204 bullet length

[LGMS441]

Hi all, had my Tikka t3 204 ruger for a few months now. Started off with developing loads using 32gr SBK's with great results. After reading a lot of folk are using 39gr SBK, i thought i would give them a go.

Firstly i made a batch of 39gr SBK with 27grs of IMR4166 at 2.260", to say i was disappointed was an understatement, all over the place.

My old man suggested lengthening the bullets after measuring where the bullet sits in the rifle, so using the same load but at 2.300" the group tightened considerably, not as tight as i would like but far better than at 2.260".

Out of intetest, we took the hand press and pressed 3 bullets down to 2.270 and as you can see, awful results.

Only problem now is that unless i feed the bullets one by one, i cant go any longer due to the mag length!

Just wondering if anyone else has had any similar experiences. I was certainly surprised by these results.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

Not with 204 Ruger, but I have had similar problems with other cartridges. I run a 20 Tactical a slight change of length (creep on the seating die) made a one hole group double in size.
I have found over the years that most cartridges seem to have two accurate nodes within safe loads. I tend to find the powder node that gives best results. Then and only then try changing OAL. I usually just work to stated OAL although best results in my 222 are just under max length to fit in the mag.

 

[andy R204]

I run mine at SAMMI spec 2.250 40gr Vmax & 50gr Bergers.A factory spec rifle you'll never reach the lands due to freebore or on a custom made as that's the way the calibre was designed.
I found that there was no real advantage of longer rounds accuracy wise IMO.

 

[Longstrider]

What twist rate is your barrel ? I have a Howa 1500 in .204 and it spits 32grainers through the hole made by the previous round very nicely. Never tried 39gr but with factory 40gr ammo I can struggle to get all 5 from the magazine onto an A4 sheet they scatter so badly. The heavier (longer) bullets simply don't work in my barrel. No major worry as I'm yet have a fox know the difference and they all seem to instantly take a little nap when spoken to by Mr 32Grains

 

[Neddle]

View attachment 204084
Hi all, had my Tikka t3 204 ruger for a few months now. Started off with developing loads using 32gr SBK's with great results. After reading a lot of folk are using 39gr SBK, i thought i would give them a go.

Firstly i made a batch of 39gr SBK with 27grs of IMR4166 at 2.260", to say i was disappointed was an understatement, all over the place.

My old man suggested lengthening the bullets after measuring where the bullet sits in the rifle, so using the same load but at 2.300" the group tightened considerably, not as tight as i would like but far better than at 2.260".

Out of intetest, we took the hand press and pressed 3 bullets down to 2.270 and as you can see, awful results.

Only problem now is that unless i feed the bullets one by one, i cant go any longer due to the mag length!

Just wondering if anyone else has had any similar experiences. I was certainly surprised by these results.

Change powder, n133 will have it clover leafing

 

[LGMS441]

Change powder, n133 will have it clover leafing

Have since loaded a batch of 40gr VMAX with 25.1grs of N133 at 2.300" and the results are impressive to say the least, took it out on some rabbits around 150 - 200 yards tonight and what i was seeing down the scope was devasting!

 

[Neddle]

25.8gr N133 I use

 

[Cyres]

Load at factory COL ie 2.250, lots of .204 users load Reloader 10x mine is 25.2 g 39 BK with remington 7.5 primers. It should bug hole if you are a good shot. 40 g v max 25 grn 10x. BLC2 is good with 32grn BK and Vmax.

D

 

[NP435]

What else to do other than load to magazine tolerances? You could chase groups with powder changes and seating depths. I use CFE223 in my 204, no magazine to worry about, exact charge and c.o.a.l I don't recall now.