I know SeaFire has reduced loads for the .223 using Bluedot powder, at 22 Hornet speeds.

Has anyone expirimented with reduced loads for the .204, around 22 Hornet speeds?

Have an alfalfa farmer who dosen't like loud rifles used for shooting his Sage rats.

Thanks! Virgil B.

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf

You will be amazed! I have a TB load for my .204 and it feels and sounds like a 17 HMR.

Fun stuff!

--Duck911

Duck,

Thanks!

Virgil B.

Duck,

Couldn't find the .204 data on the TrailBoss sight.

How much are you using and what bullet, and speed?

This sounds like just what I'm looking for!

Thanks! Virgil B.

Virgil,

Read the PDF in the link very carefully - they tell you how to safely work up a load for any bottleneck case including the .204. The bottom line is, even if you fill the case full all the way to the bottom of the bullet, you can't blow anything up.

I can't give you my load, because for my reduced .204 loads, I load by volume, not weight (I have a .204 case cut off with a dremel that I use to meter the Trail Boss)

--Duck911

Duck911
thanks!

I loaded to the bottom of the sholder. Took 8 grains of TrailBoss.

This load shoots good, and "sounds" like a 22 Hornet being fired.

Don't have any idea of actual FPS. Just going by sound.



Would you know what speed you're getting?

Thanks again for the help!

Virgil B.

Virgil,

I haven't chrono'd my loads but I get accuracy that's better than my 17 HMR at 100 yards, which is what I was looking for. I just weighed one of my loads and it looks like I use 7 gr. I seem to recall that when I was working up the load, I found that TB needs just touch of room in the case to breathe for the best accuracy.

If you have a chance to share your speed or groups with us, please do!

--Duck911

Duck911,

Don't have a chronograph so I don't have any way of telling my FPS. Just going by sound.

It's a little louder than the 17 HMR and a little quieter than a 22 Hornet.

Maybe around 2600 FPS?

Got .4" for first 5 at 30 yards. Haven't tested it at 100 yet.

Got to load some more today and do more testing.

My first loads were 9 grains. Settled on 8 grains. They shot better.

I'm shooting a Ruger 77 with a 20" barrel and a Leupold 12X scope.

Virgil B.

Thanks for the update! Have fun with the load development!

Here is some reduced load data for the 204 that was posted a few months ago.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/3818778/2