Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles Best Loads for the 204

What are some loads for the 204, and what bullet. Thanks

Max load of Benchmark and a 35 Berger lit by CCI BR4's.

If your rig doesn't shoot this then it's your rig...grin...

I will assume we are talking about a .204 Ruger here, and will post accordingly.

26.6 gr of H322 cc1 400 primer, 32 gr v-max, period

40gr VMax, 24.8 R-10
39gr Sierra Blitzking, 27.8 AA 2520

Both loads very accurate in my CZ.

Toms22: "IF" (you did not specify!), you are after accuracy foremost with your Rifle, then be sure and try the wonderful Berger 35 grain bullets in your 204.
I have 5 Varminters in caliber 204 Ruger and every one of them shot the 35 grain Bergers SLIGHTLY more accurately than any other bullet tried.
The 35 grain Berger is also splendidly lethal on all manner of Varmints.
I also prefer the Federal 205M (match) primers in my 204's.
Best of luck with your 204!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

+1

Re10x and sierra 39gr BK's is my go to setup.

Ruger Hunting dot com is about the best resource for the .204 Ruger.

Anyone have reduced loads for the Ruger 204, using Trail Boss powder???

Am trying to get aprox 22 Hornet speeds with my 204

Thanks! Virgil B.

Sierra 39 gr BK'S and 26 gr Hod 4895 , Remington 7.5 BR Primers

27.0-27.5 gr H-322 with 39gr. blitzking and a cci br-4. I have loaded for four different .204's, and all loved this combo.

Tony.

28 grains of H335 shot well with both Hornady and Nosler 32 grain bullets for me. 27 to 27.5 grains of Varget shot well with Nosler 40 grain and Sierra 39 grain bullets for me.

Those were my standard combination. I used WW brass. I switched from Fed 205 match to Rem 7-1/2s about 1500 round back with no apparent change in accuracy.

I say "was" 'cause my barrel is shot out and the rig is up at the gunsmith getting a new one. Gotta start over. "I just hate it when that happens!"

Tom

Loads in my Remmy that seem to be working well are 26.8 grains of IMR 4895 with 39 g SBK and Wolf magnum small rifle primers.

Has anybody tried the new Hodgdon 8208 XBR? I was just looking at the data in the new Annual Manual and it looks like it might be a good one, especially with 32's. I'm going to try some this week.

I've generally had good luck in the .204 with both Varget and Ramshot TAC.

8208 shows some pretty good results .8's but best luck I've seen is with H322 .634 at two hundred yards five shot group with 32 Sierra's.

I tried a bunch of loads yesterday. With the 32's a good dose of Varget wasn't giving but 3700-3800 FPS. 10X gave better velocity and accuracy and 28,8 Gr. of H-4895 with the Hornady V-Max gave 4100 FPS with the best accuracy out of the Sierra, Nosler, Berger, and Hornady bullets I tried. It figures I have less H-4958 and Hornady bullets than anything and can't find any more H-4895 anywhere!

Guys thanks for all the information that you have suggested. I went with the 39gr. sierra bullet and benchmark powder. The barrel on my rifle is almost 26" long and I am getting 3680 average feet per sec. and good accuracy. Thanks again

I realize you have landed on a load. I have had two 204's and both have loved this load...

39 or 40 gr bullets, 27.4 gr varget, rem 7-1/2 primer, WW case. Tiny groups. I seat my bullets to nearly touching the lands, it doesn't leave much for protection in the neck, but most of my shooting is off a bench, at paper, or prairie dogs.

Good luck

Larry

Edit: when I say "loved" I meant less than .4" on on rifle, and .25" in another, five shot groups