204 Knowledge

[StevenDale]

I have recently purchased a Savage FV12 in 204 Ruger hoping to take advantage of the speed, trajectory and lack of recoil on prairie dogs. Just wondering what kind of luck those of you who already shoot one have had and what combinations of powder and bullet have been successful for you. Reloading books are great but I also like to hear real life experiences. Thanks for any input.

 

[Grumulkin]

In mine I use Hornady 45 gr. Spire Points over RL-15 and Remington Benchrest primers.

 

[SShooterZ]

Just bought the same gun, used. How has it been working out for you so far?

 

[Kernel]

I agree with Grumulkin. RL-15 should be ideal with 40 to 45 gr bullets. 4064 is another powder that's right in the sweat spot, IMO. Varget & N530 look a bit slow, but not by much. 4895 & N135 a bit fast, but in the ball park. I believe you could get great loads out of any of these powders, but I'd try RL-15 first.

With lighter bullets the powder sweat spot drops down to a faster powder. In that case, 4895 & N135 would be ideal. Varget and N530 to the slow side. Powders like 10x, 3031, & H335 to the fast side.

 

[Offfhand]

Check out the new Hodgdon loading data for the .204 with IMR-8208-XBR. The lab where I work recently got some samples of this new powder and got outstanding accuracy and velocity in several calibers, including the .204. I understand it will be available about first of year. I'm going to try it in my varmint rifles.

 

[StevenDale]

SShooterz

I first fired 60 rounds for break in and then tried six bullets for group size - VMax 32 and 40 grainers, Nosler 32 and 40 grainers and Sierra 32 and 39 grainers all with the same powder. The bullet that showed the most promise kind of surprised me, it was the Nosler 32 grain. I then loaded that bullet on top of Varget, H335, H4895 and BLC2. The powder that worked best was H335, just a hair ahead of H4895. So I am going to at least start with that combo. I shot a 5 shot group, marked them and then shot a second five shot group on top of that. Both H335 and H4895 ten shot groups were under and inch. The second group of each was tough to get exact but I beleive the H335 was about 0.4" and the H4895 about 0.5".

I have heard some reports that the Noslers do not have as much explosive characteristics as the VMAX and BlitzKing because they have a more solid base.

I have to say that the flexing stock on the Savage does not inspire confidence but somehow seems to shoot well.

 

[StevenDale]

Offfhand

Looked up that new IMR powder you were writing about, it looks very, very interesting. I do not have the patience of those benchrest guys but God love 'em they do give us lots of valueable information. I just wish it were available now so I could get my hands on some. Unfortunately I just told a friend of mine who is sending in an order to get me another 8 pounder of H335,which is what I have used in my 223's for years,

 

[nastynatesfish]

try some 40 gr Vmax and reloader 10x a buddy of mine has one and hes pushing about 4000fps and it make the coyotes pop

 

[SShooterZ]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to order a Boyd's varmint stock for one once it is in my hands.

I have plenty of Varget and BL-C(2) around also so I'm hoping to find something with those.

 

[idahoglock36]

I'm using 29.5 of BLC-2 under a 32-VMAX and love the results. This turns ground squirrels into vapor. I've tried the 40's and the 32's just work better for me, although I just use it for ground squirrels.

 

[StevenDale]

Thanks

Just a quick thank you to all of those who took the time to post a response. I tell people that back when I shot competively shooters were the only group I knew who if an opponent had equipment trouble he could count on the people he was going against to jump right in and help him. I know this has happened to me both on the receiving and giving end. Wouldn't it be great if the rest of the world worked like this. Thanks for your help, all of you.