Anyone loading the .204 Ruger yet?

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Snorkel Bob

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I just picked up the Ruger M77 HBAR. Really nice rifle, but I need to reload for it. I noticed Midway doesn't have bulk brass yet for it. Anyone have a source for some brass?
Also what load are you working with? Since the powder that Hornady used in the factory load is a specific canister powder, what comes close?
Anyone messured the throat of the Rugers yet? Im curious how far I can seat the bullet out. If it more tailored for the 32grn or the 40grn bullet.
 
What I've done in the past is to size a fired case, insert a bullet and seat it shallow, chamber the round, extract it and measure the OAL. I backed off .020 for Kentucky windage and checked if it would fit and feed from my mag. I then had the optimum OAL for MY rifle. This was over the specs for the cartridge, so I don't share these rounds with anyone else.

This was for a Swede, which was bored for long, 155 grain round-nose bullets. Since I was shooting 140 grains, I had a long jump from the case to the rifling. I had to consider magazine length in my rifle, so I had to shorten the OAL even more than .020.
 
Ya Hodgdon is the only data Ive found so far.
As for the messurement of the OAL. I have the stoney point gauge, but not the 204 case yet. So I havent been able to messure it yet. Just curious what others have found.
 
I believe Stoney Point has a program where you can mail a couple cases back to them, and they'll drill and tap the case for you. A nominal fee is required, but that is what I was going to do once my .223 AI comes in (whenever that is...)

Ed
 
Ruger .204

Bought my Ruger Mk.II, Target back in August(?). Before the purchase, I spoke to one of the guys at Hornady. They are so far behind in making ammo, that it will be a while before they start to sell the brass. The obvious answer is to buy factory ammo,which is really accurate, and then reload after you start to build up on your empties. I found a real deal here, a few months back, on ammo, bullets, and dies. Still haven't started to reload. It is a great shooter and does the job on groundhogs. I may take it out tomorrow, when turkey are again in, here in the Old Dominion. A clean neck shot will do.
Good shooting!
 
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