Suggestions for a .204?

[Sniper66]

I've always benefitted from help you guys have offered, so I'm asking for help again. I'm looking for a new .204. Would like to keep it under $2000. I've had a Ruger #1, beautiful rifle, but shot inconsistently so I sold it. I have a Kimber 84M, a very good rifle, but I'm looking for something new.
Criteria: accuracy above all else and should be sub-MOA (I reload and can build good ammo), stock material doesn't matter, but has to be really good. Great trigger is a must, but I can replace it with after market. Action must be smooth with good fit and finish. I prefer rifles 9+lbs without the scope, I'll add a Meopta (probably) and they are heavier than others. Thanks for the help.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Ruger M77 MkII varmint target...

 

[.45Coltguy]

Ruger M77 MkII varmint target...

Some might laugh, but, those Ruger's were sleepers. My neighbor's was very, very accrate.

 

[troy fairweather]

I've seen some cz 527s in 204 for reasonable prices on Gun broker lately. You could probably build a nice ar-15 for under a grand.

 

[Sniper66]

I should add here that I'm looking for a bolt gun. I may have found a candidate. A Sako 75 Varmint if I can find one. It looks ideal.

 

[Sniper66]

Found this on line, but already sold. Thanks for the help. https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/100586263

 

[redneck2]

I have exactly what you’re looking for, though mine is not for sale. But you most probably could duplicate it.

CZ 527. Single set trigger. Leupold 4-14x50 VXL. With my hand loads it shoots well under 1”. Most excellent for doggin’

If you get one, let me know and I’ll get you my load data. Took a while to find something it loved

 

[BigBlue 94]

Some might laugh, but, those Ruger's were sleepers. My neighbor's was very, very accrate.

You are my neighbor? LOL

Mine is laser accurate. I should probably get it out and stretch its legs soon

 

[Sniper66]

I have exactly what you’re looking for, though mine is not for sale. But you most probably could duplicate it.

CZ 527. Single set trigger. Leupold 4-14x50 VXL. With my hand loads it shoots well under 1”. Most excellent for doggin’

If you get one, let me know and I’ll get you my load data. Took a while to find something it loved

I would appreciate your load info even though I've yet to buy the new rifle. I have a Kimber 84M and may be able to improve my groups a bit. I currently shoot Sierra 39gr BKs, but don't recall offhand the recipe. The Kimber likes 39gr better than 32gr.

 

[redneck2]

I know it’s Varget, 39 Nosler BT’s, Federal primers. Don’t remember load right now. I think I can dig it out

 

[Sniper66]

Thank you...Mine are Sierra 30gr BKs with Remington Small Rifle 7.5 BR primers and Benchmark powder. I'm hoping to find a recipe that uses Vihtavouri powder or any other powder that is readily available. May have a line on a Sako 75 Varmint and am hoping to buy it and build loads. This may be my last varmint rifle and I want it to be a good one with comparable ammo.

 

[Sniper66]

OOPS....I use 39gr not 30gr

 

[22250Rem]

Ruger M77 MkII varmint target...

. I'm a big fan.. Great rifles. This one is chambered in .25-06. ... ..

 

[Sniper66]

I appreciate the suggestions. I have a lead on a sako 75 varmint .204. The owner is pondering whether or not he wants to sell. I'm in no hurry, so I'll wait a few days for him to make a decision. Then we'll negotiate the price. The budget I mentioned should be ample for that gun. If it falls thru, I'm going to explore a chassis type build, which may exceed my budget. But, I know what kind of performance I want and I can't tolerate sloppy fit & finish. That's one major reason the Sako and Tikka options are so appealing. Their accuracy is a given and the F&F is exceptional. Plus they hold value.

 

[Mgderf]

I bought a Howa 1500 Sporter action on an American Built Arms aluminum chassis.
It is more accurate than I am.
My only piece of advice about the .204 Ruger round is, wear quality hearing protection.
That tiny little .204 is LOUD!

 

[Sniper66]

I bought a Howa 1500 Sporter action on an American Built Arms aluminum chassis.
It is more accurate than I am.
My only piece of advice about the .204 Ruger round is, wear quality hearing protection.
That tiny little .204 is LOUD!

This is something to consider if the Sako falls thru. I looked at the website and like that they produce chassis for only three rifle actions. that suggests they don't try to produce a chassis for every rifle on the planet. That's good. How difficult is it to do yourself? Of course you may be an expert. I'm a complete novice with zero experience using chassis type rifles. I have lots of hunting and shooting experience with many different rifles, but have never moved in a chassis direction. Thanks to you I'll now look into it. BTW, I have a really good friend who has built a few for himself and volunteered to help me if I was ever interested. He is very good at that sort of thing, so I do have an ace in the hole. Thanks for your help.

 

[BigBlue 94]

This is something to consider if the Sako falls thru. I looked at the website and like that they produce chassis for only three rifle actions. that suggests they don't try to produce a chassis for every rifle on the planet. That's good. How difficult is it to do yourself? Of course you may be an expert. I'm a complete novice with zero experience using chassis type rifles. I have lots of hunting and shooting experience with many different rifles, but have never moved in a chassis direction. Thanks to you I'll now look into it. BTW, I have a really good friend who has built a few for himself and volunteered to help me if I was ever interested. He is very good at that sort of thing, so I do have an ace in the hole. Thanks for your help.

I cant comment on those chassis in particular but my rem 700 dropped right into an AICS chassis, as easy as removal from the old stock was.

 

[irishlad]

I have a savage b17. I think it was less than $300. Shoots great. Still fine tuning the load.