Anyone shooting only (mostly) heavy bullets in a 204?

[dan97526]

Gentlemen,

Some background: I have a 204 and a Vartarg. The 204 shoots 39gr Blitzkings very well. I shoot at least 5x the rounds through the Vartarg vs the 204, only shooting 32s in the Vartarg. In the past I've shot about half-and-half 32s and 39s in the 204.

I'm interest in finding out if anyone shoots only the heavier bullets in the 204, and if so, why? I'm getting a jump on loading for next year since this year was a bust. I'm also going to be getting CDS dials from Leupold after I get my load dialed in. I'm thinking of just using the 39gr for the 204 and not messing around with the 32s. I will miss 4200fps, though.

Dan

[skipper]

I think it depends on the twist rate. A 1:12 twist will probably stabilize up to the 39 gr. bullets. However, when trying to stabilize the 45 gr. bullets a 1:10 is probably a better choice. Many members here have had trouble getting anything above 39 grain to stabilize in a 1:12 twist. As long as you keep the dreaded carbon ring at bay, I think you will find success with anything up to 40 gr. in a 1:12 twist. It's always a toss up though. Nothing is guaranteed!

[rkite]

I shoot Nosler ballistic tip 40 grain bullets. My gun is a T/C Venture Predator with the faster 1:10 twist. For some reason Thompson Center uses a 1:10 twist for their 204 ruger guns. I don't see any bullets still sold over 40 grains.

[Bill K]

From the get go with my 204's I have shot 98% of the time 32 grainers, with 2% the 39. But now with the lead free law in California, for any game or non game animals (we must save the Condor, you know) I shot only the 32 grain Nosler lead free.
But that does not bother me at all, as they shoot as well or even better than the lead one's did and put down the critters I shoot just as well. Bill K

( my 20 caliber twists are all 1/11 and mostly 3 groove, Xcaliber barrels )

[dan97526]

Bill, how is the terminal performance on the 32gr lead-free Noslers? I tried the 26gr Varmint Grenades and found them disappointing.

[Bill K]

A world of difference between the Nosler's and the varmint grenades. Some have success with the granades, I could not get them to shoot worth a darn. But the Nosler lead free 32 is working great, good FPS, really good accuracy and critters flat out drop.
Even on coyotes, enter and seem to just blow up inside and DOA or sometimes a step or two. Bill K

( PM also sent too you)

[SecretCode]

Looks like Grafs has special run of Berger 55 grainers. Not really sure how many.

https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/797

Pricey, but if your looking for some benchrest style accuracy. Might be worth trying. I seem to remember they shot very well back when they were first introduced. Could be wrong. Anybody on the forum use them? No experience with them myself.

[jsh]

I shot 40’s from the time I first played with a 204 because that is where everyone pointed me. A couple of years ago I ran across a deal on loaded ammo, 32 and 34 grain. Just to cheap to pass up. Out to close to 300 they out perform the 40’s, at least in my two rifles.
I had looked around at heavies from various sources but never pursued it further.

[Bill K]

JSH: If you want to check out some heavier bullets for the 20 cal. Check out some the Badger Bob (site member) puts out. Very nice and they shoot great, I like the 48 grainers he has. But now must use lead free in this commie state of mine.

I should add that now all I shoot in all my 20 calibers is the Nosler lead free 32 grain and Hornady's NTX. They work super for me and all the way out to 400 yrds.

[Sethrameka]

IS THERE ANYONE IN AUSTRALIA, PERTH WHO RELOADS FOR 204 Ruger?? ILL PAY )

PLEASE AND THANK YOU.

SETH

[Bill K]

Just curious, is that legal in Australia for someone to load and sell you ammunition. Sure not here in the states without the proper lic.

[basher_boy]

I shoot the 55 grain bergers. Current load will shoot under 0.5 MOA all day at a MV of about 3600 fps. The rifle is a custom build.

[Rick in Oregon]

I shoot the 55 grain bergers. Current load will shoot under 0.5 MOA all day at a MV of about 3600 fps. The rifle is a custom build.

basher-boy, As none of the members here with factory barrels on their 204's can shoot the 55gr bullets, why not do everyone a favor and make it clear that you have a custom fast twist rifle that is capable of shooting the heavier 55 grainers. We all know that a factory 12 twist will not stabilize this bullet.

It would be a shame for a newbie to read your post, go out and buy 55gr bullets and find out his rifle will not shoot them.

[basher_boy]

Good point Rick. My rifle twist is a 1:7 that opens up to 1:8.5 as measured. Berger feels that a 1:8 is the ideal twist rate for a .204 ruger with the 55 grain bullets depending on ambient conditions.

I am also shooting pretty close to sea level at various temps.

It is a point worth noting that you should measure your actual twist rate as it is likely lower than the barrel indicates.

Sebastian

[tfo]

Skipper and others had interesting observations about stabilizing .204 Ruger bullets in 1:12 twist barrels. My CZ 527 came with a 1:12 twist barrel and it stabilizes 40gr Federal V-Shoks and 40 gr Remington AccuTips perfectly at 100yds. Not so 40 gr Hornady V-Max bullets. They leave an 'egg-shaped' hole in paper, surprisingly accuracy doesn't seem to suffer appreciably. I get groups of 1-1.5 MOA with all three brands, AccuTips may be at little better. Are Hornady bullets a little longer than the other two? Skipper may be right in that 39gr bullets are right at the cusp of stability at 1:12 twist. Any of you experienced this? Strange that standard factory twist is 1:12.