.204 Ruger Recipes

waynewjw

waynewjw

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Tomorrow I take delivery of a 2006 Browning Medallion 22" barrel. I've got to purchase some cases but have all the other components. For powder I've got Vihtavuori N160, Varget, IMR4350, TiteGroup, H4831 and H4350. I believe it to have a 1:12 twist. Looking for recipes for 32, 39, 40 and 45 grain pills.

Thanks in advance.
 
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BLC-2 is very consistent, decent velocity. Imr8208 is better velocity. Its a compressed load so if you can shake it and get a little more in you could get some more out of it. I've got some CFE 223 loaded up ready for testing. Hoping this will be better velocity than 8208 wich was not as hot as advertised by hodgdons in my 22" barrelled savage.
 
I know you don't have these powders but if you ever do I know a 39gr speers tnt over 27.5 gr H4895 is absolutely phenomenal. And a 32gr sierra blitz over 27.3 gr H322 is even better. Never heard any complaints about either of these loads and they both shoot under half an inch in my Savage.

As for your powders, you should try reloadersnest. They have so many loads you're bound to find one that suits you.

http://reloadersnest.com/frontpage.asp?CaliberID=357

Just make sure that whenever you use someone elses recipe that you start at the bottom and work your way up.
 
I would work up a few loads with the Varget you have but you really need to get some different powder for your 204 to really shine. I have found H4895, XBR 8208 and CFE 223 all work really well. I had a Browning Varmint Stalker that use to preform flawlessly in the summer with BL-C(2) and 40 gr Vmaxs but POI moved considerably in the winter. I have since sold it and ran out of that powder and don't plan on buying anymore. XBR 8208 is my go to powder for most of my Varmint rifles and I can find a load for most of the bullet weights I want to try. I have found it likes to run on the hotter side and most of my loads are near or right at max.
 
I have found quite a number of loads using Varget, as per B-78 above on Handloads.com. Anyone else using Varget and what is the success? I wish this damn powder shortage would clear up. Up in the Vancouver area, and everyone has very little stock of anything, just the odd powders which I don't use and don't want to start re-doing new loads.
 
I have to also point to CFE223 in this caliber. Great accuracy shooting -15C to +28C so far....

Currently working up loads in 8208.

Try Higginson powders for CFE or Lawry's shooting sports. Sure you pay for shipping but at least you will find some and Lawry's is tough to beat at $20.25 a pound.
 
I don't have any recipes for Varget or 4895 but have used them with good success. I stick with H322 cause i have a lot of it, it measures nicely and gives me as good groups as the other powders with the excellent 32gr. blitzkings.
 
I have been working up some loads with IMR 4198 using Hornady 24g NTX and Nosler 32g varmint bullets. I have had best results (.266" to .306" groups) with 24g of powder behind 24g hornady with OAL of 2.301". I haven't quite got the groups that tight with the 32g Noslers but my best results with those was with 22.4g powder with OAL of 2.27". Found no difference using various kinds of brass.
I am using a savage Model 11 with a Nikon Coyote Special optic.

Cheers
 
The Browning Varmint Stalker I had was deadly accurate on gophers out to 250+ yds with 40gr Vmaxs. The stainless stalker I still have will group 40gr Bergers well enough for a coyote hunting load but it is far more accurate with 35gr Bergers so that is what I feed it. The new 204 I have on order will have a 10 twist and I have around 1000 40gr Bergers to use in it. I even managed to find a couple boxes of the discontinued 50gr Bergers just to experiment with. Your Browning should have no problems shooting the 45gr SPs as they are heavy but not very long.
 
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