Printable View
I am looking at getting a 204. I want to know all I can about the 12FV before I order a 204. I want a rifle that is easy to reload for, fun to shoot out to 300 yards, can take a number of rounds per trip to the range, and can hammer a crow from the truck or back door. I am not looking for a 223 or 22-250. I have one of each and enjoy them. I want a different round to play with. So, tell me all you can about the rifle good or bad.
Gacop, he's ringing your doorbell 8)
Teacher go for the 204 and you will not be disappointed. I would not get rid of mine. The only thing i don't like about mine is it is not a Savage, so I am thinking about building another one on a Savage. I really like that little caliber and it has never left me down. The fartherest I have shot with it is about 450 yds. but it has performed well, even in the wind. I have been shooting 32 gr and have not even tried the 39 or 40 s .
I had a 12FV in 204. I love the 12FV model. I have a 12FV in 308 and 22-250 (this one is now a 12BV with a Brake added). The one I had in 204 was a shooter and did great on calm days, but it seemed that much more than 5mph breeze it would become difficult to make good groups. Me I just prefer a tad heavier bullet for bucking the wind, my 22-250 and 243AI shooting 55 and 58gr bullets work great. I will likely try the 204 again some day soon, but if wind is an issue for you I say think about it.
I built mine on a Savage action, using it as a single shot and love it. So far, my best accuracy has been with the 39gr Sierra Blitz Kings shooting into .143" on a number of occasions at 100 yards. Being a light bullet caliber, the least bit of wind will affect point of impact at the longer ranges (200-300 yards).
That is entirely you perception then. Velocity and BC are all that matter for determining wind drift. The .204 and .22-250. shoot bullets of similar BC at right at the same velocity. It isn't until you get into the much heavier bullets for the .22-250 with their much greater BC's that the difference becomes apparent. The .243AI has a decent velocity advantage and when you get into the 65-75gn bullet weight range, the higher BC with that higher velocity really allows it to step away in the wind drift department.Quote:
Originally Posted by bootsmcguire
The 12FV in .204 is really hampered by its standard 1:12 twist barrel. That slow (though it is the SAAMI standard) rate of twist rules out the two best bullets for the caliber, the Berger 50 and 55gn. Still not quite as efficient externally as the .243 can be, but uses about half the powder and is easier on the barrel.
Very true, the number say they are similar. For me it seemed like if there was a breeze at the range that day, the 243 and 22-250 beat my 204. If the wind was calm, then the 204 was an equal and sometimes beating the other two.Quote:
Originally Posted by helotaxi
I have a large shank Savage stock 26" bull 204 Ruger I traded a member for on here and was going to get a small shank until I shot it. 3/4" @ 200 first time out with factory ammo. Very impressed with the 204 as there is no recoil at all and it seems to just be a point and shoot gun. I have not reloaded for it yet.
I love my 12 FLV in 204. Only downside, like mentioned earlier, the 32gr VMax doesn't buck the wind well.