Putting together a handload for my .204

[chutem]

I don't go for the highest velocity in my .204's, as I end up using dial-up elevations for most of my shots anyway. I look for the most accurate load I can find. I have test loaded 32 V-Max, 40 V-Max, 35 Berger, and 39 Sierra Blitz Kings very extensively in three rifles. The most accurate in all three was usually with Accurate LT-32 powder. Primers didn't matter much, neither did the brass, though a few tenths grain powder adjustment was sometimes in order. The LT proved to be best in three additional rifles as well - , though not always with the same bullet. The most consistent winners were, in this order, with the LT-32: 39 Blitz King, 40 V-Max, 32 V-Max, 35 Berger. Other VERY worthwhile accuracy powders were H-4198 and H-322. The good thing (?) about the LT-32 is because it is expensive relative to most other powders - it can be easier to find.

Searcher, what if any, did you find with temperature sensitivity with the LT32? Got a bunch and want to try it.

 

[COhunter]

I have a now discontinued X-Bolt Predator Hunter and it prefers benchmark with the 32gr V-Max but it has shown some potential with CFE223 and 35gr Berger

 

[searcher]

Searcher, what if any, did you find with temperature sensitivity with the LT32? Got a bunch and want to try it.

It is a little sensitive. Where I shoot, the typical daily temperature range is around 35 to 55 degrees (whether summer or winter). Nearly all my scopes have 1/8 minute dials. In the morning, I'll be at my "true zero" for the temperature (I keep a winter chart and a summer chart) and I'll usually have backed off as much as three clicks from my chart by the time afternoon rolls around. It is easier to control a few clicks when going through heat cycles than it is to come up with a powder that can substitute the LT32 accuracy (at least in our rifles). Problem is - most every powder is a bit temperature affected in my own experience - some a just lot more than others. I have run the LT32 for almost as long as it has been out in my .223's and .20's and it has been very predictable.

 

[SBS]

Another vote for the 39 Blitzking and 10X powder. Little groups with high velocity in several barrels. 32 grainers I use in the Vartarg at shorter ranges. Have always had poor results with the 40 V-Max with 12T factory barrels.

 

[chutem]

It is a little sensitive. Where I shoot, the typical daily temperature range is around 35 to 55 degrees (whether summer or winter). Nearly all my scopes have 1/8 minute dials. In the morning, I'll be at my "true zero" for the temperature (I keep a winter chart and a summer chart) and I'll usually have backed off as much as three clicks from my chart by the time afternoon rolls around. It is easier to control a few clicks when going through heat cycles than it is to come up with a powder that can substitute the LT32 accuracy (at least in our rifles). Problem is - most every powder is a bit temperature affected in my own experience - some a just lot more than others. I have run the LT32 for almost as long as it has been out in my .223's and .20's and it has been very predictable.

Thank you searcher! I appreciate the info!

 

[ranger3]

I have used H335, but quit because of temp sensitivity. I now use 8202 and 40 AMAX exclusively. Works well in both of my 204's.

 

[searcher]

I have used H335, but quit because of temp sensitivity.

I had a load worked up in the winter, years back, using Reloader 7. Wicked accurate load. I used it for a few seasons and one day I was out on a 110 degree day popping squirrels and I had two case ruptures. Because I had run the powder scale up pretty high when doing the load development - then backed off a full 1 1/2 grains - I thought I was in pretty good shape. Wrong! Fortunately, I had the widest accuracy node ever and backing off yet another 1+ grains and it still shoots super good. Some powders are REALLY sensitive to heat. That 8208 XBR is sensitive too - but not nearly as much.

 

[Reloading Bum]

Don't overlook WW748 or H335 with 32 VM at around 28 gr. It isn't as fast as RL10, but meters better and just as accurate in my Savage's. So I have loads for both 748 & RL10 at 3800+ w/748 and near 4000 w/RL10 yet both print about the same at 200 yds at less than 3/4" if I do may part.

Thanks. Looks like you've had some fun with the 204.

 

[slancey]

I noticed there aren't any comments about seating depth yet, and for good reason. All three .204s I have shot are not very picky about seating depth. The factory throat on your Browning is probably SAAMI spec, which is pretty long. Even so, you will likely find a good load at the recommended max. COAL and not have to fuss with seating depth too much. Of course, that never stopped me from trying.

