Loading the 204 Ruger.

[old keeper]

I reload for a few different calibres but find the 204 somewhat unique in that I seem to get good results no matter what powder (within reason) I use! I've been using H4895 but have just switched to IMR4166 and loaded up three test batches with 26.2, 26.8 and 27.4 gr. The lowest and highest loads printed sub half inch groups with the middle load just a tad bigger.
Of all the calibres I load for the 204R seems to be the most forgiving. Anyone else finding this?
I would say I am not a fanatical reloader, I just want something to do the job, but I have to say the 204 is by far the easiest to load for. BUllets are 39grn Sierra B/kings

 

[Techcoat]

Yes they seem fairly forgiving I have tried various loads all with good results but ended up with 39bk’s and 25g reloader 10x

 

[hairlesshunter]

If you haven’t come across it yet you may fine the 204r forum interesting

 

[old keeper]

Thanks for that HH. I've been on there and found it a bit of an eye-opener, particularly the amount of shooting they do over there!
Cheers

 

[palo]

I have also found it easy to get accurate loads with the 204, especially with the 39 Sierra bullets.
I have some imr4166 but never tried it in the 204.
Do you know what kind of velocities you got with those loads ?

 

[old keeper]

I have also found it easy to get accurate loads with the 204, especially with the 39 Sierra bullets.
I have some imr4166 but never tried it in the 204.
Do you know what kind of velocities you got with those loads ?

Hi Palo, I'm one of those strange people who go by practical, in the field results, rather than go down the velocity road. I'm sure I could do better but when I find a round that works and isn't causing any problems, that's good enough for me!
When I started reloading I got a Chrono but couldn't be fiddled with all the checking, I stuck with the reloading manual and didn't push things. Overall, I've found that I get generally very good results with slightly reduced loads rather than pushing for the hottest.
I suspect some will say I could do better by checking velocities and they could be right, but if I can get half-inch groups, that's good enough for me!

 

[palo]

Your right. I dont worry too much about velocities either as accuracy is more important to me.
I was just curious as I have some here but never even thought of trying it in the 204.
I did try it in my 308 and it worked well.

 

[SussexSteve]

25.2 grains reloader 10x and 39 grain Sierra blitzkings

 

[andy R204]

H4895 is my powder for 40gr Vmax & also had good results with N140 for 40gr & 50gr Bergers.
Running 26" 1in10 LW barrel running the 40gr @3700fps and the 50gr around 3100fps.
Found the .204 a bit of a challenge for me being my 1st centrefire to reload for but once it's dialled in it's cracking little round.

 

[G4ZZ]

My best findings so far with reloading for the 204 are with 39grn Blitzkings and 25.8 grains of N133 out of a Tikka t3 lite sporter.
Below is a pic with 3 rounds at 100 yards.

 

[Woodlander]

26.1gr of Vhit 135 with 39gr BK out of my 24” 1:10, is very accurate. I had good results from n140, too.
Out of my previous 20” 1:12, n130 cloverleafed every time.

 

[Steve123]

I tried Vit n140 from my 22" barrel Howa but could only get 3400fps with 39g Blitzkings and the same with RL15. RL10x gives 25.3 g gives 3600fps and factory Remington accutip 40g gives 3700fps, I would like to know the powder they use if anyone knows.

 

[Neddle]

If you haven’t come across it yet you may fine the 204r forum interesting

Where's it at please

 

[Neddle]

Im shooting one for 2 years, find it outstanding, I've yet to find a powder it doesn't like, ive used vectan TU3000 and RL15, accuracy brilliant but velocities well down, Vit N130, N133 and N140 in a league of their own, I even have a load for N120 and 32gr BKs, 3800fps and. 25 moa, hooded crow's don't know hits them

 

[Fox Red]

My pet load. It's around 3,750fps

 

[palo]

Where's it at please

Www.204ruger.com

 

[Neddle]

Your right. I dont worry too much about velocities either as accuracy is more important to me.
I was just curious as I have some here but never even thought of trying it in the 204.
I did try it in my 308 and it worked well.

Best group I had is with a powder that became obsolete 20yrs ago, velocities were well down but accuracy astonishing