Why no H4198 Loads?

[DannoBoone]

Twenty-four grains behind a 32gr V-max is a 4100fps load in a Tactical 20, and very
accurate as well.

Is there some reason I'm missing that practically no one is using it in the .204 Ruger?
To date (after several weeks of looking), I've found just one load using H4198 on
Ammo Guide, but nothing in any forum.

Has anyone here even tried it?

[Bill K]

Check out Hodgdon's data site. H and IMR 4198 loads are listed. Bill K

[skipper]

I guess you're going to have to show us how it's done. I've personally never used H4198 for the .204 Ruger. I've used RE-10X, N133, H322, Benchmark but never H4198. I've got a custom built .204 with a Panda action, Shehane Tracker stock, Lilja barrel, and Jewell trigger that loves 26 gr. of Benchmark. Never owned a gun as accurate. Beats my .243 and 6mm hands down.

I would love to see a comparison against some of the other powders used for the .204. I might even have to try it myself.

[futuretrades]

I use H4198 in my 20 VarTarg. Never even considered it in my 204. IMHO, the burn rate for H4198, is a little on the Fast side for the 204. There are a lot of better suited powders out there for the 204. Some of which Skipper mentioned in his post. My personal choices being RE10x for the 39 grn SBK's and Benchmark when loading the 32grn pills.
Most of my shooting is at Skippy, and some times the temps are on the warm to very warm side, and even down right hot! The warmer temps can, and will cause rises in pressure in your cartridges, and could cause a serious problem, if you are not aware of this. Faster burning powders will cause problems sooner than a slower burning powder

Just my 2 cents!

[RAMOS]

I use H4198 in my 20 VarTarg. Never even considered it in my 204. IMHO, the burn rate for H4198, is a little on the Fast side for the 204. There are a lot of better suited powders out there for the 204. Some of which Skipper mentioned in his post. My personal choices being RE10x for the 39 grn SBK's and Benchmark when loading the 32grn pills.
Most of my shooting is at Skippy, and some times the temps are on the warm to very warm side, and even down right hot! The warmer temps can, and will cause rises in pressure in your cartridges, and could cause a serious problem, if you are not aware of this. Faster burning powders will cause problems sooner than a slower burning powder

Just my 2 cents!

That's what has worked very well for me, as well. RL10X for the .204R and H4198 for the amazing .20 VT. I also keep a close eye on my RL10X loads when the temperatures start to climb.

[dan97526]

Like Ramos & Futuretrades, H4198 in 20VT, and RL-10X and Ramshot Xterminator in 204R. I doubt if I would use 4198 in my 204 due to the burn rate.

I actually like RL-7 a little better than H4198. However, RL-7 is hard to come by. I was able to find 16lb of H4198 so I'm stuck with it for a while.

[Jim White]

I use it in my 20VT and will try it in my 221 FB at some point, but the 204; I just figured it was a tad on the fast side. I've tried quite a few different powders in 204, some that were previously mentioned but I ended up settling on Reloder 15. I know...some will say its on the slow side but outside of H4895, it has shot the best for me. Benchmark & Reloder 10x did quite well too; as did IMR 4064. Varget was so-so but IMR 8202 XBR was a NO-GO for me, in three different rifles. It's been relegated to plinking and dirt-clod busting 223 rounds.

[DannoBoone]

I just figured it was a tad on the fast side. I've tried quite a few different powders in 204, some that were previously mentioned but I ended up settling on Reloder 15. I know...some will say its on the slow side but outside of H4895, it has shot the best for me.

I've used H4198 in the Tac20 with up to 35gr bullets with no problems. Agreed, it is probably too fast
for anything heavier than 35. Loaded some cases last night and decided on 24.5gr with 33 and 32gr
V-max's.

Also loaded up some with 39 SBK's using your RL15 and some with IMR4895.

I have a RA Predator now sitting in mud. Will be a few days before I'm confident of a complete
bedding cure. Have read many accuracy reports about the Predator, even with it being one of
the more cheapy rifles. Liked the lines of it, but just had to replace the tupperware!

[Jim White]

AIRC, the H4895 loads were best right around 27-grains with 39 SBK and the RL-15 is right around 28-grains with the same bullet. The cases were RP, R 71/2 primer; OAL 2.260" and the chambers are SAAMI specs meaning they're longer than a I-10 road trip across Texas.

HTH,

[chubcobear]

For accuracy, nothing will beat 21.0 grains H4198 or IMR 4198 with any 32 grain bullet in a .204 Ruger....
21.0 grains will kill varmints, too. Try the slower version for accuracy.

[RAMOS]

Deleted my post from this morning. Reflected very poor manners on my part.

[dsandfort]

Manners not with-standing, you gotta give a guy two thumbs for a first post. I, for one, know what load I'm looking at.

[dead meat]

I have tried H4198 in my 204 with 32 gr bullets with good success but setteled on a load of 27grs H322 with 32gr Sierra's. No difference in accuracy in my Tikka and i have an 8 lb jug of H322. H4198 is my go to powder in the 222, which doesn't see much action lately.

[Roverhound]

I did a little work with H4198 in my 204 but had better results with other powders. Mainly 8208xbr. The 4198 does very well in my .17 HH.

[Dozer]

Nosler shows 21 grs of IMR4198 as their most accurate load with 32/43 grain pills. No H4198 comparison.