Need help reloading 204 Ruger loads

[77ruger]

I have been shooting the Hornady factory 32gr. Shooting these in a stainless Number 1, and I'm well please with accuracy. I would like to duplicate this factory round 4200 fps, in a reload with same Hornady 32gr. vmax and 4200+ fps. Several powders will achieve this speed, all of these are powders I don't have on hand, nor that I have loaded before.

Anyone reloaded these at this speed with .25 moa(or better) accuracy?
What powder was used?
Number of grs?

Thanks in advance
Dwight

 

[BlackEagle]

I don't know from experience but I have read the 204 Ruger factory ammo from Hornady is difficult to beat (or duplicate)...

 

[77ruger]

Guess no one here is reloading 204..

 

[Johnnu2]

I reload 204 but never bother to check the speed. I simply experiment until I get a group that I think is satisfactory for the specific rifle and cartridge. In the case of my only .204 (Savage heavy bbl....forget the model); I can get 1/2" - 3/4" groups at 100yds which is MORE than satisfactory for an old woodchuck hunter (who is too old to carry that heavy rifle anyway).......I have found that the 35gr Berger varmint bullet is the best for my gun; followed closely by the Sierra 32 gr. (with the green tip....forgot the name). If I remember correctly I'm using 29.2 BLC-2 (but don't quote me or try it because I'm too lazy to run downstairs and check; and bec. it may be at the max end of the spectrum). You know the drill, 'start low and work your way up'; again, I never worry about speed; only accuracy. J

 

[Ethang]

I'm the same way. I worked up three loads with H4895 that shoot bug hole groups, Berger 35's shot best in mine too. I never bothered to try to ring out factory level speed.

 

[77ruger]

Thanks to all. Used Hornady manual 29.3gr Varget 32 gr vmax, 3 shots one hole @ 100 yd.. Good enough.

 

[Ethang]

I have not tried Varget in the 204. My experience with it in the 223 was not good with light bullets. Maybe it's time to revisit it.

 

[kabar]

Have been using 26.6 grains of Benchmark with the 35 grain Berger and Remington 71/2 primers for years as a coyote load. Very accurate and fur friendly. Chronograph says 3850 fps out of a 26" barrel. No pressure signs in my rifle. It's a maximum book load so start 10% lower and work your way up.

Ken

 

[Justice B. Swift]

I had excellent results using Varget in my .223 Rem. I used 26.3 gr with 55 gr V-Max for 3145 fps. and 1/2" groups (5 shot) from my Ruger Ultra-light. This will be one of my "go to" powders as I begin working up loads for my Savage in .204 Ruger. I have also used this powder with great results in .222 Rem. and .221 fireball. Sorry I don't have specific data for your .204 yet, but if you can find Varget I think it's a good bet.
One of my shooting pals likes 29.0gr of Alliant RL-15 with the 32 gr v-max and is getting around 4070 fps. He also claims that the same slug with 28.0 gr of Ramshot "TAC" has been excellent, but is harder to find. I have not tried these loads yet, but I did find all of the above powders and will begin loading soon.
Good Luck
-Justice-