204 ruger and 40G VMax

it almost sounds like an issue exclusive to the Hornaday VMax40. Other 40's and even 50's stabilize well in a 1:12 BBL

I'm so lucky, I only have another 350 Vmax 40 bullets to go before I am out of them

Another member on AO is recommending this load, and I want to try it out '25grs.of Ramshot - TAC powder, behind 40 gr.V-Max. bullets and CCI 400 primers.'

We will see.

The other issue is proper crimp on the .204 . The 204 seems very crimp sensetive.
 
have you tried different primers ??
I have read that primers can make a huge difference.in fine tuning a load.

I am actually using SR Primers from CCI. I am trying to keep the components in the load as stable as possible until I hit the wall in terms of accuracy using all the same components.

When I finish a loading that is grouping 'ok' then I will start to play with things like a different primer, harder crimp, shorter or longer OAL etc.

If you change too many things when developing a load, you have a million ways to get it wrong, and one in a million chance to find it.

This way is more methodical. It's bog slow work, but the payoff should be there in the end.

The worst of it is, what works awesome in my LRVP will not work in an identical gun that is older or slightly newer in production due to mass production tolerances being what they are. My load will get close, but chances of it shooting as good or better in his rifle are pretty slim.:cool:
 
I me and my uncle both can't get better then a 2'' group with the 40gr. We both shoot remingtons. Loaded up some 39gr bergers and so far under an inch and still working on it. The 32gr we both can make one nice ragged hole.
 
SKS, what gun are you shooting? My SPS with the 1-12 twist also grouped the 40gr Vmaxes poorly. It shoots much better with 35gr Bergers and 32gr Vmaxes-although the speeds are much slower than published data.

I am using a Remington SPS Varmit right out of the box. New Boyds stock on the way though :)
 
I shoot 4ogr Vmaxs loaded with BL-C(2) out of my Browning varmint Stalker and last Sunday it was shooting minute of gopher out to 250+ yds even with a 15-20 KM wind at my back. Both my Browning 204s have a 12 twist barrel but the medium barrel will shoot 40gr Vmaxs and Bergers really well but I really only shoot 35gr Bergers out of my Stainless Stalker. I'm hoping my new Sako 204 arrives one day soon so I can start load development all over again.
 
I use a Hyskore Dangerous Game Rest for load development. Takes any and all 'human error ' out of the shooting equation. I hope to have a decent load soon for the 40's.

50's seem to stabilize just fine. but that magic 40 load is escaping me.
 
I have a Savage 12FV and it loves the factory 40 gr, 1/2 MOA or better. No need to reload.

Please confirm if your 12FV has a 12" twist.
What velocities -as measured over a chrono, not from the factory box- are you getting with those factory 40 grainers?

For the others stuck with 40s that won't stabilize in a 12 twist rifle, it might be interesting to try and replicate that velocity.

Then report back here.
 
Speed does not always equate into accuracy :rolleyes: Working on getting a crimp made ;)

If you are unable to get accuracy combined with top end velocity you are either loading with a poor chioce of componets and or are practicing loading techniques that result in in ammo that is less than concentric (that crimp die is more than a little suspect)

Hard to say what the problem is, Maybe the rifle needs some work. More often than not it's the nut behind the butt.:welcome:
 
If you are unable to get accuracy combined with top end velocity you are either loading with a poor chioce of componets and or are practicing loading techniques that result in in ammo that is less than concentric (that crimp die is more than a little suspect)

Hard to say what the problem is, Maybe the rifle needs some work. More often than not it's the nut behind the butt.:welcome:

Yup you nailed me. New shooter, no trigger time, never reloaded before, and a real jerk on the trigger f:P:

Crimp makes all the difference in the world. Your velocity is more consistent, and you maintain peak pressure longer to overcome the bullet being held in by the crimp.
 
Shoots for crap in my NEF 1/12, The 40 berger works, the 39 blitz works, the 40vmax does not, reloads or factory it does not work in this barrel. In another rifle with custom barrel in 1/11 twist its a different story, lights out with H4895...
 
I swear on a stack of bibles.....27.0 grains Varget. It is the sweet spot in my Rem SPS Varmit, 26" barrel, 1 in 12 twist.

The 204 is finicky but accurate.
 
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