Author Topic: New Handi in .204 Ruger (Read 1006 times)

McLernon · « **on:** October 01, 2006, 12:07:13 PM »

Just ordered a new Handi in .204 Ruger with a 22 inch bull barrel. If it turns out to be a shooter I plan to upgrade the stocks like some of you folks have done. Maybe I'll order Ultra stocks for it or maybe I'll get something fancy semi-finished( am I becoming a Handi-holic on only two Handi's??). Any suggestions on what to do and where to get them? Thanks and special thanks to Fred M.

I just returned from the range where there were four young fellows shootimg 7mm magnums. I am still shaking. The best I could do with my .223 today 'under combat conditions' was 1-1/4 inches. That's O.K. because I know the gun will do better.

McLernon

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2006, 12:21:23 PM »

Congrats!!

Tim

Datil · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2006, 12:55:03 PM »

204 R is the one for P. Dogs and other small variments. also fun gun.
Every body needs one, Marv.

Fred M · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2006, 01:54:01 PM »

McLernon.
That stock does not look all that bad. I t has a nice brown walnut color and a monte carlo comb. Take a cotton ball put on a litlle of that Varithan varnish on with your finger and rub it in until it is all gone from the surface. Three to four times and you have a nice tough finish that will last. Let it dry between coats.

McLernon · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2006, 01:57:41 PM »

Thanks for the tip Fred!

McLernon

dw06 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2006, 02:23:21 PM »

Sounds good,let us know how it shoots.You going to do any reloading for it or try the factory shells?

SHOOTER 72 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2006, 02:24:46 PM »

mclernon ,
gunstocks inc. makes just about anything a handiholic could want from thumbholes to factory styles , walnut or laminates . check them out you will not be dissapointed !

McLernon · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2006, 02:34:04 PM »

I plan to reload for it just as soon as I can get the dies. Does anyone have a pet recipe?

Thanks for the responses!!

McLernon

aulrich · « **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2006, 10:30:21 AM »

Start with the 39 sierras and h4895, or at least the 39 and some sutable powder you already have, though mine has not been too fussy about what it shoots, if your shooting predators get yourself some 35 bergers the 39 sierras are not what you would call fur friendly.

Datil · « **Reply #9 on:** October 02, 2006, 11:27:57 AM »

I think Mitchell was shooting 32 grain V-max at P.dog shoot in 05 in Ok. using
BL-c ( 2) Killing dogs away out there, I don't his charge, He might come on
and tell you. Marv.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** October 02, 2006, 11:33:05 AM »

Mitchell was shooting the 40gr Vmax and a max charge of BL-C2, but was working with N130 the last I read of his posts. I'm working on the BL-C2 load right now, just need to get to the range to shoot it!!

Tim

aulrich · « **Reply #11 on:** October 03, 2006, 04:49:41 AM »

I use bl-c(2) as well and got decent results though I was having trouble getting any where near max with it, good accuracy though. reloader 10 is another popular powder expecially with the lighter heads though there have been complaints of lot to lot inconsisancy with that powder. I have used Varget with the 40 gr Noslers it shows some promise as well.

McLernon · « **Reply #12 on:** October 04, 2006, 09:38:05 AM »

Just bought the brass, bullets(40 gr. and 32 gs Vmax), reloading and cleaning 'stuff' for my .204 Ruger. Looking forward to checking out my new handi when all arrives!!!!!!!

McLernon

Fred M · « **Reply #13 on:** October 05, 2006, 03:38:39 PM »

McLernon.
The 40gr V-max may or may not shoot well in a 1-12" twist. It is on the very edge of stabilisation. It will perhaps shoot best with the highest velocity you can get?

For the 40gr bullet the 204 should have a 1-11" twist, that is what I heard. Like I said some rifles shoot really well with the 40gr bullet.

http://www.204ruger.com/

All you ever want to know about 204 Loads and bullets.

McLernon · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2006, 06:53:48 AM »

There is a really good thread in the website that Fred attached above. It shows by tests that the ideal barrel length for the .204 Ruger is 23 inches. Also it shows that the 22 inch looses very litte ( 25fps or so). Good stuff!!

McLernon

quickdtoo · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2006, 07:06:03 AM »

Here's the direct link to Fred Smith's .204 barrel length test..

http://www.bullberry.com/204Rugerdata.html

McLernon · « **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2006, 07:28:05 AM »

Based on my review of the load data that Fred M. put me onto I think I will start with H335 and see how it works out. I have some on hand any way so this will be my starting point.

McLernon

quickdtoo · « **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2006, 08:35:20 AM »

I haven't used H335, considered it until I read that it's very temp sensitive. Extreme powders like H4895, Varget, H322 and Benchmark would be better choices in that respect from what I've read at Predator Masters.

Tim

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/rifle/204ruger.php

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=5&Number=52377799&Searchpage=5&Main=52377799&Words=204+powder&topic=&Search=true#Post52377799

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=5&Number=52369311&Searchpage=8&Main=52369311&Words=204+powder&topic=&Search=true#Post52369311

McLernon · « **Reply #18 on:** October 07, 2006, 08:54:07 AM »

Thanks for the tip Quick. I read the threads you attached--very intawesting!! I may have to rethink my plans. Is H322 an 'extreme' powder?

Thanks for the responses!!!!

McLernon

quickdtoo · « **Reply #19 on:** October 07, 2006, 10:23:06 AM »

You're welcome, yes, it is an extreme!!

http://www.hodgdon.com/smokeless/extreme/page4.php

Fred M · « **Reply #20 on:** October 07, 2006, 10:23:42 AM »

It is obvious from the multitude of published loading data, the 204 is a finicky cartridge to load for. The cutting off the barrel 1" at a time is a rough indicator, since every barrel is made different by the different manufactures.

But due to the extreame expansion ratio a 22" barrel is ok and as I said before it looses little to a 24". Also a 24 " would be easier to aim with but the Handi makes up with the extra weight of the bull barrel. Good idea.

It is however desired like most of the high density cartridges that the best performance comes with a case full of powder that is close to 100% fill ratio.

Since I very much like the Hodgdon powders my selection according to "QL" for the 40gr bullet would be H335, Varget, BL-C2 in that order. For the 32gr bulet I would select H4198, Benchmark and H4895. A crystal ball would be good to have.

And of course the famous PPC powder N133 for both the 32gr and 40gr bullets.
I would not seat the bullets anyfurther than 0.200 into the neck even 0.125 would be ok in a Handi.

Also the 32gr is the fastest bullet I try to find a 35gr bullet if the 40 does not shoot well in the 1-12" twist.

acloco · « **Reply #21 on:** October 07, 2006, 11:06:03 AM »

Purchased some 40 gr VMax's to load for mine. If they do not work, 35's will be the place to go next as well.

Thanks for the hints!