Anti-204 load

[eastwood44mag]

So after saying I'd never own a .204, I finally bought one tonight (couldn't get the .22-250 I wanted in time). CZ 527 Varmint. I need to handload, for obvious reasons, but I need to find an anti-204 load. Basically, I want it heavy and slower (3000-3500 fps), to minimize barrel burn. 1:12" twist. Will be used almost entirely for prairie dogs.

Advice?

Thanks.

 

[joneb]

I don't Know how Blue Dot would work in the .204 ruger, but it does very well in the .223 Rem. the most noticeable benefits are accuracy and a cool barrel, and for high volume varmint shooting Blue Dot in the .223 and .308 Win is hard to beat.

 

[swiss7.5]

there web page says Blue Dot is for:
The powder of choice for magnum lead shotshell loads 10, 12, 16 and 20 gauge. Consistent and accurate. Doubles as magnum handgun load.

Relative Quickness
37.8%


Principal Purpose Magnum shotshell loads, 10, 12, 16, 20 and 28 ga.


Secondary Uses Magnum handgun loads


Remarks Powder of choice for magnum hunting loads


Safety Data MSDS


Canister Sizes

 

[Jeffreii]

Looks like there are some out there - these are right from the powder mfg websites

(ACCURATE
start loads...
22.5 gr accur #2015 w/ 39grain Sierra BK: 3,188 fps
23.4 gr accur #2230 w/ 40 gr Hornady VMAX: 3270 fps

.204 Ruger
Barrel: 24", Twist: 1-12" Primer: WIN WSR Bullet Dia.: .204"
2015 32 SIE BK 23.9 3,490 26.5 3,878 57,300 2.250
2015 39 SIE BK 22.5 3,188 25.0 3,543 59,100 2.260
2230 32 HDY V-MAX 24.7 3,564 27.5 3,960 56,300 2.250
2230 40 HDY V-MAX 23.4 3,270 26.0 3,633 56,300 2.260
2520 32 HDY V-MAX 26.6 3,680 29.5 4,089 59,000 2.250
2520 40 HDY V-MAX 25.2 3,386 28.0 3,762 59,900 2.260

HODGDON

50 GR. BER HPBT   Varget    2.300"    24.0  3071   44,900 PSI   26.0   3287   55,200 PSI
50 GR. BER HPBT   BL-C(2)   2.300"   25.0   3089   42,900 PSI   27.0   3334   54,500 PSI
50 GR. BER HPBT   H335      2.300"   22.5   3039   43,700 PSI   24.3   3268   54,700 PSI
50 GR. BER HPBT   H4895     2.300"   24.0   3167   46,900 PSI   25.7   3352   56,000 PSI
50 GR. BER HPBT   Benchmark 2.300"   22.5   3110   47,800 PSI   24.0   3256   54,300 PSI
50 GR. BER HPBT   H322      2.300"   22.0   3105   48,300 PSI   23.5   3252   55,100 PSI

seems like several loads there in the range you are looking for.

If you didn't like the 204, than go ahead and burn up its barrel. Just let the barrel cool off between shots and you should be okay. I bet you will like the 204 - you get to see the 'dogs blow up as it happens with such little recoil. It's like shootin' the hornet in that regard, just louder.