seem to be a 204s best friend.

 

[vmaxpro]

Crazy, so far the 40's show the most promise. The 39's did great, but the 40's do better. Even factory hornady ammo shot 1/2 moa but with an occasional flier opening to 1. Which perform better on coyotes would be my next question?

 

[Bangs OH]

Crazy, so far the 40's show the most promise. The 39's did great, but the 40's do better. Even factory hornady ammo shot 1/2 moa but with an occasional flier opening to 1. Which perform better on coyotes would be my next question?

V-Maxes will splash even more than the 39 SBKs.
Btw: What's the twist rate of your 204's barrel?

 

[vmaxpro]

I retract everything I said regarding the hornadys. Those sierra's shoot!! 10 round group @ 300 i could cover with a dime. Velocity is a little low at 3700 but who really cares I couldnt be happier thanks everyone for the advice. 27.2 was the magic number

 

[vmaxpro]

28.2 I meant.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I retract everything I said regarding the hornadys. Those sierra's shoot!! 10 round group @ 300 i could cover with a dime. Velocity is a little low at 3700 but who really cares I couldnt be happier thanks everyone for the advice. 27.2 was the magic number

We knew you come around to figuring out the greatness of the 39gr BK. Just had to give it a little time

 

[vmaxpro]

We knew you come around to figuring out the greatness of the 39gr BK. Just had to give it a little time

Heading to brunos to buy 1000 now!

 

[Swift4Yotes]

If you want to try another great coyote bullet then try the 35 Berger hollow points.

 

[GrocMax]

Great vertical, low ES/SD? Tune the jump/jam, it'll usually tighten up the horizontal. Most of the 20's we've had (zero freebore) 40 vmax like .010"-.020" jump. You may find a different spot if its got some freebore.

Edit- Just looked t the SAAMI chamber print, 204R has a LOOOOOONG freebore (.114"), you may not be able to touch the lands. Same principle applies, tune the jump in .005" steps.