new 204 ordered, seeking advice on reloading dies

[birddog]

Folks-

This is my first post to this forum, but I've learned alot by lerking around for a while.

I'm new to varmint hunting and small caliber arms,done most of my reloading in the past for big game hunting).

I've got a Cooper Arms Varmint Extreme in .204 Ruger on order and I want to start gathering reloading gear for this rifle.

In the past, I've always full length resized my hunting loads, but for this .204 Ruger, I'm thinking about neck sizing only,as this will be my only .204 Ruger and I'm interested in getting the most accuracy I can out of the gun).

The application will be praire dog hunting,if I ever figure out a place to go do that on my own) and just the pure joy of getting accurate hits on paper.

I really don't want to pay an arm and a leg for competition dies if I can get good performance out of other dies, but given the price I've already got invested, I don't want to miss out on any significant gains in accuracy by going with "cheaper" dies.

Thanks for any input.

Mike

 

[tarbabi]

The only way for me is the Redding Competition set. It has the comp neck sizer, comp seater, and full length die. They are awesome to say the least.

Matt

 

[billmo]

birddog, Redding and Forster are very good dies. I like to use the Redding F/L or neck Type "S" die which requires bushings and the Forster Ultra seating die. Bill

 

[bmash]

I use a redding full length S die when it becomes necessary to full length size, but I love the Wilson seater and neck size die system. Much less work and more convenient.

 

[Varminthunter]

Cooper Rifles are beautiful and very accurate. The Varmint Extreme is a very nice rifle and I think your going to be one happy customer. What type of scope are you going to put on it?

The 204 Ruger is an awesome cartridge. I saw a guy at our local range shooting a 204. He was using the 32grn V-Max and pushing it at a velocity of 4275fps. His barrel was 24" long. He was nailing squirrels at 400 yards with no problems. He out shot the guy next to him, and I am not going to mention what cartridge and bullet that guy was using because it would cause a major argument. The hole high BC bullet advantage did not prove correct on this day.

My buddy has a custom 204 Ruger with a 24" Krieger 1-12 twist barrel. He has a Nightforce NXS 3.5x15x56mm scope. He uses the 32grn V-Max, 30grns of VV-N140 powder, Federal 205M Primer and he pushes it at 4200fps. Here is his drop chart for out to 500 yards. We used the Nightforce Ballistics program to work it up, so it should get you pretty close to the target at these ranges;

Yards Drop Windage
100 0.00 0.75
200 0.50 1.75
300 1.75 2.75
400 3.50 4.00
500 5.50 5.50

I would use Redding Competition Type "S" dies. I hope this info helps.

VH

 

[birddog]

Thanks for all the great input folks. Really appreciated.

If I go with the Redding competition dies, what size bushing do I need to order for the 204 ruger? I've never used dies that needed a bushing before.

Varminthunter: I haven't bought the scope yet as I won't be getting the rifle until August or so, but I'm currently leaning towards putting on a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50 with varmint reticle on it.

Mike

 

[billmo]

birddog, that is going to depend on your brass. I just bought Nosler brass and .224,.225,.226 is going to work for me but I am wanting about .003 to .004 neck tension for an AR platform. Bill

 

[Varminthunter]

Birddog, the Conquest is an excellent scope. Have fun with your rig. You will love the 204.

VH

 

[birddog]

Thanks for all the replies folks. I just ordered a Redding competition neck sizing die set. Now, I'll need to figure out this bushing thing.

Billmo: where did you get your Nosler brass from? Is .003 to .004 neck tension standard, or is that tighter than "normal"? I don't want to risk high pressures, so would like to start off as standard as possible. Is .001 to .002 more standard, or will bullets be too lose with that level of tension?

I don't plan to neck turn my brass, just use it as is. I'll likely start by loading up some test rounds straight from the Nosler brass. I'm going to try Berger 35 and 40gr bullets first and see how things go. If I can get 1/4 MOA accuracy at 100yds, I'll be thrilled.

Mike

 

[billmo]

birddog, I got my Nosler brass from Midsouth Shooting Supply. In a bolt gun most of the BR shooters like neck tension down around .002 or less. But something to consider, if you want to jam real hard into the lands you may need around .003 to .004 to get it. In order to get the right bushings, load up a "dummy" round and measure the neck diameter. Subtract .001 from that and order that number and then one .001 smaller and one .001 larger. That is Reddings suggestion anyway. But, you may wind up with more than three bushings because once you get started loading the brass several times it will work harden and you will need to move down a size or so with your bushing or anneal your necks one or the other. I hope this helps. Bill

 

[LarryDScott]

Birddog. Typically 20calibers seem to like a lot of bullet jump. If you load the 39 Sierra, try seating the base of the bullet even with the junction of the neck and shoulder for your first attempt. This is basically about factory specs. I think you will be pleasently surprised. I tried seating long, and it just didnt work in the 4 204 factory remingtons that I own.

 

[drop_point]

Believe it or not, both my factory Remington .204 Rugers like to be around .005" off with the 39 gr SBK.