Pet loads for the 204

[1holeaddict]

Anybody want to share some pet loads for the 204 Ruger?

 

[boltgunluvr]

I worked up some loads for a buddy of mine that I introduced to reloading. It's a 1 in 12 twist and is loves 32 gr pills. 32gr Sierra with 28gr H4895. I have to check COAL. It wasn't my first choice for powder, but it was the only thing available at the time. On a positive note, I can use it for 223, 308 & reduced loads for 243 Win.

 

[IMMORTAL]

Savage LRPV 204: 39gr. BK 27.4gr. IMR8208 , CCI BR4 primer.

Sabre Defence 204 upper: 32gr. BK, 26.5gr. Benchmark, Rem 7 1/2 primer.

Cooper MTV 204: 39gr. BK, 28.0gr. H4895, CCI 450 primer.

 

[coonhunter70]

Norma brass, br4 primers, 29.1 gr CFE 223, 39 Sierras. out of my Dakota predator.

 

[stacy]

I shoot 30grs VARGET w/35gr berger HP 450 primers works well in my REM LVSF

 

[clos]

sierra 39gr BK, win cases, RL10X at 25.1 grs. .020 off the lands. Fed Gold Metal Match primers.

 

[1holeaddict]

I have found two great loads

40 grain Ballistic tips or 39 Blitz
205m
Win cases
H322
Touching the lands

These are the only two bullets i can get close to the lands with . All the others i have tried are way too forward in the case neck

 

[Clank]

27.5 of h4895
39sbk
win brass
rem 7.5 br primmers

Not all load data works well in other rifles but this is what worked for mine.

 

[willey_coyote]

I have a fast twist 1:8 and a 1:9 204 ruger that loves the 55 varmint BT's. I shoot 26.0 grains of IMR8208XBR. @ .02 off the lands. They are both tack drivers with the same load!!!!!

Good luck

 

[Monty Montana]

OK so I get all registered so I can finally participate in discussions...been slinking around in the bushes for some time gleaning secrets...figured I'd ask a question this morning about reloading my new Cooper 204 and someone beat me to it.

Mucho Gracious. great info and a very big help, as I take inventory I see I have most of this powder on hand.

Guess I'll have to wait a day or so to show how ignorant I am about some of this.

But don't fear I am not short on questions...be back soon

Monty Montana

 

[A_Gamehog]

There are many powders that work well in the 204, that said I like XTerminator and Reloader 10X with 32-34's
best loads are on the low node for both. Not full speed but very accurate.

Hornady brass for R-10X Federal 205M
Norma for the XTerm. CCI 450's

willey_coyote

shoots the 55's
Ballistic Coefficient:= 0.381 is the best bullet for an 8 twist out there.

If you have the std 1-12 twist go with the shorter
32's and 39's only about 50% can shoot the 40's reliably with a 12 twist.

 

[Ropemaker]

Here are a couple more 32VM loads which work in 3 Savage FV's.

All are WW cases, RP 7.5 primers, Hrn 32vm, at factory / book OAL.

25.5 gr. RL 10 @ 4050 fps in my FV (temp sensitive more so than 748)
28-28.3 gr. WW748 @ 3825 fps in 3 diff FV's
All are capable of 3/4" @ 200 yds if we do our part.

27.4 gr 8208 mentioned above has showed promise, just need to use up other powders I have.

A side note on WW brass if that is what you intend to use. Don't know if we got a bad lot or what. Have started having split necks after 2-3 firings on I assume different lots. Usually a few in each box of 50 reloads after firing have been split. Have started annealing after one reload. These all started out as bulk new brass from WW in several different lot nrs. Just don't know which lots.

 

[A_Gamehog]

Ropemaker,

I got 500 new 204 brass in 100ct. from Cabellas last year and that new Win 204 Brass had splits. I needed brass so bad but not that bad. I will never buy their brass again.

 

[BigDMT]

RL-15 and Hogdon BLC-2 have always given me phenomenal accuracy and speed with the 39gr Sierra BlitzKing. Both powders worked very well in the last barrel i had on the gun and the current barrel that's on it. The current barrel (26" barrel on Rem 700) will shoot groups with the 39gr BK under 1/2" @ 200 yards at 3950-4000 fps with both powders.

 

[pacificman]

My rifle likes 24.5 grains of rl-10x with 39gr. Sierra bltz. The 32gr. bullets shot well also. The Sierra bullets shot better at long range than the v-max bullets. When I was working up a load with rl-10x all groups were below .6 at 100 yards with this powder. What I did was pick a load about a half grain below max and do a bit of bullet seating work. I get .6 groups at 200yds. now. I find that this powder seems very consistent and I am happy with the results. I just wish it were easier to get these days.

 

[Kolar1]

Ropemaker - Had the same problem with WW brass, I just anneal the as I take tem out of the bag, makes it easier ...

 

[Jedibronco]

Rel 15 26g under 40 vmax. 1/2 moa@200. Rel 10x does very well also

 

[th82457]

26.8gr IMR8208XBR with either a Sierra 39 BK or Nosler 40 Ballistic Tip. Rem 7 1/2 primer. Shoots lights out in two CZ's.

 

[tisme]

sierra 39gr BK, win cases, RL10X at 25.1 grs. .020 off the lands. Fed Gold Metal Match primers.

+1 for this load only 71/2 rem primer

 

[bumtownbutch]

Also shoot the load of 26.8grs. XBR8208 with 39 gr. Sierra BK, but use CCI 450's.