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Allenkoz Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 10, 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Pinckney, Michigan
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Vince Site Admin
Joined: May 25, 2005 Posts: 15715 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA
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Allenkoz Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 10, 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Pinckney, Michigan
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Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 11:02 pm Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Thanks Vince. The stock is factory I believe. I bought it at auction at gunbroker.com. I thought it hansome so I bought it. I look forward to receiving more info on the ammo. I've been reading some reviews and 40 grain V-Max and 39 grain BlitzKing seem to have some fans. -Allen
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Pumpkinslinger Super Member
Joined: Sep 22, 2007 Posts: 5002 Location: NC foothills
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Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 12:29 am Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Allen, I believe you'll just have to try several loads and see what shoots best in your rifle. There are some folks here with experience on coyotes who can help you much better than I can but the .204 seems a bit light to me for long range 'yotes.
That is a near looking rifle and I am very interested in hearing how that scope works out.
_________________ Mike
"I ain't no better than anybody else, and there ain't nobody better than me!" Ma Kettle |
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Allenkoz Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 10, 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Pinckney, Michigan
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Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:53 am Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Thanks Mike. I have been doing a lot of reading and many people are reporting tremendous success on coyotes with this caliber and at a distance (500 yds may indeed be ambitious however). I will do some personal field testing in order to gauge that for myself and take your note under advisement. I can say that your posts on varmint scopes helped me in my decision on that front. Many others are also giving the 6500 series the highest praise. So thanks again. -Allen
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A17Shooter Super Member
Joined: Jan 26, 2005 Posts: 322 Location: California Foothills (Gold Country)
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Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:15 pm Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Allenkoz,
I have good luck with the Hornady 40 gr 204 ammo. The 40 gr bullets have a much better BC and hence better wind bucking and downrange punch than the lighter bullets. It is a good idea to try other brands in your rifle as the rifles preference is what will count when it comes to accuracy.
When handloading I prefer the 39 gr Blitzking though there doesn't seem to be much difference between the Sierra and the Hornady. Used the Hornady ammo on a couple of prairie dog trips to WY and was pleased with it.
That is a neat stock, hope it fits you. Don't find it on the Savage web site but, they may have done a special run for some big retailer.
_________________ _________________
A17Shooter |
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Allenkoz Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 10, 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Pinckney, Michigan
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Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Thanks A17. I have purchased some of the Hornady 40 gr for testing.
I hope the stock fits too! I have a couple of other thumbhole stocks that I love so I'm optimistic. Not sure on the production. I've seen it around on a few select sites. If it was a custom run, then I'm glad to get my hands on one. -Allen
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harrys Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 19, 2009 Posts: 16
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:11 am Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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I have a savage model 12 and it shoot 32 vmax and 35 bergers exyremely well.I haven't used the 39 or 40's yet. The best powder i have found so far was imr 4895.and br4 primers
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Allenkoz Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 10, 2009 Posts: 7 Location: Pinckney, Michigan
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:59 am Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Thanks Harry, I have read good reviews on the 40 and 45 gr as well. Thanks for the input. -Allen
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harrys Rookie Member
Joined: Jan 19, 2009 Posts: 16
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Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 7:17 pm Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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from wht i've learned about the 204 is it doesn't care much for bullets heavier than 40 allenkoz twist is wrong for them don't stabilize
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wheelguner Rookie Member
Joined: Mar 30, 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Monroe, GA
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Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2009 5:15 pm Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Allen, I just read your post and thought I'd add my results.
The 204 is one of my favorite cartridges. I also have a Savage in 204 Ruger, a very early Model 12FV-S. I also have a Sabre Defence Heavy Bench Target which is an AR Clone in 204 Ruger. The Savage prefers Hornady 32gr and Winchester 34gr in what I consider “Factory” loads but really shines with the load from The Hunting Shack using the 40gr Berger HP. The Sabre shoots the Hornady 32gr well but shoots the Hunting Shack load using the 33gr Calhoun Hp like a demon. I test my varmint guns from prone with bi-pod and rear bag just as I will I be shooting in the field (most times). The Savage will hold .75MOA with the Hornady and the Hunting Shack a bit less. The Sabre shoots the Hornady about the same and Hunting Shack with the Calhoun shoots consistent .50MOA for about 60 shots and then about .80MOA until I get tired. Hope this helps.
_________________ Survived two tours, two wives, Atlanta "Rush Hour" twice a day.... just hope I can survive Obama too! |
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Vince Site Admin
Joined: May 25, 2005 Posts: 15715 Location: Brisbane AUSTRALIA
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Rick65Cat Member
Joined: Nov 03, 2007 Posts: 31 Location: Alberta Canada
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Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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My Ruger M77 MkII "Target" shot a 1 1/2" group at 200 yrds right out of the box with no practice on my part.
I was using Hornady's 32gr factory loads. I love that gun, and I made up a pile of reloads that aren't quite as fast but still nail gophers out to 250 yrds easily. I could probably go farther but it has to be a pefectly calm day.
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Malleefarmer Rookie Member
Joined: Aug 04, 2009 Posts: 1
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Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 12:58 am Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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Hi all new to the site too and will be buying a .204 in the coming weeks. For a start I will be using factory loads too but will be reloading when I get around to getting the gear. Dunno what sort of ammo we can get in Australia for this calibre but any info on what some good brands for accuracy and also useable brass for later. Is that right that it is very hard to get the same velocity as factory rounds while loading?
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skb2706 Member
Joined: Apr 10, 2006 Posts: 269
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Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 7:23 am Post subject: Re: Best factory load for .204 cal? |
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When I first got my first .204 Ruger all you could find was Hornady factory ammo. 32 gr. that clocked at 4200 fps thru my chrony. Very accurate and thus far not doable with my handloads. I shoot only 32 gr. bullets and depending on load get 4100 maybe slightly less. No matter its still a laser out to 300 yds or so. Not my first choice for coyotes but it has worked quite well.
Bullet stablization has nothing to do with weight per se. Its all about the length. I heard stories about keyholing with the 40 Vmaxs and just never gave them a try...never needed to.
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