Powder data needed

Share information about reloading the .204 Ruger.
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nlol
New Member
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:44 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Cooper 51

Powder data needed

Post by nlol »

This should be easier than I'm finding it. I'm starting load development on 204R focused on 2 bullets now: The Sierra 39gr BK, and Hornady 45 gr SP. I've been unable to find published recommended min/max loads for CFE223 and IMR 8208 XBR. Can anyone provide the data and source? Thanks.
nlol
New Member
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:44 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Cooper 51

Re: Powder data needed

Post by nlol »

I was tired when I wrote this. I, of course, mean recommended "starting load' and do not mean, 'min' (minimum) load. The information does not exist in my Hornady X manual, or Hodgdon's online RELOADING DATA CENTER.
Bill K
Senior Member
Posts: 2609
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:00 am
.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
Location: Lake Forest, Ca.

Re: Powder data needed

Post by Bill K »

The annual Hodgdon reloading manual shows loads for CFE223. Their reloading data site shows a start load of 29.0 and a max of 30.9 for the 32 grain. for the 40 grain they show a start of 27.3 and a max of 29.0 so work in that area and you should be fine. Bill K
nlol
New Member
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:44 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Cooper 51

Re: Powder data needed

Post by nlol »

Yeah, they show 40 and 50 grain bullets loads for both powders too. I'm just being very careful - or perhaps timid. I've never touched these small calibers before.
Bill K
Senior Member
Posts: 2609
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:00 am
.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
Location: Lake Forest, Ca.

Re: Powder data needed

Post by Bill K »

You do need to be cautious with the small calibers, in that pressures can raise fast. But by using the 40 grain loads as a guide, you will be just fine in the 39 grain bullets. Just work up to max slow and easy. Bill K
nlol
New Member
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:44 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Cooper 51

Re: Powder data needed

Post by nlol »

Ok - Thanks - I'm on it.
truckerwalt
Junior Member
Posts: 88
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:59 am
.204 Ruger Guns: RUGER MK II/SAVAGE MOD. 12

Re: Powder data needed

Post by truckerwalt »

i have a savage model 12 and recently put four shots into a group that you could hide with the open end of a .30 caliber case. i was using 39 grain sierra and rem. 7 1/2 primers and 25t grains of H-322. outside to outside of this group measured .298". if you deduct the cal. you get .094" i have never shot a group that. that is less than 1/10". if you think i am making up this story that is ok by me but it is the exact truth! i also get good groups with AR-comp
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BitterClinger
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Posts: 30
Joined: Tue Feb 20, 2018 8:36 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Savage M12 LRPV

Re: Powder data needed

Post by BitterClinger »

What was your C.O.L. for that load? I have a M12 LRPV that has put two literally into the same hole quite a few times, but I always pulled the third ruining the perfect 3 rd group.
204Luver
New Member
Posts: 40
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:25 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: 527 Varmint; Rem. 700 VLS

Re: Powder data needed

Post by 204Luver »

I have stacked 3 SBK 39's at 100 yds several times, and have even stacked 4 a couple of times, but I shoot 5-shot groups and have not gotten the 5th to cooperate yet. I've had a few 5-shot groups under .3, but never under .2 (yet!).
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