Author Topic: Shot my new 204 (Read 777 times)

Buckskin · « **on:** April 11, 2005, 04:10:34 AM »

finally set up my T/C 204 barrel with a Elite 4200 4-16x50.
Shot it and was not impressed. I floated the barrel, and am in the process of breaking it in. I was cleaning after every shot then went to every 3 shots. Used solvent and copper remover, then EEZOX (recommeded by Bullburry). I could not get a decent group to save my soul if I didn't clean after EVERY shot. I hope this is not typical, or I will be selling soon. It was a bit breazy coming from my backside, but I can't see that making a 4" difference a 100yds. Any similar reports???

skb2706 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2005, 06:11:09 AM »

Is this an Encore or a Contender ??........Bullberry? If so I would call Fred and find out what he has to say.
I have never been a huge fan of factory TC barrels but my new .204 is excellent. Several five shot groups that would make Fred's guarantee for accuracy for his Bullberry barrels in three shot groups.
What ammo you using ? You sure the scope and mounts are ok ? By 'free floated' you mean on a hanger bar ?

I like H-322 and Sierra 32 gr. BK lit with a CCI BR-4....not the fastest but extremely accurate.

Buckskin · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2005, 10:58:47 AM »

it is an encore factory barrel. And I was shooting Hornady 40gr v-max and also Remington 40s. I am going to get some 32 Hornadys and see if they fly better. The Hornadys grouped a little better, and the Rems dropped about 4 inches off of where the Hornadys hit. Scope and mounts are fine, dual dovetail Leopolds and I lapped the rings. I couldn't believe how much of a difference cleaning it between shots made.

tcman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2005, 11:39:15 AM »

If I recall correctly, folks have been saying the 40's don't group anywhere near as good as the 32's.

Chuck White · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2005, 12:04:22 PM »

Buckskin; I have a completely factory no custom work on it at all 26 inch Encore and the barrel is not free floated or hanger bar!

This rifle will shoot 3/8 inch groups (@100) with Hornady factory loads with 32 grain V-Max bullets!

I worked up a load with the following data:
Case ........ Hornady
Primer ...... CCI 450
Powder ..... 23.0 grains of IMR 4198
Bullet ........ 32 grain Hornady V-Max

This load in my gun will shoot 3-shot groups (@100) with a maximum spread of .330!

tcman · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2005, 02:10:27 PM »

Yup....that's what I said...folks doing better with the 32's

Bud · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2005, 02:23:40 AM »

Same here .. Have the same barrel. It will shot factory 32's in nice little group around 3/4". But 40's I could through rocks and get a better group.
Reloading excellent results with H322. I did nothing with my barrel other than clean it good be for I shot the factory stuff.

skb2706 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2005, 03:13:02 AM »

If cleaning it frequently makes that much difference I am thinking very rough bore. You may want to try running some JB's thru it and see what happens. A smoother bore fouls alot less and basically that what JB's does for you.
I have not shot any 40 gr. bullets out of mine just the 32s from both Sierra and Hornady.

Buckskin · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2005, 05:05:03 AM »

I am going to get some 32s and see what they do.
What is JB's?

skb2706 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2005, 07:05:29 AM »

JB's is a bore polish.....generally used to smooth up a rough bore and can do a couple things for you. Comes with complete instructions and is easy to use. It will smooth out any rough areas in the bore and make the gun much easier to clean in the future. Can greatly improve accuracy if your accuracy issues are related to rough bore. You can get it from Brownells, Natchez, Mid south, Midway.........

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=AG083065002

Tom Brush · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2005, 02:04:39 PM »

Buckskin: Sorry to hear that you are having accuracy problems with your .204. I have the walnut factory stock and the factory .204 barrel. I milled the bottom of the barrel channel in the forend to make clearance for the barrel. I left two pads around the screw holes. The barrel sits on these pads. I also relieved the sides of the channel to make clearance for the barrel. It is similar to pillar bedding.

My barrel does not like the Hornady factory 32 gr. loads. It groups them around .750 @ 100 yds. It shoots the Remington factory 40 gr. bullets into 1/2" at 100 yds. for 5-shots. My reloads using the 40 gr. V-Max with RL15 powder and 32 gr. V-Max with H322 group into .300 at 100 yds. It is very consistant. I hope you get the problem solved. My .280 Remington barrel also groups into .500 at 100 yds. with the 140 gr. Nosler BT.