204 Loads

[GaCop]

I started out loading/shooting an AR in the 204 but got tired of loosing prepped brass so traded it for an over/under shotgun and a Savage 110 in 7mm Mag. I recently ordered a 204 barrel from Northlander and will be converting my 223 Rem so all I have to do is change the barrel. Any good starting loads for a bolt action with Nosler 40 gr BTs, Berger 30 gr FBHPs and 39 gr SBKs?

[BoilerUP]

I've posted threads on both Campfire & SnipersHide in the last few weeks asking about using the same powder in the 204 & 223 (cuz I'm cheap and like minimal specialized components).

Seems like the 39 Blitzking is quite the popular bullet for the 204, along with Varget, H335, RL10x, BLC-2, and Benchmark powders.

Sorry I don't have any recipes for ya - haven't started rolling any myself yet.

[1Shot]

...Here you go... ;D

..39gr Sie..
..30.1grs BLC..
..Win brs..
..205M prs..
..Comp 2.010..

..39gr Sie..
..27grs Benchmark..
..Win brs..
..205M prs..
..Comp 1.990..

..35gr Bergers..
..27.2 grs Benchmark..
..Win brs..
..205M prs..
..Comp 2.00..

..All will shoot to my standards, which is holes... ;)

[Cover Dog]

I can't help you with 30, 39 or 40gr bullets but here is my load for a Berger 35gr. in a Savage SS BGTV w/26" factory varmint barrel.

Win. brass w/35gr Berger on top of 28.3gr of IMR 4895 w/Rem 7.5 primer.
OAL to Ogive 1.948, ,0025 jump, .0015 neck tension, 3,844 avg. FPS

[GaCop]

I appreciate it guys. Now I've got some place to start. The only manual I have that lists 204 loads is my Hornady and I'm currently not using any of their bullets.

[A_Gamehog]

Here's a good place to start reading about .204 ruger reloads.

http://www.oocities.org/graymist44/Ruger204.html

[GaCop]

Thanks, saved that to my favorites.

[319]

39gr Blitzkings over 26.2gr RL-15 in Win brass and CCI primers gives me one small ragged hole 5 shot groups at 100yds. I have never chronoed them, buth they do the job out to 300 on PDs very nicely!

[GaCop]

39gr Blitzkings over 26.2gr RL-15 in Win brass and CCI primers gives me one small ragged hole 5 shot groups at 100yds. I have never chronoed them, buth they do the job out to 300 on PDs very nicely!


I'll give that load a try, thanks.

[the_right_reverend]

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2581701/204preferred-bullet-pdf-february-7-2011-8-18-am-12k?da=y

take a look at all things 204 Ruger at http://www.204ruger.com/forum/index.php real wealth of knowledge there

[GaCop]

http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2581701/204preferred-bullet-pdf-february-7-2011-8-18-am-12k?da=y

take a look at all things 204 Ruger at http://www.204ruger.com/forum/index.php real wealth of knowledge there


Yup, I have them saved in my favorites too

[quickkillaught6]

I would assume that the nosler 40 grs and hornady 40s are a close match on bc. that said i load my buddies r700 204 up with 27.6 grs. of varget cci 400 primer seated at 2.345 and he had no problems killing prairie dogs at furthest was 700yards calm day shoot more than plenty at 500.

[savage308]

Try xbr8208 and 32gr and 39gr blitzkings ::) ;D

[GaCop]

Try xbr8208 and 32gr and 39gr blitzkings ::) ;D


I've got that powder and 39gr SBKs and 34gr Dogtowns, will give em a try as soon as I have my barrel from Jim.

[GaCop]

I would assume that the nosler 40 grs and hornady 40s are a close match on bc. that said i load my buddies r700 204 up with 27.6 grs. of varget cci 400 primer seated at 2.345 and he had no problems killing prairie dogs at furthest was 700yards calm day shoot more than plenty at 500.


Another load to try once I have my barrel. This waiting is maddening!

[quickkillaught6]

lol ahhhh yes the wait, it can be frustrating. i will say i have first hand seen what those 40gn pills do to a pd and its cool! *((what i meant was)) it is a very humane round lol hope to see pics when shes done and good luck with the build!!!

[GaCop]

Still no call from Jim saying the barrel has been shipped..............been almost two weeks now, was hoping to hear something Monday but no such luck. Received my Lee collet sizing die yesterday and have 40 rounds already loaded with the 39 gr SBK's and 30 gr Berger's. I also have two boxes of factory load Winchester 34 grain to try. Oh well, gotta hang in there. Maybe a short conversation with Jack Daniels will help :-).

[leather5to1]

Found 2015 to work good along with a bunch of others with the 39 grain blitzkings.

[GaCop]

Found 2015 to work good along with a bunch of others with the 39 grain blitzkings.


I like the Alliant powders but few are available around here so I stick with IMR and Hodgdon primarily.

[jpdown]

Max load of RL10X and 39gr BK or 40gr VMAX are bad medicine for PD's.