.204 accuracy

[pfettig]

This question may have been asked before, but I did a search and didn't find the answer, so here goes.  I know the .204 is an inherently accurate caliber, but has anyone out there had any experience with it in an H&R?  What distances have you shot it?  Thanks a hundred.

[McLernon]

I have a 204 Handi with a 22 inch bull barrel. I have made no modifications to it at all. Supporting it under the hinge pin I shot a 1.25 inch five shot group while working up a load. Supporting under the hinge pin does not make for the most steady rest so part of the 1.25 inch group is me. I am confident that this rifle will be sub MOA by the time I float and pillar bed the fore-stock. I may even bed the barrel and lug to the action to dampen out vibration. Each one of these mods will make some improvement and may allow me to support under the fore-stock which also will make a significant improvement.

Mc

[aulrich]

Yes, the 204 is a very accurate, on game I have not stretched it's legs much further than 200 (coyotes and ground squirrels), the best shot with it was shooting off the top of a 2l bottle @ 300+ now granted the goal was the bottle but I was aming at the top with the first dot so I count that as a hit . As a rule of thumb trajectory wise the 204 is very similar to 22-250.

[ken2222]

Hi! I've just begun shooting my .204 Handi bull barrel. I did a complete tear-down/clean/lube per instructions from many here. I then polished the barrel with "fitz" again per instruction from the guys here.No other mods just yet. Out of the box I had 1" groups @100yrds with Hornaday 40gr V-MAX  That was all I had found up to that point. After following instructions above...I got 3/4" groups @100yrds! Roughly same weather conditions...40 deg, overcast/ VERY light wind shooting off a bag.. My range is 30' below grade in heavy woods. I'm not going to be surprized to get 1/2" groups after some light "trickery" ...again per instructions here. Check the FAQ section...scroll down to the goodies. I just bought a box of Winchester Super X 34gr Hollow Points but haven't been back to the range yet. I LOVE this gun. I just hung a little more scope on it. I had a Leupold 6x42 M8 on it but needed more eyes. Just hung a 3-12-42 AO Sightron target on it so will hit the 200, 300 and 500 yrd range to see what happens from there. I'm collecting brass to get ready to load for it in the very near future. Have you bought you Handi yet? I highly recommend it! I wish I had shopped a little to see if it was available w/Laminates but the pallet wood Monte seems to fit me well enough. I spent a little time "trimming" the hammer tip so that I could mount my scope on medium rings too. Thought I'd thro that in for ya...I'd be happy to stay in touch and share data...I see a PD outting in my future after shooting the .204....VERY light recoil..light enough to watch your target BLOW-UP! I CAN'T WAIT!  Ken

[quickdtoo]

Here are a couple older threads on the 204.

Tim

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,99047.msg1098256725.html#msg1098256725

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/smf/index.php/topic,84016.msg510091.html#msg510091

[pfettig]

Thanks, Tim.  I've read those before, but it was good to read them again.  Ken2222 and Mclernon, I'm interested to see what you can do when you're done tweaking.  I'd like to see how accurate it will be at 3 or 4 hundred yards.  I was also wondering how economical it is to shoot (factory or handloads).  I have a .223 ultra varmint and I really like it.  I also have some tweaking to do, especially floating the forestock.  I'm not sure how much that will do, but everyone says to do it.

[ken2222]

Its me again....As far as cost to shoot. I'm in SE Lower Michigan and all the rounds I've bought have been $12-14...loading materials are yet to be known since I'm still collecting brass. I just made a trade for a 6-18 Nikon Buckmaster so may wait til I mount that before going back to the range. I had intended to do my mods progressively so I can see what makes the best improvements, so this may take a little while...tho I am recently retired meaning I will probably get to it quicker than some. I've been spending too much time looking for good deals on other Handis and stuff and too little time shooting but that'll change pretty soon due to dwindling gun funds. I have really fallen for the Handis, especially the .204. Have you pulled the trigger on any yet? YOU HAVE TO DO THAT! IT IS A BLAST! Ken

[aulrich]

You could load 223 for a bit cheaper than 204,
223 uses slightly less powder, but it would take 100's of rounds to see the difference
223 brass new where I am is still cheaper and darn near free (the range I have done this at charges 8c a pound for pick up brass) if picked up at the range.
223 you have the option not to use the more expensive Blitzkings though in the blitzking line there about the same price.

[pfettig]

I would do a triger job on mine (it does sound like fun) but it seemed pretty crispy right out of the box.  I'm not sure I'd want it any lighter.  I asked for (and got) a .223 for christmas because when I first started looking you could buy cheap ammo for 1.80 a box, but now I have a hard time finding it for under $5 (I realize that's still pretty cheap).  Now my dad is going to reload for me because now it's just as cheap as the cheapest factory loads.  That's why I'm curious about the .204's.  If I'm gonna reload, that may be almost as cheap but more accurate.  I would still have uses for the .223, but it's fun to think about getting a new barrel.

[bang_off]

My Handi was a shooter straight out of the box. All I did to it was polish the bore. Best group so far was a .7moa at 200m.( Factory Hornady 32gr loads)

I had it at the 50m range last night testing my first ever reloads (32gr Vmax, Horn. brass) and it rewarded me with great groups for all the loads. A few were very good, down to <.3". Kind of makes it hard to choose a load. 

As far as field performance goes, it's great. Quick to point, shoots like a laser and easy to handle due to it's short length. There are numerous foxes and bunnies not hopping around anymore thanks to my 204.

[Ditchdigger]

My Handi barrel in 204 would not shoot very good,but my CZ and Savage both shoot alot less than 1/2" at 100 yds. and I've killed alot of P.D.'s at 400 yds. I used H 322 and the 32 gr. Sierra Blitzkings.   Digger

[mookster79]

I have been thinking alot about a .204, but I had to go with the .223 for my first purchase.  I am considering a new barrel, but I am really wanting to buy a whole new gun.  I just want to always have my .223 ready.  I put on a Burris 4.5 - 14 and with a 50 gr. vmax the bullet holes touch at 100 yds.  Cheap, fun and accurate.  I have a thing for .223 since getting an AR, but I like single shot guns for the patience and concentration they require.  You need to make every shot count, a clip and even a bolt can easily make you forget that.  I am thinking real hard about the .204 for those longer shots, and just mounting a 6 - 20 Burris or the equivelant Leupold Vari-x III.  I have several guns with Leupold Glass, but if that is your price range the Burris looks real good for a little less on the wallet.

[pfettig]

How did you manage to get your bullet holes touching at 100 yards with your .223?  What modifications have you made?  Mine will shoot about 1.5" - 2" or so at 100 yards.