.204 Ruger Reloading

[RickSavage]

I have a Savage Model 12 chambered in .204 Ruger. I am reloading this cartridge but it seems all the only data I can find is from Hornady. All the powders it lists range from 28 grs to 31 grs and all of these are compressed loads. I took apart a factory load and I do not recognise the factory powder and it is not compressed. Does anyone know what powder this is and what do you all use ?
I have decided to go with 29 grs of varget with a 32 grn v-max.


Rick

 

[loadedround]

I have been loading for a Ruger 1B in 204 Ruger for several months now. I have settled on Varget as the best available powder. I'm getting just over 1/2" 3 shot groups with the Hornady 32 gr bullet. Really love this caliber, especially when you can see your hits thru the scope.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Data is available here.

http://www.hodgdon.com/data/rifle/204ruger.php

 

[GooseGestapo]

The powder used in the .204 Hornady is a proprietary non-cannister grade powder (not available yet to reloaders).

It enables the .204 factory ammo to run ~100-150fps faster than currently available powders, and it also has an additive that reduces copper deposit bore fouling.

Many reloaders are having good success with Varget, though velocities are running 3,900fps with the 32gr bullets. Still, not bad.

 

[dcloco]

Goose - what is the additive? Graphite? Moly?

Very interesting.

I am still debating on purchasing a 204. VERY happy with my 223 Savage and my Rem 700 in 17 Rem.

 

[GooseGestapo]

No one has said what it is. It is a proprietary powder additive that Hornady has co-developed with one of the powder manufacturers. Word has it that it was developed for military use to reduce copper fouling buildup in machine guns.

Not just a burning rate moderator such as graphite, ect.

Perhaps Hodgdon will eventually introduce the .204 powder for the reloaders to use.

 

[Ifishsum]

Hodgdon BL-C(2) is supposed to be one of the closest for matching factory velocities, and is not compressed at max load IME. I've used it a lot in the .204 with good success but Varget seems to edge it out just a little in the accuracy department - my last round of test loads turned in three sub 0.4in groups with Varget powder behind a Berger 40gr HP (5 shots @100 yds). My best groups with BL-C(2) were 0.55. I also shoot a Savage model 12 FWIW.

I've read that the powder used in factory .204 ammo is manufactured by Primex but it's not available to the reloader - such is the case with most factory loadings, not just the .204.

lots of load data here:
http://www.204ruger.com/204_data.php