SmallCaliberCentral

jo, I understand what you are saying. Also, neck sizing will definitely add much life to brass. But that's it. It will NOT give any more accuracy. Why else do the very top benchrest shooters F/L size? That has also been my own personal experience with neck sizing. Proper Headspacing is another issue...

Bayou, do you really believe you are talking to beginners here? LOL You're pretty funny! Like I mentioned already, what giterdone & jo states are correct, once we got past the die "NOT" touching the shell holder... If it touches, then it absolutely does NO harm to turn another 1/4 turn...

Well, not to touch the shell holder would absolutely make a difference. The previous post(s) sounded to me like one should touch the shell holder instead of screwing down another 1/4". There would be no difference in this situation is what I was referring to. Chambers do vary, however, the o-n-...

Well, this is certainly a new one for me... that is, the oversizing &/or having the die set too far down with 1/4 more turn past the shell holder per the instructions. Problem is, that makes no sense. Once the die hits the shell holder it is done; 1/4" more turn or not. It is impossible to ...

Verminator, those were probably with the 32 gr bullet I would assume. I have gotten over 4000 fps (can't recall exact velocity right now) and would be about right. The 39 & 40 is considerably heavier & thus slower however.

Well, I have seen as much as 300 fps difference between rifles with the same load, on the same day, at the same range. However, I doubt if that is happening here. I'm using 27 grs of Benchmark with 39gr Sierra's & just chronographed them again yesterday at exactly 3747 fps in 74 degree weather w...

Doc, I have not read all the posts so this may be a repeat. Your groups (or lack of) are definitely abnormal... for ANY decent rifle. With that said, the problem could be a multitude of reasons, however, have you tried another scope? I've seen scopes being the problem more than once is why I ask. He...

I am not surprised your hotter (26.7) load did the best with that powder. I will not be even further surprised if it does even better the closer to 28 grs you get. Then again? As far as the 26.3 load goes, it is anyone's guess as to whether it was the shooter or load. More testing of that load would...

That's true, the 204 "factory" rounds are indeed higher velocity. However, one will never get a handload to meet, much less out do factory 204 velocities. In fact, hanloads are often times considerably lower. My 223, will shoot 40 gr Noslers over 3800 fps w/ 28.5gr of Benchmark. Now, the c...

Yep, gotta agree with you both on the difficulty of finding a good load for the 204. Plus my dislike for many of them not shooting the 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tip well. Plus their very limited bullet selection, and any that actually works well. RL10X is one of the very best / most accurate powders in ...

Kenbrofox, you are absolutely correct on your assumption. Sometimes the same load will work in multiple rifles, and other times they can be a mile apart. They are indeed all different. Also, a given (usually max) load in one rifle may be 300 fps slower in velocity in another rifle and still be a max...

I can't recall at this second, however, if the cci 400 are mag primers, then that would be the first thing I would QUIT using. Again, IF... The Fed 205 match or cci match standard primers would be much better in this situation. My 204 LOVES 27.0 grains of Benchmark with the 39gr Sierra Blitz King bu...

Jim, that has been my experience also with Varget... A very good powder for sure, however, I always call it an "IFer" powder. "IF" it was slightly more accurate, with slightly more velocity it would be one of, if not the best out there. In other words, in every caliber I've teste...

Benchmark is theee very best powder in my 204... With 34(33?) Hornady & 39gr Sierra bullets. The 39gr sierra w/27grs of Benchmark is the most accurate of all in my rifle. RL10X comes a close 2nd with the 39gr but slightly less velocity. H4895 would be a great powder if it didn't have so many fly...

Lenard, I am not positive how light the Timney can be set. However, " IF " my memory serves right it can be adjusted in the same range as a Jewel or Shilen. Pretty light in other words. Anyway, mine is set just under 2lbs which I like as an all around pull... whether target shooting or hun...