.204 explosive bullets
- Thread starter mackillan
- Start date
The truth is that any bullet designed for varmint shooting will be explosive on gophers, I doubt that most shooters would notice any difference. My favourite gopher rifle is a Sako .222, and even with it's modest muzzle velocity, I've seen as spectacular kills with it as I have with my .22-250.
Vmax
I have used the 32 grain Vmax bullets for quite explosive results. (Click on link in my signature to see how pigeons like them)
They do offer a nice red mist.
I just bought some Barnes Varmint Grenades to see if they are any more impressive but the 26 grain weight will limit them to close range shooting.
Others have had good results with Sierra Blitz Kings, I plan to develop a load using the 39 grain bullets for long range shooting, but again have not yet tested them.
I think that at the velocity that the round travels at any bullet will do well. I remember using my .308 Win on gophers just for fun one summer and I doubt that the bullets deformed at all but the gophers really exploded.
I have used the 32 grain Vmax bullets for quite explosive results. (Click on link in my signature to see how pigeons like them)
They do offer a nice red mist.
I just bought some Barnes Varmint Grenades to see if they are any more impressive but the 26 grain weight will limit them to close range shooting.
Others have had good results with Sierra Blitz Kings, I plan to develop a load using the 39 grain bullets for long range shooting, but again have not yet tested them.
I think that at the velocity that the round travels at any bullet will do well. I remember using my .308 Win on gophers just for fun one summer and I doubt that the bullets deformed at all but the gophers really exploded.
I use Hornady 32gr Vmaxs' in my .204 and 40gr Vmaxs' in my .223
Both are home loads with particular attention to powder weight and COL.
The .223 put 5 consecutive shots in a nickel sized hole at 100 yrds, so I know THAT load is working. The .204 shoots 2" group at 200 yrds, but I think its my shaky hands and 50 yr old eyes
Both are 26" heavy barrels 1 in 12 twist.
Both are home loads with particular attention to powder weight and COL.
The .223 put 5 consecutive shots in a nickel sized hole at 100 yrds, so I know THAT load is working. The .204 shoots 2" group at 200 yrds, but I think its my shaky hands and 50 yr old eyes
Both are 26" heavy barrels 1 in 12 twist.
Thanks Rick Can you inform us what the hornady manual indicates is the best powder and load ie most accurate. 
I use Hornady 32gr Vmaxs' in my .204 and 40gr Vmaxs' in my .223
Both are home loads with particular attention to powder weight and COL.
The .223 put 5 consecutive shots in a nickel sized hole at 100 yrds, so I know THAT load is working. The .204 shoots 2" group at 200 yrds, but I think its my shaky hands and 50 yr old eyes
Both are 26" heavy barrels 1 in 12 twist.
