SmallCaliberCentral

Rugerdog: on my last trip, I had 1 day of only 23. Late start; spent some time getting to know the SD Gumbo; sun was in my eyes; excuses, excuses. My best day of the three was 77. Like skb2706 said, these were only the hits I was completely sure of.

That last post makes me feel a lot better. On my first PD trip, I was sure that I had shot at least a 1000 dogs. They were everywhere and I was shooting like I was in a war. But, on my last trip I made a diligent effort to count my hits, and my best day was only 77 -- far short of the thousands that...

Absolutely, we need more photos!

I was wondering: How many prairie dogs do you other guys shoot in a day? Not looking for the Guinness record, just a benchmark of what I can consider a good day in dog town.

Unbelievable camera work! I've never had any luck getting pics of the shot. How do you do it so well??

What's the twist on the 20BR you have that pushes a 39BK over 4200?

I just found a load with my Savage 12fv, 1 in 12, that will vaporize a 39BK around 3950.

Savage 12 FV
Case: Hdy,
Trim: 1.840
Primer: Rem 7 1/2
Powder: BLC-2 30.3gr
Bullet: Hdy 32gr Vmax
COL: 2.300 (Comp: 1.941)
3 shot group: 0.188"
Velocity: 4194, 4256, 4241

Interesting the personalities of different rifles. Like acloco, I too have a Savage 12FV. But in mine, the 40Vmax is not very good for accuracy (ok for splat), yet, like acloco, a 32 Sierra will not work over 3800.

That looks like just the p-dog medicine I need. The H4895 gave me good velocity and good groups, but, I think I it would be easier to get rice to flow through my Dillon. Benchmark had great groups, but the only group size I'm interested in on p-dogs is the distance between the pieces. And, missing a...

Not sure I'm happy with Benchmark. Accuracy is OK, but, I can't get the velocities I wanted. It's not just the fact that I'm addicted to speed, but that is why I went to the .204. For example, I shot some factory Hdy 40 Vmax, which was around 3800+. I'm having a tough time breaking 3600 with 39 BK's...

Hotshot thanks for the words of encouragement. I'll dry my tears. acloco would you say the 27.3 was the way to go with the 32's? What kind of velocity were you getting.? Thanks Gone Ballistic for the tip on the powder measure. The web site seemed convincing. May be worth a closer look. Thanks all f...

I bought my Dillon over a year ago, and have yet to load a round because I have spent all this time researching the .204. By spending hours here, I have narrowed my potential ingredient list to: Rem 7-1/2 primers; 32 H Vmax/35 Berger/39 Sierra BK; and H4895 powder. With a PD shoot coming up in 3 wee...

FWIW I'm using Redding Comp seater die. Anything's possible, but I hope I don't have to drill out the plug to make it work.

I loaded up 32SBK, all at 2.35COL (or 1.978 with my bullet comp). The powder was Benchmark in 27, 27.5, and 28. Every shot was a keyhole (some, very pretty looking). I also shot some 30 Bergers, at 2.25 COL, Benchmark, at 27.5, 28, 28.5. The 27.5 shot 3 in the same hole (only 75 yards) and the other...

Well, you talked me into doing primer pocket and flash hole work. I was just looking at saving a little time in prep, and gaining some time on the shooting line. I would assume that the flash hole is a one time thing. Is the primer pocket something I need to do more than once? Thanks again for all t...