204 reloading problems

[hvswdt]

I have a T/C prohunter SS in a 204. Am having trouble getting tight groups with this. Have had trigger work done, set at 2.5 lbs, scoped with an Alpen Apex 6 x 24 x 50 with SF. Now the problem. Shooting factory hornady 40 gr., bullet impact is 1.5" high and just a shade left of center. With reloading same bullet with blc 2 powder, bullet impact is still just left of center, but 1.5" low, almost 3" from bullet impact with factory loads. 2 shots will be touching, next 2 will be 1/2" lower. My son also has a Savage 204 with accu-trigger. With these same loads, 3 shots with 2 touching and other very close. Any ideas??
thanks

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

My guess is that the handloads are hotter and therefore shooter flatter (lower) than the factory ammo. Is this the info you are seeking?

 

[Tim the student]

Sounds like more of a rifle issue than a handload issue. What are the groups like with factory ammo?

How long are you waiting between shots?

 

[hvswdt]

All shot groups were at 100 yds. A neighbor told me that it may be the "barrel vibration" putting a different angle when the bullet exits the barrel. Thought of putting a de-resonator by svl. For $15 that would be worth the try.

Waiting time is usually: shoot 2 shots, wait couple minutes, the barrel stays cool to the touch.

I was hoping with this 28" barrel and the quality of t/c, it would make for some amazing accuracy with this gun.

 

[Offfhand]

As I read your description: "2 shots touching then 2 1/2" lower" you're still grouping inside an inch. What were you expecting?

 

[243winxb]

Reloads will have a different point of impact compared to factory. If all 4 shots are under 3/4" @ 100 yds. your doing great i would say. Remember, internet groups are always much small then in real life.

 

[Grumulkin]

I have a T/C prohunter SS in a 204. Am having trouble getting tight groups with this. Have had trigger work done, set at 2.5 lbs, scoped with an Alpen Apex 6 x 24 x 50 with SF. Now the problem. Shooting factory hornady 40 gr., bullet impact is 1.5" high and just a shade left of center. With reloading same bullet with blc 2 powder, bullet impact is still just left of center, but 1.5" low, almost 3" from bullet impact with factory loads. 2 shots will be touching, next 2 will be 1/2" lower. My son also has a Savage 204 with accu-trigger. With these same loads, 3 shots with 2 touching and other very close. Any ideas??
thanks

The point of impact with different loads can vary significantly depending on such factors as:

1. Powder charge.
2. Change in bullet even if the same weight.
3. New brass vs once fired brass.
4. Brand of brass.
5. Brand/type of primer.
6. Case cleaning variations.
7. Full length sized vs neck sized.

...and probably more. Your experience isn't strange.

I would consider consistent 3 shot groups at 100 yards of 0.75 inches acceptable, 0.5 inches very good and 0.25 inches excellent with an Encore.

The two bullet touching things with one off to the side is always a teaser. Most of the time, you just have to consider all the holes part of the group. I detest the term "flyer" which implies the errant bullet can be excused and the group called smaller. In my opinion, it a term invented by gun rag writers to excuse inaccuracy in guns they were testing and writing about. Some things to consider as causes would be:

1. Inconsistent primer ignition so my might try a different primer.
2. Inconsistent powder ignition which could be linked to number 1. Increasing the powder charge as long as you're in safe limits could help.
3. Inconsistency in the shooter.
4. Scope problem.

 

[Tim the student]

OP - I misunderstood you. I guess the time of day was taking its toll on me.

Yeah, if you can put 4 shots into less than 3/4", I think your loads and rifle are doing fine.

 

[NCsmitty]

17 and 20 cal. barrels are notorious for fouling build up, and usually need more attention to cleaning, especially if the barrel is relatively new.
I'm a firm believer in using magnum primers with ball powders, like BLC2.



NCsmitty

 

[Offfhand]

Quote from post above;

"Waiting time is usually: shoot 2 shots, wait couple minutes, the barrel stays cool to the touch."

There's your clue to what is probably your problem: as you say the second two shots aren't with the first two. Why not fire 3 or even 5 shots in a minute and see what happens?

 

[layback04]

I don't have a 204 but with my 223 in this setup I had the same issue but I bought a trickler and started getting more consistent reloads and played with powders. H335 with 50gr Ballistic tips get me MOA. I had crappy patterns out of my 209x50 and come to find out I didn't have a full floated barrel. Look up BellmTC and there is a lot of information there that will blow your mind.

 

[hvswdt]

Thanks for all the comments. They are very helpful. I looked at the BELLM TC website, VERY HELPFUL on working with a T/C. Thanks for everything!! DT

 

[Coltdriver]

I had a .204 barrel on my Encore. Great barrel.

I could never exactly duplicate the factory loads with my hand loads.

In fact, by the time I could get close I was getting over pressure signs.

As for repeatability in your loads the TC's are notorious for sensitivity to head space. If you do not get it right they will not shoot consistently.

You are in the right place with Bellm as the man has this down to the art that it is. What I learned with the TC's also translated nicely to my Ruger #1.

The trouble is that once you get your barrel dialed in by properly shimming the breech face your receiver becomes a one barrel item. Then you have to start the process over with the next barrel you put on it. Puts a damper on the interchangeability of the barrels!