204 Ruger AR

[Buckeye Bill]

Hello,

I have two rifles in 204. A No.1 and a AR that I partially built. Both have 1/12 twist rate barrels and it seems like they both prefer the liter bullets. I have confirmed that the No.1 likes the 32 grain bullets but I wanted to test the AR.

I had purchased a box of (250) Hornady 40 grain bullets for reloading back before I knew that they were not the best in my rifles. After today's results, I will load them and use them up because 4 to 5 inches at 100 yards seems to be the norm.

I took my AR to the range today and shot both and here are the results.





I guess there is a reason that they had the 40 grain bullets in stock. From now on, I will be buying the 32 grain.

Bill

 

[Big Old Boy]

My #1ab likes the 32s best same as yours.

 

[wwb]

Just a SWAG on my part, but I'm guessing 1:12 isn't a fast enough twist for a longer bullet. 32 grains to 40 grains doesn't seem like a big change, but it happens quickly - my .223 (1:9 twist) is okay with 69 grain bullets, but goes all to heck with anything heavier.

 

[427mach1]

I have a Savage model 12 VLP in 204 Ruger, 1-12" twist and it loves the 40 grain V-max. My best 100 yard 3 shot group measured 0.27" and my best 5-shot group measured 0.61". Half-inch 3-shot groups are the norm. It just goes to show that it depends on the individual rifle.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

It is interesting the different performance with the same twist rates. There are a lot of factors to consider. I had a Ruger MKII in 223 that did not like the heavier bullets at all. Testing and confirming is the key to know what will work. I will focus on the 32 grain bullets. I like the Hornady but I am willing to test other makers.

Bill

 

[427mach1]

Bill,

Probably won't make much difference, but what powder are you using? My rifle had two node points, one toward the lower end and one at max load. The max load had sticky extraction so I went with the lighter load.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

427mach1,

I keep my 204 loads in the mid range to prolong brass life.

My 40 grain loads used three different powders:
IMR 4895 26.2
IMR 4064 26.5
Win748 27.4

If I played around I bet I could improve my groups but those 32 grainers are just too easy to use with great results.

Bill