204 Ruger reduced loads with Trail Boss

todbartell

todbartell

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Here's a couple loads that work well in my Tikka T3x 204 Ruger

32gr Hornady Vmax
7.4grs Trail Boss
~
2170 fps
12 shot group into 1moa @ 100m

40gr Hornady Vmax
8.8grs Trail Boss
~
2140 fps
18 shot group into 2moa @ 100m

When sighted in for 200 yards with a full power 40gr Vmax (3650 fps), the 32gr Vmax Trail Boss load impacts 2.8moa below point of aim at 100y. I just dial up 3moa on the turret and it doesn't drop below 2" from point of aim until 140 yards.

The 40gr Vmax Trail Boss load only hits 1moa lower at 100y than the full power load. I dial up 1moa on the turret and it doesn't drop 2" below point of aim until 160 yards.

There are nice low noise loads, could be useful for varmint hunting at moderate distances where a lower muzzle report is appreciated. I have loaded them up for calling lynx, where shots aren't usually beyond 100 yards
 
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I know this combination could be hard to find these days but, 18grs of H4895 loaded with a 30 GR. Berger FB VAR is also another excellent reduced load. With my 204s zeroed at 1.5" high at 100yds this load will hit dead on at 100yds. I have never shot a lynx with this load but I have had very good results on multiple fox. It was also my go to load when I use to shoot problem beavers and wanted to keep the hides. Always a 20 cal entrance hole and never a exit.
 
Well the 32 grain Vmax @ 2170 fps performed great! At a mere 9 yards, no big hole on a quartering to head shot. No noticeable hole in the hide going in or out

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Your over 2000fps velocity is perfect for the bullet weight.
I've used reduced loads for 30 years... in a factory 22-250 with 45gr Sierra
Best was in a 6PPC with 58Vmax and Trailboss @ 1750fps, excellent groups and killed coyotes under 100 yards.
 
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