204 Ruger

[Flash]

I don't know if this was covered here before but i'm interested in hearing from those who reload this caliber. I'm about to start and was wondering if anyone has any comments to make about it's performance, what their gun likes and doesn't like. Best performing powders with the highest load density, best bullet, etc? What say ye?

[Luckyducker]

I had a T/C Encore with a longer barrel than other rifle makers used but can't recall the length of it (26"?).  It would stabilize 40 grain Hornady SST bullets well, which is contrary to the experience of most handloaders that tried them.  I used H4895 powder under them and they were very accurate.  I just didn't like the 204 because it is usuallly windy here in SW Kansas and I stepped up to the 22/250Rem and wish I would have held out for a varminter in 243Win or 6mmRem.  The 204R was very accurate and I cannot fault the cartridge or rifle at all.

[Flash]

That's what I have, a 26" fluted stainless Pro Hunter barrel. I'll have to try that load

[Grumulkin]

The 204 Ruger...  It has become one of my favorites.





My load.





The longest kill with mine; 311 yards.





The second longest kill; 252 yards.





A bang flop, DRT neck shot.





Another bang flop neck shot from just a few days ago.


It also works well on raccoons and groundhogs.

[Grumulkin]

Interesting.


I tried to use my back browser to get back to the reloading section and it posted a duplicate version of my original post and there is no way to delete a post.  Also, if I try to post a photo using the above icon, I get some characters in red and the photo won't post; good thing I know a little about HTML and can work around it.

[Catfish]

I had 2 TC barrels in 204 and neather of them shot any thing well. My CZ 527 and my AR upper are both tack drivers with the 32 gr. Sierra bullets. Both also shoot the 32 gr Hronady`s very well and the 39 gr Sierres almost as well. The Savage I had shot the 32 gr. Hornady best with the 32 gr. Sierra`s close behind. I also shoot the 39 gr. Sierra`s well. None of the 204`s I`ve ever had would shoot the 40 gr. Hornady`s worth a crap.

[Flash]

Interesting.


I tried to use my back browser to get back to the reloading section and it posted a duplicate version of my original post and there is no way to delete a post.  Also, if I try to post a photo using the above icon, I get some characters in red and the photo won't post; good thing I know a little about HTML and can work around it.

nice pictures.thanks

[hornet112]

A max load of 8208 and a 32gr blitz king is the only load I could get to shoot in my pro hunter barrel

[jhalcott]

 My TC carbine barrel(23") will shoot 40's quite well but my Rem 700 SPS only likes the 32 grainers so far!

[Uncle Harry]

My Ultra 204 seems to like 40gr Bergers over Varget.

[Flash]

I have an 8lb jug of the old Data 2200 that i'm going to try with 32 BlitzKings. I was figuring on 23.5 grains and then inching up to see if the group tightens. This stuff works wonders in the 222 Mag so it should work fine for the 204.
 
Today was the day for testing. 3625 fps and 1/4" groups. a good day.