Where to begin reloading for the .204 Ruger

[Jellyhead]

I am going to be getting a Remington  700 SPS  in .204 Ruger in the next month or so.
I am going to begin to reload for this rifle.  Is there any help out there as to which powder, primers I would start with?
I mean, is one powder better than another?  The reason I am asking is because I don't want to buy 5 different powders,primers
and find out there is only one that the gun likes, or is that what you have to do to find out what the gun prefers? Any experience with this gun and reloads?

All help will be appreciated

Thanks,
Jellyhead

[quickdtoo]

Here's a good place to do a little readin on the 204...

Tim

http://204ruger.com/

[Grumulkin]

My load for a Contender carbine in 204 Ruger is with RL-15, Hornady 45 gr. Spire Points and Remington small rifle match primers.  This load for me will do 0.5 inches or a bit less at 100 yards.

[Jellyhead]

Thanks guys for the info,

Tim, I will definitely check out the .204 site.  I just want to get into reloading right w/out spending hundreds $$ extra, especially as the prices of components are going to be going up drastically pretty soon.

jellyhead

[Luckyducker]

I had about 9 lbs. of H4895 on hand when I started loading for my 204 Ruger, and I thought I might as well try it.  I found a load of Winchester brass with CCI Small rifle primer and 27.1 grains of H4895 gives me a muzzle velocity of 3650 to 3700 and one ragged hole accuracy at 100 yds.  This is in my TC Encore ProHunter 28" barrel with a Burris 6-24X50 Black Diamond scope.  This load shows no excess pressure in my rifle but when loading for your rifle start at 24 grains and work up looking for signs of excess pressure.

[Catfish]

Any of the powders that work well in the .223 will work well in the .204. I prefer the Rem. 7 1/2 ( BR primer) It  is a little hotter than the standard primer and more uniform in heat. I get my best accuracy with the 32 gn. Sierra bullets and they are great on small game, groundhog ect. , but the Sierra bullets are to thin skined for coyote. For coyote I would recommend you try the 35 gn. Bergers.

[skb2706]

For powder I like WW748 because it meters well and its very accurate in my two .204s.

Had the opportunity to dial in a brand new SPS this last weekend. I was impressed, headshots on prairie dogs at 200 yds. was a snap. Excellent entry level varmint rifle.

[Steve P]

Where did you find prairie dogs last weekend?  I have some ammo to burn.

Steve 

[skb2706]

Where did you find prairie dogs last weekend?  I have some ammo to burn.

Steve 

My sister farms 12000 acres of prairie dry lands. I have prairie dogs to shoot year round. Findin the dogs is no problem, finding the time is a whole nother issue.

[Jellyhead]

Thanks for all your input, my grocery list is getting bigger.  I have always wanted to try reloading my old .22-250, but never got around to it.  I always sold my brass.  I am hooked on the .204 after reading quite a bit these last few years.  I had a .17 Rem also but want a .204 now, the .17 never left a good enough blood trail to follow.

jellyhead

[Jellyhead]

I've been wondering, How many rounds (approximately) can you get out of  a 1 lb, can of powder?
I am still speaking of the .204 Ruger.

Thanks,

Jellyhead

[JustaShooter]

It varies (of course) depending on the charge used, but if you figure 7,000 grains of powder to the pound, a charge of 25gr will get you 280 rounds.

Hope this helps!

Just a Shooter

[Jellyhead]

JustaShooter,

  Thanks, that's what I was looking for.

Jellyhead