Ruger 204 Reloading

[bryn]

I recently bought a Tikka T3xSuper Varmint in 204 and after firing about 100 factory (Rem/Horn 32g) I gave reloading it a go. A little research showed that Alliant Reloader 10x was a popular powder with 39 SBK, Nosler Brass and Remington 7 1/2 primers (couldn’t get them so went with CCI BR4’s).
The load that most people used was 25.1g, and with all the above I managed to produce consistent 1/4 MOA groups with a speed of about 3500fps. I settled on a COAL of 2.240” mainly because thats what a friend used with the same results and measuring factory rounds they were all around that length. I know SAMMI spec is 2.260” but 20 thou didn’t seem too important.
Despite having a very good OAL gauge for measuring to the lands I decided not to chase them, as I recently reloaded for 22-250 and released that it made virtually no difference in terms of accuracy for me. I did measure to the lands on the 204 just to see and had I’d have gone that way then very little of the bullet would have been held in the case anyway.
I did try and push the speed on some and ladder tested up to 27g of 10x with no obvious signs but it was a dull day and my chrono stopped working but I did record 3700fps at 26.2g of 10x. And it was 26.2g that produced the best groups of about 3/4 to 1/2 MOA with the odd flyer. I did succumb to playing with the seating depth and again it made no difference and the groups just wouldn’t tighten up.

Hope this is of help and if anyone is reloading with the 32g SBK’s then I would appreciate your data.

Bryn

 

[andy R204]

What's the length of the barrel?Most of the reloading data is done on 26" barrel.I used Rx10 with my old .204 with the factory tube,found it a dirty powder.
H4895 & N140 were my go to powders once i had it rebarrelled.
Next year i have to start over again with my new Tikka .204 so I'll be trying the above powders first.

 

[bryn]

Standard 20"
bryn

 

[beanieboy]

If my Tikka 204 ever arrives (on order since start of September), I intend to try Vihtavuori N530. Listed for use with both 32 & 39g.

 

[andy R204]

With a 20" barrel i would say the speed your getting with the 39SBK is very good however reading your post the group's seem a bit open...take that's at 100yds.
How were the weather conditions when load testing?

 

[bryn]

Most of the load testing was done this weekend, dry but over cast, the zero distance was 100y and I thought 1/4 MOA was pretty good with 25.1g of 10x, it was only when I started chasing speed that I couldn’t improve on 3/4 to 1/2 MOA.

Cheers
bryn

 

[andy R204]

As long as accuracy is there Bryn a couple of 100fps is no biggy...it'll still smart when it gets there

 

[old keeper]

As I think I've said before, I've loaded for my 204 with 27grns 4895, I've also used Enduron 4166 using 39 Blitzkings and got similar results with both. I've found the 204 remarkably forgiving I tried various seating depth changes and even these don't seem to affect results significantly. All rather surprising!

 

[camo304]

I run two Tikka's in .204 one on 39gr SBK R10x @26.5gr Vmax 32gr @R10x 27gr both Tac drivers.

 

[palo]

As I think I've said before, I've loaded for my 204 with 27grns 4895, I've also used Enduron 4166 using 39 Blitzkings and got similar results with both. I've found the 204 remarkably forgiving I tried various seating depth changes and even these don't seem to affect results significantly. All rather surprising!

What was your load with 4166 with the 39 grain sierras as I have some but never thought of trying it in my 204.
I think the bullet is so far off the lands with whatever seating depth you use that it doesn't make much difference.

 

[Woodlander]

Don’t think seating depth matters with the .204, just load to book.
I had good success with n130, in a 1:12 20” barrel, with both 32 and 39gr BKs.
With a longer barrel and faster twist, a slower powder works better.

 

[old keeper]

I found 26.8 worked well with the IMR4166 and 39grain Sierras.

 

[Dazb1967]

I use 27gr of N135 with SBK's 32s and 39s and Hornady brass and federal primers, getting around 3700, My Tikka T3X likes both with very little difference, I did try 27.5gr but settled with lower as there wasn't enough in it to push it that bit extra.

 

[Cyres]

I have a Savage, standard load is 25.2 g of 10x and 39 BK. Load at 2.250. Winchester or Remington brass Rem 7 1/2 primers. Runs at 3550. 40 gn V max load at 25 g very accurate. In my case if I tried to load close to the lands the bullet would almost be out of the case.

D

 

[Neddle]

If my Tikka 204 ever arrives (on order since start of September), I intend to try Vihtavuori N530. Listed for use with both 32 & 39g.

Try 25.8gr N133

 

[Neddle]

I recently bought a Tikka T3xSuper Varmint in 204 and after firing about 100 factory (Rem/Horn 32g) I gave reloading it a go. A little research showed that Alliant Reloader 10x was a popular powder with 39 SBK, Nosler Brass and Remington 7 1/2 primers (couldn’t get them so went with CCI BR4’s).
The load that most people used was 25.1g, and with all the above I managed to produce consistent 1/4 MOA groups with a speed of about 3500fps. I settled on a COAL of 2.240” mainly because thats what a friend used with the same results and measuring factory rounds they were all around that length. I know SAMMI spec is 2.260” but 20 thou didn’t seem too important.
Despite having a very good OAL gauge for measuring to the lands I decided not to chase them, as I recently reloaded for 22-250 and released that it made virtually no difference in terms of accuracy for me. I did measure to the lands on the 204 just to see and had I’d have gone that way then very little of the bullet would have been held in the case anyway.
I did try and push the speed on some and ladder tested up to 27g of 10x with no obvious signs but it was a dull day and my chrono stopped working but I did record 3700fps at 26.2g of 10x. And it was 26.2g that produced the best groups of about 3/4 to 1/2 MOA with the odd flyer. I did succumb to playing with the seating depth and again it made no difference and the groups just wouldn’t tighten up.

Hope this is of help and if anyone is reloading with the 32g SBK’s then I would appreciate your data.

Bryn

 

[Neddle]

I've shot 32gr using 22.5gr N120,, Sellior&Bellot brass, CCI small rifle primers