204 Ruger seating depth question.....

[Damon555]

Since I'm so new to loading the 204 I have a few questions.....specifically about the 39 grain sierra Blitz bullets. Both the manuals I have list Case Overall Length of 2.250". Now I understand that these measurements are used to ensure that the particular load works in any rifle as far as length and pressure is concerned but in relation to the bullets it seems awful short. The bullet is almost seated past the beginning of the ogive. Does anyone here load this particular bullet longer? If so, how much longer should I try?

I'm going to test a few different COL's and I'd like some idea on how much room these things have to grow. I guess I need to find out how far the distance to the lands is with each particular bullet.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

you can load it pretty much as long as you want. i wouldn't jam them into the lands.

 

[cfullgraf]

Published cartridge over all length are what the testers used in their load development.

The reloader can adjust the length to suit his needs within limits. You do not want to set the bullet too deep that you lose neck tension and not too long so that the bullet jams into the rifling.

Seating depth is one of the variables reloaders adjust to optimize the accuracy in their rifes.

I seat bullets for my 204 Ruger to fit the magazine of my rifle and adjust from there.

 

[Damon555]

Well, I loaded up some test loads and it seems that the rifle likes a little jump. I loaded up 3 sets with the same powder charge.... and 3 different COL's 2.280, 2.300 and 2.320. The best group was with the shortest one @ about an inch. But as much as I hate to admit it I don't think my beloved Varget is going to work with the rifle/bullet combo. It looks like I'll be investing in some 10x or 4895...Darn it! I was getting good velocity at 3750 fps, I hope to maintain velocity in that range and it looks like these other powders might do that for me.

I also ran some factory Hornady ammo over the chrono....Holy smokes that stuff is cruising along at 4300 fps out of that 28" barrel!

 

[32dgrz]

This might help
http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2581701/204preferred-bullet-pdf-february-7-2011-8-18-am-12k?dn=y
from Ruger 204 Forum

 

[Fat_46]

I agree - for some reason the 204 really likes some jumping room. And H4895 is a great powder for the 39s. You should see what they do to a prairie dog!