.204 caliber
- Thread starter otto61
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I reload some 223 Remington plinking loads on my Hornady L-N-L. Works ok but does not ring my bell.
I reload my 204 Ruger on my single stage. Also, all my other bottle neck rifle cartridges.
I would use a good flowing powder if you do load 204 Ruger on a progressive. Stick powders do not flow well through the 20 caliber case mouth, particularly at progressive speeds.
The small bullets and fat fingers do not mesh very well when seating the bullets, but better than 17 caliber bullets. Otherwise, 204 Ruger is no different to load than any other small bottle neck rifle cartridge.
Welcome to the forum.
I reload my 204 Ruger on my single stage. Also, all my other bottle neck rifle cartridges.
I would use a good flowing powder if you do load 204 Ruger on a progressive. Stick powders do not flow well through the 20 caliber case mouth, particularly at progressive speeds.
The small bullets and fat fingers do not mesh very well when seating the bullets, but better than 17 caliber bullets. Otherwise, 204 Ruger is no different to load than any other small bottle neck rifle cartridge.
Welcome to the forum.
Currently, I am experimenting with CFE223 in the 204 Ruger. It is a spherical powder.
The Hodgdon website shows H335 and H322 loads for the 204 Ruger. The later is not classified as a spherical powder but it is fine grain.
There are many other spherical powders suitable for the 204 Ruger.
I had been using H4895, a stick powder, in my 204 Ruger.
Consult your reloading manuals and see what powders are in the list then look up the description of the powder. Most, full featured manuals have a chapter discussion on the various powders out there. Or, go to the powder manufacturer's web site.
Note, if memory serves me correctly, the term "ball" powder is a trademark of Winchester. But, when has that kept us folks from using a trademark improperly. (It is not a Kleenex, it is a facial tissue
)
The Hodgdon website shows H335 and H322 loads for the 204 Ruger. The later is not classified as a spherical powder but it is fine grain.
There are many other spherical powders suitable for the 204 Ruger.
I had been using H4895, a stick powder, in my 204 Ruger.
Consult your reloading manuals and see what powders are in the list then look up the description of the powder. Most, full featured manuals have a chapter discussion on the various powders out there. Or, go to the powder manufacturer's web site.
Note, if memory serves me correctly, the term "ball" powder is a trademark of Winchester. But, when has that kept us folks from using a trademark improperly. (It is not a Kleenex, it is a facial tissue
)
Kevin Rohrer
Member
.204R
I'd recommend a single-stage or turret press if you are just getting started. Progressive presses are for experienced loaders who do high-volume reloading.
Suggest you read Lyman #49 to get an idea of how to reload, then go from there. I am happy with IMR8208 in my .204.
http://www.204ruger.com/forum/
I'd recommend a single-stage or turret press if you are just getting started. Progressive presses are for experienced loaders who do high-volume reloading.
Suggest you read Lyman #49 to get an idea of how to reload, then go from there. I am happy with IMR8208 in my .204.
http://www.204ruger.com/forum/
I don't reload in a progressive, got a RCBS rock chucker kit. I've had good luck with TAC powder, but this powder flows better than stick powders, and it's cheap and accurate. Hornady Vmax bullets work well, Sierra's seem slightly better, but bulk packs never seem to be in stock. Fed primers for me, with TAC. Remington primers for other powders, etc. Might be different in a different gun.
Keep reading.
-S
Keep reading.
-S
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