204 Ruger problems

[daniel2013]

Sent the following letter to the TC service dept.  Hope someone can help so I am posting the letter I sent to TC here as well in hopes of some information.
 I purchased a second hand 204 Ruger SS 15 inch Encore barrel some time ago.  Today I was shooting it for the first time off of a rest using Winchester "Ballistic silvertip lead free 32 grain bullet.  I probably shot 12 shells and every one key holed on the cardboard box I was shooting into.  It looked like the bullet struck the target sideways on every shot.  I was shooting at 25 yards.  Hopefully you can give me some advice.

[deerman406]

Did ya check the actual bore diameter? Maybe you have a barrel that has been mismarked or something. See if a 22 bullet will fit into the muzzle end. Really the only thing I can think of right now! Shawn

[daniel2013]

I just tried a 22 bullet in the end of it and it would not fit.  Thank you for trying though.  I has got me stumped.  I guess I will have to wait and see what TC says.  I look down the barrel and everything looks fine there.

[daniel2013]

I am inclosing a picture of a 204 Ruger Winchester 32 grain shell laying on the box I was shooting at from 25 yards which shows the bullet holes that key holed.
Danny

[Bigeasy]

OK, here is a guess - You state you are using a "lead free" bullet.  Typically, lead free bullets are longer then lead core bullets of the same weight.  Longer bullets, for caliber, require faster rifling twists to stabilize.  I don't know the twist rate of your barrel, but I'd bet it's too slow for the bullet you are using.  Try a 32 - 34 grain bullet with a lead core, and see if that doesn't stop the tumbling issue.
 
Larry

[daniel2013]

Many thanks and it is worth a try.  Now if I can find some ammo or buy some bullets in that caliber we can try it.

[Buckskin]

I missed the lead free... I bet that is the issue. Your rifling should be 1-12.
I know last time I was in Cabelas they had a bunch of 32gr VMax on the shelf. I roll my own, so wasn't interested. My guess is that will take care of your issue. Cool looking picture though, aside from what it means...

[daniel2013]

I missed the lead free... I bet that is the issue. Your rifling should be 1-12.
I know last time I was in Cabelas they had a bunch of 32gr VMax on the shelf. I roll my own, so wasn't interested. My guess is that will take care of your issue. Cool looking picture though, aside from what it means...

Yes I usually roll my own as well, but seeing as I recently purchased the barrel I was trying to pick up some brass and tried to kill two birds or (cardboard boxes) with one stone.

[daniel2013]

I picked up a box of Nosler 32 gr. and a box of Hornady 32 gr. and a box of Hornady 40 gr.  We will see what they will do as soon as I can get out again.

[Bigeasy]

Please keep us updated...
 
Larry

[daniel2013]

I will keep you updated, it is raining here and supposed to continue most of the day so I won't get out today.  I did receive an answer from TC and they said they would provide me free of charge a label and Ins. to send it in to them.  They said it would take a few days to generate it though.  So I want to get out and try these shells before I send it in as a last resort.
To be continued. 

[Buckskin]

Don't start with the 40's, you will be disappointed and probably see similar results to your lead-free bullets. I don't have a pistol 204, but do have a rifle Encore barrel with the same spin. 40's were god aweful and 32's make it the most accurate gun I own.

[daniel2013]

Thank you, Thank you.  You guys hit the problem on the head.  Went out and shot two shots between the rain drops.  It has been raining for three days and supposed to rain again tomorrow.  Any way I took two shots at this UPS box and didn't try to do anymore then hit the box.  One shell was with a Hornady VMax 32 grain cartridge and the other was with a Nosler 32 gr. FB Tipped.  As you can see from the pictures they both made perfect round holes.  Hurray!  Now when it clears up I can go out and shoot for accuracy.

[daniel2013]

Thank you, thank you.  You guys were right.  Went out and shot two shots between the rain drops.  Perfect round holes.  One was a Hornady V Max 32 gr. the other a Nosler 32 gr.  FB Tipped.  Now I can go out and shoot for accuracy when it clears up.
 
Whoops, didn't realize the first post took.  Was having problems.  Oh well have a great day.

[Buckskin]

Now when you get some good shooting weather you will be able to make those groups about the size of the bullet, not the casing.  204 is a great round, easily one of my favorite.

[daniel2013]

Went out and shot a few shells up.  Once I got it zeroed in it put every bullet in the 1 inch bull's eye.  I expect to do even a closer group next time.  Also shot up the rest of the box of no lead just to get rid of them.  Saved the brass for reloading some good bullets.
Danny