Heavy bullets in 204 Ruger TC's

[rickt300]

I keep hearing the TC barrels, rifled 1-12 won't shoot 40 grain VMaxes and Ballistic Tips well. Does this mean poorly by shooting around an inch as opposed to half an inch with the 32 grain versions?  I really like the way the VMax in 32 grain shoots in my rifle but for my needs even grouping 1 1/2 inches would be just fine as seeing a raccoon or coyote where I hunt over 150 yards would be almost impossible. Or in the interest of reducing the size of exit holes should I just download to a measly 3600 fps and use the 32-34 grain bullets?

[skb2706]

I have two Contender carbines in .204 but unfortunately I can't help you much. I tried both the 32 gr. Hornadys and the Sierras in mine. I never found any reason to shoot anything else. I shoot prairie dogs all the time and they both work quite well out to at least 400 yds. Rumor has it if your gun won't stablize 40 gr. at will must likely stablize the 39 gr. Sierras. I can assure you that my MGM barrel shoot a whole lot tighter than 1 1/2 " groups and my sons factory .204 is just about as good as mine.

[Grumulkin]

My Contender 204 Ruger rifle shoots Hornady 45 grain Spire Points into half an inch or so at 100 yards loaded over RL 15.