204 Ruger loads

[161]

Anyone have some 204 loads? I've been told that the powder used to get 4200 fps out of a factory 32 gr. bullet isn't available to the private reloader. Is that true? What do you guys shoot?
Thanks
Warren

[billc]

AmmoGuide lists loads for W-748, VV N540 and N140,Varget, Reloader-15, IMR4064, H4895, AA2520. Loads are listed from 3600 to 3800 fps. I didn't see anything the developers considered more than an "average load".

Bill

[lanenebraska]

We use 29.5g of IMR4320, pushing a Moly Coated Berger-35g hollopoint. Fired off an AR-15 platform, with 22inch barrel. About 4100fps

Also, check out this site for more load data:

reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=357

Hope this helps

[161]

I checked it out last night. Looks like a lot of good information.
Thanks
161

[Mid_Tn_Plowboy]

I use Norma brass, CCI primers, 39gr Blitz Kings, 26.5gr Varget loaded .010 shorter than max box length. It's not the fastest load, but tack drives from my 700.

[dannoboone]

I have the lowly, according to Hornady (wonder why) Tactical 20,
which is reported to be 200fps slower than the .204 Ruger. This Tac 20
likes a load of H4198 pushed to 4100fps where it is the most accurate.
Hodgdon's Reloading Data Center is showing nothing for the 32gr pills
using H4198. Todd Kindler (inventor of the Tac 20 cartridge) was able to
get 4300fps with the 20 (32gr) using H4198. Don't know why it wouldn't
safely push a 32 grainer to 4200fps safely out of the .204 Ruger.

[Mid_Tn_Plowboy]

I have yet to reload for the 32gr pills. I have loaded the 40gr Berger (didn't seem to stabilize with my twist) with 10X and Varget and the 39gr Blitz King with both 10X and Varget. If you notice the chrono reading on my avatar that was with 10x and a 40gr Berger!!! I learned the difference in single and dual base powders in major heat variances. Also if you are not sure of the load in a cartridge it's best to pull them. That pic is from the early days of my reloading and since that experience have used more caution to reloading. The 32gr factory Hornady cartidge shot very well in my gun. I may load some 32's to see if I have any luck. At 636yrds in 10mph cross I sucessfully poked 5 on a 8x11" sheet of paper with the 39BK and Varget. I think it was a bit over 8" all parallel (Dead coyote). Happy reloading

[Richard]

161..............I have a .204 Ruger I built on a Rem. action with a 25 1/4" Shilen Select Match 1 - 12 " barrel.
32 gr. Blitz King with 30 gr. of AA2520 gave 4154 fps and a .736" three shot group
Same bullet with 30.3 gr of the same powder gave 4264 fps with a .646 three shot group.
And 30.6 gr. of the same powder and bullet combo gave 4299 fps with a .750 three shot group.
With these smaller cases, a tenth of a grain can make a big difference so proceed slowly. These loads were safe in my rifle.
Richard

[Mid_Tn_Plowboy]

I also have noticed substantial differences in accuracy with tenth a grain increments. I found my best accuracy at .010-.020 off the lands with the Berger 40gr and Blitz King 39gr. Unfortunately while this is fine for single feed, my rifle is a hunting gun. I load my hunting rounds just under box length for use in the field. With minute of crow accuracy at 300yrds. The 20 caliber seems to be an exceptionally accurate bullet and a good candidate in the quest of mastering doping the wind.