Question about Savage 12FV .204

[Frank V]

I am new to the .204. I just bought a used Savage 12FV in .204 six weeks ago.
What bullets does the 12FV prefer in .204?
Thanks.

[xhogboss]

Best factory load I've found is Hornady 32 gr. V-Max. I can't get the Barnes Varmint Grenades to shoot well, yet.

[bootsmcguire]

If you are reloading, mine shot 1 ragged hole @ 100yds (if there was no wind) with the 40gr V-Max over RL15.

[Frank V]

Thanks Boots, I do reload although components are a bit hard to get here.

[WaltherP99]

Don't rule out the 39gr. Blitzking and 35gr. Berger.

[Frank V]

I have a friend who is trying the 34gr Dog Town bullets offered by Midway, He reports inital groups in the .600s.:cool:
Last time I looked they were just over $13/100 +shipping of course & they were available.
Those might be worth a try. I think they are made by Nosler?

[Jack Rustle]

I started with 32gr and they shot real well. Windy weather forced me to the 40gr bullets and they are shooting even better...I think anything between there is good...oh yea, the 40's really buck the wind for a lightweight...

[Brent]

Go to the pictures post and you will see what my 204 shoots. I have never put anything except 40 g Vmax thru my 204. I prefer the heavier pill, higher bc, and thump, but this is for bigger vermin like yotes and wolves. However, your rifle may like something else. For factory ammo Hornady 40g vmax shoot .15 groups at 100 which is a ragged 1 hole basically. The factory stuff is a little slow though, 3550-3600 fps. I have reloads at 3950-4050 now depending on powder with accuracy at .25MOA at 200 yards. Might be better on a non-windy day but that is the best I could shoot on test day in the conditions.

[maxl]

Frank, I have had good luck with reloader 10x and 39g blitzkings, also you might want to check out 204 ruger.com forum lot of great guys over there with some great knowledge on the 204R

[Jack Rustle]

Frank, I have had good luck with reloader 10x and 39g blitzkings, also you might want to check out 204 ruger.com forum lot of great guys over there with some great knowledge on the 204R

That seems to be a popular combo with the varmint shooters around here...

[Frank V]

Thanks everyone.
I've got CFE223,H335,Varget, RL15, & some BLC2.
Bullets are still iffy, but I did get a box of Sierra 32grs the other day.

maxl
I registered on the 204 Ruger.com ( think) I'm waiting activation? It's Been a week now.The FAQs say contact an administrator. I've looked & seems you need to be registered to contact one?

[Jack Rustle]

it takes a while to get somebody to respond from the 204 forum, but it is worth it. H335, BLC2, cfe, Varget are good choices...don't know much about Reloader 15. 20 cal bullets are easy to find around here. I just shot up 40 32 vmax bullets on todays hunt...targets the size of small rats, vaporized at least 25 of em at ranges ranging from 150 to the longest shot of 225 yds. Too much wind to be shooting longer ranges. Time to load up some more...H322 and 32 Vmax.