SmallCaliberCentral

Hi all, new to the site but cant see a place to introduce myself.

Have a few rifles and now the proud owner of a HOWA 1500 with Thumbhole stock in .204 flavour. Must say im very impressed with it for the price. Took it out to try some new loads on Sunday and found a great load in 32g (Shot a 1/2 cm group at 100 yards ...But the 40g VMAX didn’t shoot well at all. I have heard that the 1/12 twist doesn’t particularly like the 40g so I just loaded up some more loads to see if I can get sub 1" groups. I’ve tried a couple of different loads with different OAL and also loaded slightly hotter to see if I can send them faster and maybe stabilise them that way (always worked well in my 22.250 on heaver bullets). Also ordered some 39g BKings. Any thoughts on the 40g VMAX. Cheers STEVE

They did well for me in a Savage VLP 1:12 and aslo in a RRA AR-15 1:12, recepie for both rifles is in the "Favorite Loads" threads. I think I had to single feeds these in the AR. At 300y, I think I did 2" 5 groups and the group went close to 1" for 3 shots.

My friends that are new to the 204 get this advice. Buy a box of (50) hornady factory loads in 32 and 40 on sale for 25.00$
Go to the range and shoot 100 and 200 yards. You will know what your rifle prefers. If you can't stand to buy factory fodder
remember these usually shoot 1moa so your loads are not the issues. You also get the brass for -0- just the brass alone costs
25.00$ shipped per 50. You have lost nothing by trying but now you know. Simple test that tells you good data.

You will find the 39's shoot better. If you can't shoot the 40's you might shoot the Barnes 26's at the bottom of the weight it's an either or deal.
For me I can shoot the:
26-39 very accurate in my 1-12

The 40's do about 2"-3" at 200 not good enough for me.

Just my 2 cents...

Steve - there is an introductions thread.
Go to main index, then 204 Ruger Forum (the general discussion section), then you'll find the "tell us about yourself" thread. It's always at the top of the list.
Welcome aboard mate
Dan

Thanks chaps. Ill got to the introductions section. Cheers Steve