Sub MOA w/ NEF in 204, is it possible?
The picture is of a three shot group fired on Tuesday morning, 10/19/2004. This three shot group consists for rounds 27 to 29 through my new Ruger 204 barrel from H&R 1871 (NEF). The center to center circle diameter is 0.4845 inches. The rifle is a Stainless Handi rifle equipped with the new Ruger 204 barrel in blue. Amazingly the scope is a BSA 3-9 X 50, I suspect even smaller groups with a better scope.
The 204 is a great round. I was not expecting this outstanding accuracy from my NEF, but I am of course GREATLY pleased and more than a little suprized.
The barrel is heavy as all NEFs are. The muzzle is crowned, which is nice. There is very little barrel heating even with this hot round, and you can see this really helps with vertical stringing. NEF put an extractor on this barrel as opposed to my 223 barrels ejector. The extractor works wonderfully. The ejector was a major pain. The ejector works better now that the factory and I have both done work on it, however, I will take this extractor any day.
Ammo is Hornady factory 204 loads in 32 grain V Max. Dan Johnson of Johnson Precision Reloading is working with me on loads for my Ruger M77 Mk II in UL w/ 20 inch barrel. We have some .5 and .6 inch groups after lots of work. I think Dan can fix me up with some 0.25s in short order for this little sweetie. The additional two inches of barrel will probably give me just a tad more speed. The heavier barrel and less heating (vertical stringing) might make this a P Dog gun, the Ruger is my carry yote rifle.
All in all, this is a winner from NEF in my book. If ya got a Handi, try it in 204, you may never go back!
