SmallCaliberCentral

I tried N135, N140 & N540 in my 204's when I first got them. They did OK but I had better luck with several others that were very plentiful at the time so I just stuck with them.

I'm not interested in buying this because I have 2 of them already. I thought I'd pass on though is recently I've noticed when I was looking for reloading equipment for someone else is that many kits these days do-not come with a beam scale any longer. They've been replaced by digital scales; Dillon...

Many methods here, all seem to work okay. For over 35 years, I've used Todd Kindler's "Series II Annealing Tip" using a circular flame attachment on the propane torch. It covers 360* of the case neck and shoulder. Cases are stood up in a pie pan of water, about 1/2" deep to protect t...

You all have some good looking friends Here's my two Mutt & Jeff aka Arlo & Major

For a 204, you won't go wrong with H4895, RL-10x, RL15, or Benchmark. Amongst those, there is no bad choice. There are others that I've heard that perform well but I haven't tried them. RL-7 [and H4198] shines bright in my 20 VT & 221 Fireball and I hear its good in a 38-55 too which I'll explor...

I've got a book in my library titled "Bolt Action Rifles" by Frank deHaas. Which version is best? Version? Not sure what you're referring to there, Jim. One version, one book. Are you asking which bolt action rifle was deemed 'best'? That's not what the book is about. It covers, in extrem...

Rick in Oregon wrote: ↑Sun Dec 19, 2021 1:41 pm I've got a book in my library titled "Bolt Action Rifles" by Frank deHaas.

Which version is best?

FWIW, of my three 204 rifles, the CZ shot the 40 grainers better than the two Remington 700's. What Rick stated though what works in one rifle won't necessarly work the same in another one identical and what Bill mentioned; to get the best accuracy, you'll have to reload, starting low and working up...

Tom Kat wrote: ↑Tue Dec 07, 2021 6:03 am I have not found anything to out clean the wet tumbling of ss pins.

Neither have I. The one thing with the SS cleaning I have found out is to rinse it very thoroughly.

broper wrote: ↑Sat Dec 04, 2021 12:30 pm A dead wolf is a good wolf!

I don't trust those things no more than I'd trust a politician; and, where's there is one, there are probably others near by.

Three shot groups are very dependent on YOUR accuracy. I like five shot groups when load developing. You might miss a really good node due to a pulled shot. I also like to repeat ladder tests whenever I'm in doubt. I'm with you, 5-shot groups unless its a larger caliber hunting rifle with a thin ba...

Some of the powders I've had good luck with the 204 Ruger is RL-15, H4895, RL-10X, Benchmark, 8208 [early vintage] and to some degree--Varget. As Rick mentioned you're getting into the red-zone and couple that with warm temperatures and/or leaving a round chambered in a hot barrel it can push it ove...

The reason I F/L [non Lapua or Norma] brass is I've seen LOTS where it was just as wobbly as some of those economic recovery plans in Olympia & Salem. It doesn't take much effort and it straightens them right out. Sure, I could shoot it and it'd do the same but with components they way they are ...

I think you just opened Pandora'a box. Bound to be some discussion on this thread. Just to add a little discussion, you might want to check the primer holes for burrs. Uniform the pockets?? I believe you're right WRT Pandora's Box. I do suppose it depends on the brass itself. Unless it's high end s...

Bill K wrote: ↑Sun Oct 24, 2021 5:52 pm Any of the light sporter type barrels, as on the American, need to allowed to cool, as they do heat up fast. You need to take a 2nd or 3rd rifle along and switch around, letting each cool down in a rat field.

Yassir', that's why I have a few more with the heavy barrels.