Powder Recommendations for 204 out of a Shorter Barrel

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Rick O'Shey

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Hey CGuys,

I could use some feedback on which powders burn better in shorter barrels. Fast burning vs. Slow burn or in the middle.
I've been using benchmark for my 223 22" bbl and like the accuracy and if that works for this project, that'll be great. But if there is better option, please let me know.

I'm waiting on a custom light-weight bolt-action rifle with a shorter barrel in 204R hopefully using the 32gr V-Max, Rem brass, and Win primers. The place I'm hunting wants strict control of the crows, gophers, and all predators. Unfortunately, it has to be walked into so I'm getting a present at no charge to me that won't feel like I'm carrying a target rifle at the end of the day. I'll just need to work up the loads.
If it wasn't a gift, someone else would be out there. So, it pays to do favours for your friends. This is a special gift.

Anyway, has anyone found that one or two brands of powder burn better or more efficiently in shorter barrels? Please give your recommendations so I can start making bullets.

Rick O
 
Rick; Whichever powders works best [gives highest velocities] in a long barrel
will also be best in the shorter tube.

There is a misconception out there that faster burning powders are needed for
shorter barrels....it just isn't so.

If Benchmark has been working fine, it may be just great in the shorter barrel as well.

Regards, Eagleye.
 
Thankyou Eagleye.

I haven't done a lot of reloading so I guess I was looking for some magic opinion. And I got it.
My thinking was whether or not a specific propellant would be completely burned or if all propellants would be burned just a micro amount less and therefore be nothing to be concerned about.

Like I said, I may very well have been looking for a magic powder.
H335, H322, Varget, and Benchmark are all in the middle of the burn chart and the difference would more likely be a concern for a bench competition shooter at an X and wouldn't make any significant difference for a hunting load where it's a 3" kill zone at 300yds.

Thanks again.
 
I shot this group @ 100yds with 32gr Vmax and 26gr of 4064.Not the fastest load but great accuracy out of a short barrelled Handi Rifle.
1204targetsmall.jpg
 
Eagleye said:
Rick; Whichever powders works best [gives highest velocities] in a long barrel will also be best in the shorter tube.
Click to expand...

Yep. H4895 has been my "go to" powder for the .204, but now looking to develop temperature insensitive loads with IMR 8208 XBR.
 
8208 is the newest thing to come along for powders and a lot of folks really like it. I was fortunate to have tried Varget and 40gr Noslers when I first loaded for my 204's and 27gr put them all in one hole so to speak, so I never tried any other powders or lighter bullets. I have em, but ain't tried them yet. FS
 
Thats some pretty impressive handi-rifle shooting. If I can come close to that accuracy, I'll reload with 40grainers. I had no idea they were that accurate. I can get sub moa with the 223 using a bipod if i take my time.
I'm not shooting over a pdog town so I thought a barrel with a .625 muzzle would stay cool and suite my want for a light weight.

Thanks a million guys!
 
My 204 groups are 3/4" using
blc-2 and 40gr noslers out of my axis. About 6-8 fps velocity spreads as well. I've also tried 8208 but never did any groups. Seemed accurate as I was shooting gophers with it. I would like to try cfe223 next to see if I can get a little more velocity than 8208.
 
Rick O'Shey said:
Thats some pretty impressive handi-rifle shooting. If I can come close to that accuracy, I'll reload with 40grainers. I had no idea they were that accurate. I can get sub moa with the 223 using a bipod if i take my time.
I'm not shooting over a pdog town so I thought a barrel with a .625 muzzle would stay cool and suite my want for a light weight. Thanks a million guys!
Click to expand...

Bear in mind that not all rifles with the typical factory 1 in 12 twist will be able to shoot the 40 gr bullets well.
 
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