Testing the .204 Ruger

[Tom Kat]

I ended up using 27 gr of 8208xbr and 35 gr Bergers. I think there is a better load in the gun somewhere, but this will suffice for coyote season.

 

[MTPaul]

Looks good Tom! That setup should put the THUMP on some pesky coyotes!

 

[searcher]

Several years back, I somehow ended up with a bunch of those 35 Bergers, some really great bullets. I tried them in two of my 20P A/R's, trying out a bunch of different powders, including 8208XBR, which did pretty good. The best, hands down was with either Reloader 7 or Accurate LT32 in both rifles with that bullet. I run 1-12" Hart tubes at 26". I was running these at 3,700 FPS in my rigs. I was able to get mid-single-digit SD's with both of those powders, along with excellent accuracy - averaging under 1/3" with both - with a few .200" 5-shot groups in there. If you happen to have either of those powders, might be worth a try next time you get the itch.

 

[Tom Kat]

Appreciate it. I may have some reloader 7. I know I have some Benchmark. I need to test that some more, too.

 

[ohlongarmisle]

I ended up using 27 gr of 8208xbr and 35 gr Bergers. I think there is a better load in the gun somewhere, but this will suffice for coyote season.

Good choice I shot plenty with the factory 35 Berger flat base hollow mpoint made by HSM,not one lost coyote. However I give Hornady factory 40 grain Vmax the number 1 spot,only due to it's high bc which helps in windy scenarios. Hornady by a hair, but your choice was excellent.