Better powder for 204Ruger

skyfish

Maybe I'm putting too much into this or I'm just way too bored, you know deer season over, too much snow, working a three day weekend and stuck in hotel(pilot).

I currently load my 204 with over 27grs' of Reloader 15 over 40gr V-max or sometimes 39gr Sierra. Rifle has 24" barrel. Both shoot very well. Have not chronoed yet but will this spring. Don't want to dig through 4-5 feet of snow to get to range.

Am I wasting powder out the barrel, I've thought of trying Benchmark, have used TAC but grouping was slightly better with RL-15, not bad at all with TAC, just better with RL. This rifle is fun to shoot, maybe that's why I try so many loads with it.

Thanks, Chad

5mmgunguy

I am using H335 in my 204 Ruger, but with 32 grain bullets not the 40s.

Ambrose

Best accuracy in my CZ527 is 32 gr Blitz King with 27.5/H322 @ 3958 fps.
39 Blitz King with 29/RL15 gives 3651 fps over my Oehler.

Best accuracy in my Ruger is with 40 gr Nosler ballistic tip and 29/RL15 @ 3886 fps.

Benchmark gives good velocity but not the accuracy I get from RL15.

BTW: My notes indicate that 27/RL15 and 40 gr V-max generated only 3276 fps from my CZ.

nononsense

skyfish,

Reloder15 is a tad inefficient for this cartridge/bullet combination since you will be pushing unburned powder out of the barrel.

I have found that the best powder for the heavier bullets is V V N-133 but since most of the 6PPC benchrest folks shoot it, it can be hard to find and more expensive due to demand.

Accurate makes 2015 and 2495, with 2015 being the most efficient, burning completely in the barrel with little fouling. Good accuracy. 2495 requires a slightly compressed load but I've gotten good accuracy and it's very consistent with the slight compression.

A slightly compressed load of IMR-3031 makes a great load for accuracy, consistency and clean burning at a slight increase in muzzle velocity.

This is one of the few cartridges that I've not found a decent load using the Ramshot powders. They are either too fast for filling the case or they are inefficient.

I know that IMR-3031 can be a pain to get into smaller case mouths but it is worth the time and effort in my opinion. If you want the process easier, use the Accurate or VihtaVuori powders.

Best.

5mmgunguy

Nononsense how much 2015 are you using behind a 32 gr bullet?

konamtbiker

In my 204 ruger. I have tried:

2015
H4198
H335
RL15
IMR 4198

I shoot Nosler 40s and Berger 40s

My best results are H335 26 grains, with nosler 40s, and BR-4s No pressure signs

All other bullet, primer, and powder combinations are under 1/2 moa at 100. H335 recipe shoots 1 hole groups at 100, so i stick with that now.