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

Thanks again Gube:

anks to Gube!!!!
Sorry guys, computer change, and I can't find any of my old stuff even tho I downloaded it to a portable hard drive, and downloaded it to the new computer..

so here is the results I got when I tested it previously in A 204...


204 Ruger and Blue Dot

Rifle used: Ruger 77 Mk 2

Barrel: 22 inches

Primer used: Winchester Small Pistol

Bullets used: Hornady 32 and 40 grain V Maxes.


32 grain Vmax:

5grs: 1588 fps
6grs: 1849 fps
7grs: 2012 fps
8grs: 2300 fps
9grs: 2472 fps

10grs: 2709 fps
11grs: 2890 fps
12grs: 3012 fps
13grs: 3212 fps
14grs: 3372 fps


40 grain Vmax

6grs: 1734 fps
7grs: 1966 fps
8grs: 2197 fps
9grs: 2321 fps

10grs: 2546 fps
11grs: 2709 fps
12grs: 2874 fps
13grs: 2892 fps
14 grs: 3140 fps


Starting charges were determined based on work with the 223 cartridge.

Both bullet weights charges were stopped at 14 grains, as going higher didnt show any real increase in velocity but did show pressure signs starting.

Accuracy was what I have come to expect with Blue Dot.

Small pistol primers were used based on availability.. this was done during a nationwide primer shortage. Small rifle primers would not show any potential increase in velocity or pressure, based on experience with the 223 case.

As always a prudent handloader will work up to max charges, to make sure they are safe in their rifle.

This is presented as for academic review only, as I can not be responsible for other people’s handloading procedures.

If the lighter charges are used, I recommend charging a case and seating the bullet first, before going onto the next cartridge as this will eliminate the potential of a double charge.

With a max of 14 grains per case, a pound of Blue Dot will yield powder for 500 rounds of ammo.

Seafire
February 2008.

once again.. as big thumbs up to Gube..

anyone using this data, remember it only proved safe it my rifle... so you do so at your own risk... and please remember, if you are wanting to use the max loads listed, then please work up to that level...and also don't exceed it... I've gone further, and saw no velocity increase...Blue Dot will plateau...

Seafire,

Thankyou!

That's the information I was looking for.

Got somewhere to start now.

Have tried Trailboss but it looks like it peaks out much slower.

Thanks again! Virgil B.

Virgil...

the thanks should go to Gube for finding it...

can't locate my notes on it for some reason...

yeah, I didn't think you'd be real happy with the Trail Boss load.. for the exact reason you mentioned...

OK,

Thanks Gube!

(and Seafire!)

Virgil B.

20 Vartarg

Loaded some Bluedot loads for my 204 Ruger ultra lite.
It's in a Ruger compact lam stock, and has a Leupold fixed 12X scope.

10.0 grains Bluedot

Win SR primers

32 gr. Vmax

2700 FPS

At 30 yards I had 5 shots cutting the same hole!

This load works for me. Hope it's "quiet" enough for my alfalfa farmer.

Thanks again Gube and Seafire!

Virgil B.