Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Share information about reloading the .204 Ruger.
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ackertjosh
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.204 Ruger Guns: CZ527 Varmint

Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by ackertjosh »

Hey all. New to the form and new to reloading the .204, but have been reloading for years.

So my question is.. has anyone ever tried RL7 in the .204.. The rifle is a CZ527 Varmint.. 1-12 twist i believe with a Nikon Prostaff 5 3.5-12x50.

My current load is a 40gr Vmax with a stiff load of Varget getting 3780fps and about 1/4" groups.. Hornady Brass and a CCI BR4 primer.
I did try a load with RL10x and got better velocity and 1/2" groups.. 3890fps.. That will be the main coyote load.

For 32gr Sierra Blitz kings im using H322 getting 3900fps.. So would RL7 bring them up to 4000-4100 where they belong or am i expecting to much outta the little 204. Also would RL7 work in 40gr bullets.... If so what are your RL7 loads..... and would i benifit from a 450 mag primer.

Thanks again.
Josh..

Ohh and i have tried H4895... not much success. thank
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Rick in Oregon
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.204 Ruger Guns: Sako 75V, Cooper MTV, Kimber 84M, Cust M700 11 Twist
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Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by Rick in Oregon »

If you look at all the reloading manuals, you'll not find ANY loads using RL-7.

Reason?: It is not in the optimum burning rate for the 204 case, being much better suited to the 221 Fireball volume case. It is much too fast a powder for the much larger volume 204 case. I use it in my 221FB and my 20VT with excellent results. I'd suggest using powders listed in the manuals for the 204. They're there for a good reason; they are optimum for the 204 case and appropriate bullet weights.

I'd suggest not getting too creative with fast powders in a high-intensity round like the 204. 'Jus sayin'........
Semper Fortis
Rick in Oregon
NRA Life/OHA/VHA/VVA

Oregon, East of the Cascades - Where Common Sense Still Prevails

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ackertjosh
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Joined: Tue Jun 23, 2015 7:31 am
.204 Ruger Guns: CZ527 Varmint

Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by ackertjosh »

thanks Rick.. im just having trouble finding RL7 in any manual lol no matter the Caliber.. But it work very very well in my .222... Sitting on 5 pounds of it so thought i would ask...
How are my velocities??? around normal?? i tend not to believe manuals for velocity as I have run into more times then not to get more or less velocity then published.

Thanks again
Josh
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futuretrades
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Joined: Sat Aug 25, 2007 11:16 am
.204 Ruger Guns: HOWA 1500 .204 Ruger Varmint, Bull Bbl, Lupy 6-18x40 custom

Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by futuretrades »

ackertjosh wrote:How are my velocities??? around normal?? i tend not to believe manuals for velocity as I have run into more times then not to get more or less velocity then published.
Your velocity's sound about right for my 204 loads, checked with my crony. As for manuals listings for velocity's, take them with a grain of salt. All the testing done for the manuals on the market are done in ideal conditions. Chances are you will not meet these velocity's. I suggest working up your loads for accuracy, rather than worrying about how fast your loads are shooting. In my Howa, my reloads with the 32 grn pills run right at 3900 fps, and my loads with the 39 grn SBK's run right at 3700 fps, or just a tad faster. Both of these loads give me groups under 1/2 in moa at 100 yards.
I have to agree with RIO on the RL7!
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HOWA 1500 Varmint 204 Ruger, Bull Barrel, Hogue Overmold Stock, Leupold VXII 6-18x40mm AO LRV Custom Reticle Timney Trigger
Cooper Mdl 21 20VarTargW/Leupold VXIII, 6-20x40AO Varmint Hunter reticle.
ackertjosh
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Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Jun 23, 2015 7:31 am
.204 Ruger Guns: CZ527 Varmint

Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by ackertjosh »

Thanks!!!
I will definitely keep the RL7 for the .222 if or when i ever get one again.
Thanks again for velocity update as im new to the .204. I really love the .204. What an excellent little round.. im thinking i might get a custom build one day with a 1-8 twist so i can shoot the 45-50gr bullets i have seen.
As for my groups i can get 3 shot cloverleaf with 40gr v max ontop of varget(forget the exact grains of powder) and RL10x is not far behind in accuracy with a boost in 100fps. Dad will be using it for coyotes.. last year he got 16 with the gun after we sold his 22-250(burnt barrel) He did get a couple with the 32gr bullets but out past 250 they just didnt hit hard enough, so ive been really working on getting the 40's to group... finally and now they group but was thinking i should be getting around 3900fps with a 40 and 41-4200 with a 32.

Thanks again!!! its much apprechated
Josh
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Bodei
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.204 Ruger Guns: Howa Mod 1500 24" BBL .204R; Cooper M21 20 VT; CZ 527 17HH
Location: Reno, NV
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Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by Bodei »

Get a 20 Vartarg and your 204 will move to 2nd place!
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K = ½mv2
DannoBoone
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.204 Ruger Guns: Ruger American Predator .204

Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by DannoBoone »

I actually get faster velocities out of my old Tactical 20 than my new RA Predator in
.204 with the same loads.....disappointing. Hornady says that ain't supposed to happen.

The Tac 20 barrel is Shilen mounted to an Encore, but wanted a repeater. Silly me.
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SShooterZ
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.204 Ruger Guns: CZ 527 Varmint - Savage 12 w/ Custom PacNor 1:11

Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by SShooterZ »

Bodei wrote:Get a 20 Vartarg and your 204 will move to 2nd place!
Ain't that the truth! :wtg:
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Valar
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Joined: Sun Oct 31, 2010 4:07 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: AR-15

Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by Valar »

I stick with 10 x and 8209 xbr. Period, with exception of 50 grain Bergers
Bill K
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.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
Location: Lake Forest, Ca.

Re: Anyone try RL7 in there .204

Post by Bill K »

Bodei wrote:Get a 20 Vartarg and your 204 will move to 2nd place!
For sure, then you would have a place too use that RL 7. :D And yes your 204 just may move to 2nd place, I bet. Bill K :)
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