How long are your .204 rounds for your Handi?

[bang_off]

Hi all, just starting to load for the .204 in the Handi and I'm after some advice.

I've read that a way to help the accuracy is to keep the "jump" to a minimum and load the projectile 2 thou or so back from the rifling. With the 32gr Hornadys the projectile is just touching the lands at 2.408", so that would mean a length overall of 2.406". However, 2.260" is the stated maximum LOA I've seen.

Would it be safe to load it out this far? The bullet is seated about 2.1mm (.083") into the case.

Loads are for use in the field, not range work so "robustness" is a consideration.

Thanks in advance. 

[wcf3030]

In my 223 I'm about .250 over the COL just off the lands use a load that is 13% shy of the listed max.
Thats really all I know about the subject.
Other then it groups a good 1/2 in better at 100 yards then useing a standard COL and I've had no ill effect.

[Fred M]

Bang off.
There is nothing wrong with loading against or into the lands. As long as you realize that there will be an additional pressure of 7200psi.

The 204 is rated at Pmax 58740psi. So if you are loading near max and touching the lands you are easy above  or near 65kpsi, and your Handi will not like it too much.

Loading into the lands by 10-15 thou can dramaticly increase your accuracy, but you have to do it with bit less powder.

For this reason it is best to stick with the recommended OAL

[bang_off]

Thanks 30 twice and Fred M, that's the kind of info I am after. 

Fred, will loading back from the lands cause a spike too? As that's what I'm planning on doing, don't want any bullets stuck in the rifling out in the field. 

I've read that a way to help the accuracy is to keep the "jump" to a minimum and load the projectile 2 thou or so back from the rifling. With the 32gr Hornadys the projectile is just touching the lands at 2.408", so that would mean a length overall of 2.406". However, 2.260" is the stated maximum LOA I've seen.

[Fred M]

Band off.
A reduction of 15% powder will let you put the bullet any where and is a good starting load for a Handi.

Loading off the lands will not create a pressure increase with recommended loads.

Loading into the lands say 0.010" will not get your bullet stuck, but will require a reduction of at least 10% of powder. This is not what I would call a pressure spike it is normal with a bullet seated in that fashion.

A solid copper bullet like the TSX will further increase the pressure. Barnes recommends 0.040" off the lands but I found that to be more than what is needed.
These bullets are extreamly accurate in all the rifles I have used them.