powder/bullet suggestions - 204R

[strut64]

Setting up to reload a 204R. The only preconceived notion I have is stay with 32 gr bullets in the 12 twist barrel. What powders and bullet combinations are most popular. Will be punching paper mostly, but groundhogs on occasion. Will have to improvise something to trim the case length. Lee case trimmers can't go that low. I have been reloading since 1972 so I have most everything except dies, powder, bullets. Thanks

 

[aer21]

I'm shooting the 39gr sierras in a 12 twist Remington 700 with bl-c2 and it works pretty good. A little slow though.

 

[Terry]

The loads on this site under the 20 cal button are very good.

 

[22DASHER]

H4895, H322, or Varget (in that order) with 39/40 grain bullets will be your best friend.

But yes, also look here:

http://www.accurateshooter.com/cartridge-guides/20caliber/#204RUGER

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

The Lyman #49 loading manual has a bunch of good loads for the 204 ruger. I have had great luck with the 32 grain Nosler varmageddon bullets and Accurate 2230/ Ramshot xterminator powder.

 

[Ropemaker]

I've been using these loads for number of years w/32vm in 12 twist bbl with excellent success. All are with RP7.5 primers, WW cases, & 32Vmax with OAL same as Hrn factory ammo, which shoots quite well in my rifle at 4000+ fps.

28gr WW748 yields 3825 fps, 26" bbl-less than 1"@200 yds
25.5gr RL10 yields 4045 fps, 26" bbl-less than 1"@200 yds FIRST CHOICE
27.5gr 8208 yields 3900+, less than 1" @ 200 yds
26.5gr Xterminator shows promise, not chronoed
Once I use up my RL10 [med heat sensitivity] I will go to 8208.

These loads aren't max, but are safe in my rifle's, so work up to them.

Don't let anyone try to convince you that you need heavier bullets to reach out due to b.c.. The 32vmax does just fine and isn't as wind sensitive as it is made out to be, at least in my experience on the pd patches out to 400+yds.

You didn't mention which brass you will be using, so here are some ideas to consider. Since WW & RP brass is hard to come by [new mty's], the rest of the players are more expensive to pricey. Those being Hornady, Norma, Nosler, but doesn't necessarily make them better. Of course there is always shoot up factory ammo to get your brass of your choice.
My next brass will probably be Hornady or Fiocchi. The Fiocchi is a newcomer to loaded ammo and will most likely be the only source for their brass. Have tried a little, and was 1.06" @ 200 yds on first try. I use a mix of WW and Hrn brass and can't see any significant difference in performance. Measured volume of WW & Fiocchi brass w/Exterminator powder. Fiocchi holds .8 gr. less, so don't know yet how much that will affect the above loads w/o tweaking.

TRIMMING--don't seem to stretch as much as 223's, but will need trimming eventually. I ended up getting the 17 cal. trimmer shaft for my Forester Original and made a 20 cal pilot, smaller pilot shank on the 17 cal shaft. Regular cutter shaft wouldn't quite do the job, pilot shank is almost same size as the 20 cal neck and had lots of burr's.

Hope this helps.
I know you will enjoy the 204, quite pleasant to shoot and not fussy.

D