204, what the heaviest bullet...

Rick65Cat

Rick65Cat

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...I can shoot through my 1 in 12 .204 reliably and accurately?
The 32gr Vmax's I shoot now are lazers. But isn't 32gr a bit light for 'yotes?
 
All depends on the gun. Most will shoot a 45gr SP or the 39gr Blitzkings but not all will shoot the 40gr Vmax. If you reload shoot the 35gr Bergers.
 
35gr bergers are money on yotes. I used the 39br BK's to and they work well too! Have not used the 32gr on yotes yet, dont know if I will. They work great on gophers though!
 
I haven't had any trouble shooting either 40 or 45 grainers in either of my 204s, although, I'm thinking of rebarreling one to shoot bergers 55s.
 
like any firearm, yours has its own personality and likes/dislikes, that being said, the rule of thumb is that most .204 rifles have a 1 in 12 twist and that 39 grains is typically the heaviest that will shoot well. It's interesting how a 1 grain increase will usually end up keyholing either at 100 yards or just beyond. Now some rifles have been built with 1 in 10 twist which will stabilize the heavier bullets. Check out google and you'll find a lot of info specific to this caliber.
I haven't tried 45 grain bullets yet in mine, but the 39 Sierra Blitz Kings and H4895 get along real nice (i.e. .35s for three shots at a 104 yards)and I'm still load developing!
If you're looking for coyote loads probably the two most popular bullets are the 39 SBK and the 35 Bergers.

TB
 
I have shot the 34 grain winchesters and for cheap ammo they shoot very well. I usually shoot 39 gr federal Bk's and like everyone is saying, they shoot very well in my model 700. I have it zero'd at 200yds. I have shot 40gr remington and they wont stabilize being a boat tail bullet Im told.....couldnt hit a pie plate with them.
I just bought a box of Hornady 32 gr and am eager to try them out.
 
Thnx for the input guys. Yeah, my .204 has had a diet of nothing but 32gr Vmax's its whole life. And they splatter gophers like theres no tomorrow.
I'd like to try my hand at popping coyotes with it to see the results.
 
Rick65Cat said:
...I can shoot through my 1 in 12 .204 reliably and accurately?
The 32gr Vmax's I shoot now are lazers. But isn't 32gr a bit light for 'yotes?
Click to expand...

20gr V-Max in my 17FB makes it look like you turn off the switch on them @ 300 yards. They are running about 4200fps.
 
Was just on the phone with my buddy that skinned the coyote i shot yesterday with my 204. That critter dropped in his tracks, he tells me the bullet didnt penetrate the far side, makes life better for the skinner. He may have to get a 204 for himself.
 
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