 

[Reloading Bum]

Note that the Sierra data shows great velocity with 10X compared to other powders!

Thanks for sharing that.

 

[Reloading Bum]

OK... so I have to admit. I started a spreadsheet as the good people on this forum started to respond and then I realized, my credit card statement this last month was pretty high on account that 'some people are charging quite a bit for powder. Ya, I bought a little powder and I got a little overzealous. I admit it. Anyhow... my rifle is really shooting well, I started out with the 32gr VMAX & 29.3gr of VARGET & 29.2 gr of WIN748. This was day one at the range, 100 YDS. I'm heading back again and will be trying an assortment of bullets. Once I finish up at the range I'll post my results.

Reloading Bum

 

[Bobthenailer]

I have good groups with Benchmark and 32grn V-max, winchester brass and a lee factory crimp. Seems to like a good tight crimp for best accuracy.

 

[Reloading Bum]

I have good groups with Benchmark and 32grn V-max, winchester brass and a lee factory crimp. Seems to like a good tight crimp for best accuracy.

Nice looking rig you have there. What is the rifle ,action, barrel, stock etc in the picture?

 

[Reloading Bum]

Hi Everybody,

I am putting together a new load for my, new out of the box, Browning X-Bolt Max .204 Ruger.

Anyone find a load that they like with this rifle?

I have managed to get a hold of some:

BRASS
Nosler &
Dogtown Brass

BULLETS
SIERRA 39 GR BLITZKINGS
BERGER 40 GR BT VARMINT

POWDER
RELODER 10X (still can't believe I found a single bottle, in a small gunstore, the only container on the entire shelf).
HODGDON BL-C(2)

I'm likely going to have access to powder from dear old dad as well. Need to make a drive there, and welcome any suggestions. My first .204 Ruger and I'm really looking forward to a PD trip coming up with my family.

Thank you,

Reloading Bum

Believe it or not, I had some good results with the:
26GR Barnes & 24.3Gr of Reloder-10X.
40GR BERGER 27.1 Gr of BL-C(2).

I didn't setup a chronograph but I will next time. I want to see if I can get the 32GR Varmageddon shooting. I also think I need to give another crack at the Sierras. This was the first time that I've reloaded for this rifle and I didn't do the best job.

 

[chuckshooter]

my 204's loads are
27gr 10x 32vmax 12tw cooper hornady brass
26gr rl15 40vmax 11t pacnor win brass
27gr 10x 32vmax xr100 12t Douglas gfl brass
26.5 rl15 40vmax xr100 11t x-caliber also 28-29 bl-c2 40 vmax rem brass

I'm not a big 204 fan anymore, in the last three years, they just don't get out of the safe much, kinda like the 22-250's and 220 swift's

 

[Bobthenailer]

Nice looking rig you have there. What is the rifle ,action, barrel, stock etc in the picture?

It's a M98 Mauser with a full aluminum sleeve, bolt face and extractor reworked for 204 ruger. The stock was from an old bench rest rifle from yesteryear and the barrel is 1-1/4" shaw then frozen at 300 below, Inc.

 

[mensajd]

27.3 gr 8208 xbr behind Sierra BK 39 gr bullet using CCI BR-4 primers (this is a max book load, so usual caveats). Accuracy was fine at 100 yd.

 

[Reloading Bum]

27.3 gr 8208 xbr behind Sierra BK 39 gr bullet using CCI BR-4 primers (this is a max book load, so usual caveats). Accuracy was fine at 100 yd.

View attachment 1255271

I'll bet you had a nice drive home from the range.

 

[Reloading Bum]

I concluded today that my two best hand loads for my store-bought, Browning X-Bolt Max VarmintTarget, supershort action 1:12 twist are as follows:
40Grain Hornady VMAX Bullets & 28.3Grains Winchester 748 Powder
39Grain SBK Bullets & 30Grains BL-C(2)

I found this being my first .204 Ruger rifle to be very easy to work with. Other hand loads worked well, but these two were the best.

40Grain BERGER Bullets & 30Grains of BL-C(2) also shot fairly well, just not as consistent as the others.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

27.3 gr 8208 xbr behind Sierra BK 39 gr bullet using CCI BR-4 primers (this is a max book load, so usual caveats). Accuracy was fine at 100 yd.

View attachment 1255271

Pretty much my recipe. 8208 and 39 Sierra's.. My groups look pretty much the same but in Wyoming.