oz_lowrider
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I'll be using a RUGER 204 bustin bunnies and foxes plus some range shooting. What's a good load for both?
whats a good load for a RUGER 204
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osteodoc08
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What components do you have available?
Figure out a powder and a bullet you want to start with. Then start on a ladder test to see which shoots the best.
A ladder test is where you start with a minimum loading and go up from 0.2-0.5gr every 5 rounds. Not exceeding max of course. Some guns can show high pressure signs before a book max load is reached. Shoot for groups and see which powder charge gives you the best results. Then fine tune from there.
Also, when seating for the first time, use your chamber as a guide and seat the bullets just off the lands. My 243 has a long chamber and requires me to seat my bullets further than the books suggest.
I don't shoot a 204, but the process is the same for any rifle. Each rifle is different.
Figure out a powder and a bullet you want to start with. Then start on a ladder test to see which shoots the best.
A ladder test is where you start with a minimum loading and go up from 0.2-0.5gr every 5 rounds. Not exceeding max of course. Some guns can show high pressure signs before a book max load is reached. Shoot for groups and see which powder charge gives you the best results. Then fine tune from there.
Also, when seating for the first time, use your chamber as a guide and seat the bullets just off the lands. My 243 has a long chamber and requires me to seat my bullets further than the books suggest.
I don't shoot a 204, but the process is the same for any rifle. Each rifle is different.
I have settled on CFE223 with 39 grain Blitzkings or 40 grain VMAXs. For 32 grain VMAXs, I am using Accurate 2230.
I have also use H4895 and W748 with good success. I am sure other powders will do well as well.
In my three 204 Rugers, it was easier to find a good load for the 32 grain bullets than the 40 grain bullets.
Berger used to have an heavier bullet that I would have liked to try,but they discontinued it last year. No sense in fooling with the bullet if the supply was going to dry up.
Hodgdon reloading data is here (H4895, W748, CFE223)
http://hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html
Accurate data here.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_7-2-13.pdf
As osteodoc08 said, you need to work up the loads to find what works best in your rifle. That is one of the advantages of being a reloader. What works great in my rifle may not be the most accurate in your rifle.
Hope this helps.
I have also use H4895 and W748 with good success. I am sure other powders will do well as well.
In my three 204 Rugers, it was easier to find a good load for the 32 grain bullets than the 40 grain bullets.
Berger used to have an heavier bullet that I would have liked to try,but they discontinued it last year. No sense in fooling with the bullet if the supply was going to dry up.
Hodgdon reloading data is here (H4895, W748, CFE223)
http://hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html
Accurate data here.
http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_7-2-13.pdf
As osteodoc08 said, you need to work up the loads to find what works best in your rifle. That is one of the advantages of being a reloader. What works great in my rifle may not be the most accurate in your rifle.
Hope this helps.
Pop
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28 gr Win 748 with the 20 gr pills.
4225 fps from my 26" #1.
Work up to it
4225 fps from my 26" #1.
Work up to it
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