American Predator

[Smit71]

New to the group and late to the 204 Ruger bandwagon, but hey at least I’m here. Question… does anyone currently have experience with the Ruger American Predator either gen 1 or gen 2 using 39-40 grain bullets? I’m hearing from some that a 1:12 twist won’t stabilize them? And if so what sort of velocities you seeing out of the 20-22” barrels? Thank you

[skipper]

Speaking of twist rates and bullets, I think most 1:12 twist 204s will stabilize the 39 gr. SBKs but won't usually stabilize any of the 40 gr. bullets. I think that goes across the board for most 204 Ruger chamberings. I don't own a American Predator but every gun seems to have its own personality, so to speak. You can try but you'll be right on the edge of stability limits. A 1:10 twist would probably be better suited for those bullets.

When it's time to rebarrel your Predator you might try a faster twist rate.

[Bill K]

What Skipper said seems hold true with the majority of 20 caliber shooters and rifles. Some have had good results with a 40 grn bullet, but most seem to zero in on just the 39 Sierra BK as the one that will stabilize in the 1/12 twist.
You might try some in your rifle and see. Also compare some 39 ones and the shoot which works best in your rifle.
When you re-barrel your rifle then go with either a 1/11 or 1/10 twist, which most do also in the 20 caliber bore.

As always YOUR rifle will tell you what it likes.

[Smit71]

Ya after talking with a friend who’s had several 204’s he said the sierra tank is the way to go and imr8208xbr which is extinct. What other powders should a guy try?

[Bill K]

I have good results with CFE 223, along with R10 and Exterminator. Start with the loads in a good manual or Hornady's Reloading Data site and work up in your rifle.

[skipper]

Alliant Powder's Reloder 10 X has been a staple for my reloading bench since 2006. Well worth a try.

[Rick in Oregon]

Alliant Powder's Reloder 10 X has been a staple for my reloading bench since 2006. Well worth a try.

Agreed. After testing many powders when the 204 was released, RL-10X proved to be the best in all four of my rifles for both excellent accuracy (#1 goal) and great velocity with both the 32gr and 39gr SBK (4,060 fps/32gr). For shooting the 40's, my 11T Pac-Nor rifle hits the field.

For colony rodent shooting, I have 800 rounds loaded for each rifle for the season (two .50 cal cans w/4ea 100 rnd boxes), all loaded with RL-10X. I should have stock in the company.

[Jim White]

I've had good luck with a variety of powders; H4895, Varget, RL-15, RL-10x, Benchmark, 8208-XBR just to mention a few. My 204's; the Remington 700 shoots the 40 VMAX ok but not near as good as the 39 SBK. My CZ 527 shoots both of them very well.

[Smit71]

Thank you all for your input and advice

[SecretCode]

Keep looking for 8208. 39 blitzking's like that powder in my rifles. I just found some not long ago so it's still out there. (It's going to tough to leave it alone, I'm putting together a 6.5 Grendel and apparently it's the cat's meow in that cartridge as well) In the mean time like everyone else has mentioned alot of other great powders. Benchmark and RL10X are great.

Also don't shy away from 39 gr Speer TNT's. I tried them with 8208 a few years ago and nothing super impressive but sub moa for sure. Put them on the back burner for awhile and came back to them with Benchmark and found the 2 were almost magic in one particular rifle.

When I do my part they consistently place 5 in the low three's.

[Jim White]

I saw a couple of boxes of 39 SBK today at Bass Pro in Tacoma WA. they were $40/100. I didn't need any so I left them there but finding any 20 cal pill on the shelfs these days is a rare event for me.