204Ruger

Last night was very nice weather for shooting. I only had a few rounds left over from barrel break in. I got a new laser bore sighter and wanted to try it out. Over all I like it and glad I spent the money. I think I am ready to start proper load development now. Rifle is a Ruger American Predator in a Magpul stock...in .204 Ruger, ofcourse!

Looking good!

What is everyone using for 32 gr Vmax ? This was with 27 gr of Benchmark

I always had good results using Reloader 10X, CCI BR4 primers, and Winchester brass.

I use mostly the Nosler L.F. ballistic tip with CFE223 and it shoots fine. Do keep us posted on your progress and findings with your rifle. Bill K

Tom Kat wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:51 amWhat is everyone using for 32 gr Vmax ? This was with 27 gr of Benchmark

One thing I like about the 204 is it responds well to beaucoup available powders with about any 32gr bullet. I save the 39gr SBK and the 40's for my fast twist 204 Ruger Match barrel, but here's a target shot during load development a while back. I don't shoot much paper except for working up a load or confirming zero, most all my shooting is at hair.



That load works well in all four of my 204 rifles, with only seating depth differences for each chamber throat.
My Cooper MTV 204 12 twist responsible for the above target in the field doing what she does best.....launching alfalfa-munching ground squirrels to heights they never imagined.....



V-Max, NBT, NVG shoot very well, but the best 32gr performer in every .20 caliber rifle I own is hands down the 32gr SBK, but it's now just too dang expensive to shoot grass rats with, but accurate? Oh yeah!

Great pictures and advice, I had a half box of there laying around and thought it would be a good choice for break in. The factory trigger is...OK, I may change the spring in it and loose a lb of pull. Depends on how the rest of it works out.

Rick I love Sierra bullets, I have killed a pile of coyotes with the 52 gr Matchking that is not recomended for hunting.

Tom Kat wrote: ↑Fri Oct 06, 2023 12:49 pmRick I love Sierra bullets, I have killed a pile of coyotes with the 52 gr Matchking that is not recomended for hunting.

I'm not sure why Sierra bullets are so much more expensive than say, Nosler BT's or Varmageddon's (NVG), as they're all made the same way on almost the same machines (I've toured both plants).

Even though the SBK's seem to hold the accuracy edge in most rifles of mine, the Nosler's are less expensive, more readily available, and shoot better than most of us can hold using a quality rifle.

As an example of the Nosler BT and VG in .20 caliber, I offer a target shot with my Cooper 20VT using both bullet styles for comparison:



Keep in mind, that target was shot with Nosler seconds in both versions. Not bad for blems I'd say.
So if for any reason you run out of, or want to try another brand, the above should give you something to consider with that new smokepole you're getting ready.

I have used and still use NBT bullets. They work great on coyotes. I have no doubt they would be great in a .204, your pictures are impressive.

When I bought my first .204, the owner gave me hundreds of 20 cal bullets, most were Vmax, some Bergers, and a few Sierra bullets. I am not against using NBT's as your pictures show they are great bullets. Having lived many years in Missouri, I am a little partial to Sierra. But I am going to use what ever the new gun likes, regardless of brand. At this point I am just shooting what I have laying around, hoping I find one that works. Time will tell-

I was able to load up 15 more 32 gr HVmax with Benchmark, will give it a go this weekend-

UPDATE: I changed the factory trigger spring today for one from MCARBO. I makes it feel about 2 lbs now...it was an easy, 5 minute upgrade.