Anti-204 load

eastwood44mag

So after saying I'd never own a .204, I finally bought one tonight (couldn't get the .22-250 I wanted in time). CZ 527 Varmint. I need to handload, for obvious reasons, but I need to find an anti-204 load. Basically, I want it heavy and slower (3000-3500 fps), to minimize barrel burn. 1:12" twist. Will be used almost entirely for prairie dogs.

Advice?

Thanks.

konamtbiker

Here are some good websites on the 204 the one on geocities is actually your cz527. Good luck. I love my 204. I use 23gr of 4198 with HSM cases, CCI BR-4 Small rifle BR primers, with a 40gr BergerHP .25moa at 100 out of my Howa1500

http://www.geocities.com/graymist44/Ruger204.html
http://www.chuckhawks.com/204_ruger.htm
www.204ruger.com

5mmgunguy

Not sure what you mean by heavy and slower. 39 and 40 grain bullets sometimes don't stablize with the 1-12 twist and if you slow them down the issue will just become worse. And a 1-12 will not stabilize the 50 gr at all at any velocity that the 204 Ruger can generate.

greystone

Personally I can't wait to get a 204. Its on my list of things to do.

eastwood44mag

quote:Originally posted by 5mmgunguy
Not sure what you mean by heavy and slower. 39 and 40 grain bullets sometimes don't stablize with the 1-12 twist and if you slow them down the issue will just become worse. And a 1-12 will not stabilize the 50 gr at all at any velocity that the 204 Ruger can generate.


I don't want to shoot a 32 grain and have it blow half way to Buffalo. Slower: 3000-3500 fps. No need to top 4000 fps.

dcloco

Using WS2 coated bullets will help your barrel life (NOT moly).

First, you need to find out if your rifle likes light, medium, or heavy bullets.

Odawgp

One of the saving graces of the 204 is it achieves those high velocities with very little powder, less powder less heat. Heat and friction when combined are the killers when it comes to barrel life.

Hodgdon load data

This is the load that I am currently working with
35 Gr. Berger HP, 26.5 H335, 3765fps