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I went to buy a chargemaster 1500 and instead came home with another THXP in 204 ruger. Now I have 2 THXP with Nikon BDCs. 204 and 22-250. I hate when that happens. What is a good reload data book for that cal. My sierra does not mention the 204 at all. I would like to achieve 3950 fps useing a 35 or 45 gr bullet. Thats if the 1-12 twist will be good for those. Thanks again all,Dan
It's a pity you didn't get both. My Chargemaster is the single best piece of reloading gear on my bench. As for your reloading question, IMHO no reloading bench should be without the Hornady book, the 7th edition of which contains .204 Ruger recipes for their 32 and 40 gr V-Max, as well as 45 gr SP.
Sell the .22-250 and buy the Chargemaster. I have shot my .22-250 once in the past two years since I got my .204R. I only haven't sold my .22-250 because the dang thing is too pretty to let someone else have it!
WYOT gave good advice on the Hornady book. Get the latest version of the book though. I think they are on the 8th edition. Also, head over to http://www.204ruger.com/forum/ to get tons of info on the .204R including a ton of reloading data.
Between the three 204s my dad, his friend, and I shoot we use 26.5 to 27.2 grns of H4895 behind a 39 blitzing. My encore routinely shoots half inch with 26.5 grns which is on the light side. In the other two which are bolt guns they get similar accuracy at 27.0 and 27.2. 204ruger.com is also a great site for that cartridge.
+1 on 204ruger.com, a wealth of information. I think you'll find the 1 in 12 twist will handle up to a 40 gr bullet, at least that is the case with mine.
Reloder10x and CFE223 are good powders in my 204 with 39 sierras. max book loads should get ya to 3950 with the 39's, mine does with a 26" shilen 12 twist. Go easy at first though!