204 Ruger

[swiftman]

Has anyone tried working with magnum primers in the 204 for possible velocity gain?

[Chuck White]

I have.

The following is the result of testing my 26 inch TC Encore!

Date:       April
Temp ..... 44 deg F.
Barrel .... 26 inch TC Factory barrel
Case ...... Hornady
Bullet ..... 32 grain Hornady V-Max
Primer ... CCI 450
Powder .. 23.0 grains IMR 4198
O.A.L. .... 2.265 inches 
3-Shot muzzle velocity average .. 4125 fps @20 ft!
3-Shot group center to center ..... .330 inches @100 Yds

I bought 32 grain Hornady factory ammo and used the fired brass for my reloads!
NOTE: I was getting 3/8 inch groups with the factory 32 grain ammo! I was surprised and pleased!
I tried some 40 grain factory ammo and the best I could get was a 5-6 inch group and the bullets all keyholed!

[HOG HUNTER]

I have a Ruger 77 Varmit heavy barrel, it shoots the Hornady 32 gr. Vmax factory ammo, 1 ragged hole. i would love to be able to find the load data on this ammo, I don't think I could improve on this load?

[swiftman]

I have a CZ 527 varmint that will do that to ,but at a dolllar a shot for factory loads it is a little steap for me. Just got my rifle a few weeks ago. I am waiting on some decent weather to try some difernt powders and primers. Will also get some lee collet dies for it when they get to someone I can buy them from. I am going to glass bed the action when my order for it comes in and free float the barrel.
My freind has a Rem 700 adl in 204 that will shoot a ragged hole at 100yds and into and inch at 300 yds with reloads usinig benchmark powder.

[skb2706]

Not found that a magnum primer does much at all for mine. I get very similar results as Chuck got and posted with BR-4 primers.