204Ruger

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Ok - Thanks - I'm on it.

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

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.

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!).