These are groups shot out of a CZ Varmint Kevlar with 28.0 grains of Varget, 39gr BK, and oal of 2.245. These rounds came to me as an accident. I bought these rounds where I work from a customer that I trust his hand loads. He sold his encore barrel in 204 ruger and did not want any of his 204 reloading items. He used standard RCBS dies and WSR primer. I purchased the dies, 300 rounds of loaded ammo and 100 pieces of Winchester brass. I sold the dies through the store and a coworker and I split the rest of the ammo and brass between us. We verified the loads and pulled many rounds to check the loads before shooting, they were dead on.
I would not rule out Varget as a powder for the 204. I am now trying Benchmark and Win 296 with 40Gr V-MAX. I am trying to figure out what else to try. Has anyone tried any IMR powders with the 204?
Great groups and I've found the same with Varget, however the velocity is a couple hundred fps off what RL-10X, BLC02, N133 will do. I think that I most of my rifles started showing pressure signs at 27.8grs., do you use a drop tube to get the 28.0 charge in the case?
My powder of choice with the 39 gr BK is IMR 4895. Tight, consistent groups and a mv of just under 3900 fps. My load is above published max loads, but comfortably safe in my CZ varminter.
I haven't really found a great load yet (maybe it's my shooting), but 28.0 of Varget gave me the best groups by far in new brass. I really want to find a better load that will flow throught the small 17-20 cal powder tip. Varget is a pain when you have to tap it through the small funnel for a pile of cases to go dawg hunting. I haven't tried Benchmark yet, I think it might not hang-up like Varget, I have never seen it or used it. I was hoping H322 might shoot well, but it didn't. I want to use one of the "extreme" powders if possible, it is usually really hot when I get to SD dog towns. Does anyone know if Benchmark will flow through the small dumpers into cases, or does everyone here weigh every charge? I'm looking for an accuate varmint load.
Take a kid to the range, both of you will be glad you did. remy3424
remy3424, I use Benchmark with an MTM funnel and .17 adaptor, without any real drama, even with H322, and Varget, it works fine. I might have to swirl it a little, but not enough to really slow me down, and that's using the powder measure, not weighing charges. I don't load to max anyway, so it's safe enough IF you check your charges every so often. I'd go stark staring nuts trying to load enough for a PD shoot weighing each charge. Some say I already have.................
Build a man a fire, and he's warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life!
Thanks guys, I'm going to give Benchmark a go and see if I can get a load to group. This site is the best for tips from powder charges to case prep. By spending a few hours reading here, a guy can save a lot of reloading and range time. Thanks again to every avid reloader who posts info!!
Take a kid to the range, both of you will be glad you did. remy3424
