I'm thinking the 204 may be too limited.

General discussion and information about the 204 Ruger.
PaddyD
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Joined: Sun Sep 08, 2019 4:06 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Savage 12 LRPV

I'm thinking the 204 may be too limited.

Post by PaddyD »

Well, I've decided to change my 204R to a 223R. I have a new Criterion Savage prefit bull contour ordered for the LRPV. Reason being is that this rifle will only shoot 32 g bullets well. Actually it shoots the 32's exceptionally well, but I need to also be able to shoot the heavier 40's too.
So, enter the 223. The new tube will be a 26" 9 twist and be able to go from 45 up to 70 gn bullets. I've been loading for it the last 6 or 8 years now and tried just about every powder/ bullet combination out there, but with the 39 or 40 g bullets it just won't shoot under 1/2 MOA on a consistent basis. I just hope this new CBI barrel is a good one. I guess the beauty of this M12 is that if the 223 barrel won't shoot, I can always just screw the 204 back on.
Anyone here shooting Criterion barrels? Have they done well for you?
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Rick in Oregon
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.204 Ruger Guns: Sako 75V, Cooper MTV, Kimber 84M, Cust M700 11 Twist
Location: High Desert of Central Oregon
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Re: I'm thinking the 204 may be too limited.

Post by Rick in Oregon »

Why not just call Savage CS and tell them you have a rifle that won't shoot the 40's. They have replaced barrels for issues far less problematic than yours. Going to a 223 from 204 is a few steps backwards. I shoot multiple rifles in both calibers and have for many years, so feel entitled to comment.

You bought the rifle in 204. Make them give you a rifle that shoots in 204; that's what you paid for.
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Rick in Oregon
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Oregon, East of the Cascades - Where Common Sense Still Prevails

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000shock
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Joined: Sat Feb 01, 2020 12:56 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Howa 1500 lam varminter

Re: I'm thinking the 204 may be too limited.

Post by 000shock »

I agree with rick. You bought the 204 because i assume it is the round you wanted. See if sav will make it right. If your going as far as swapping barrels, why not a new 204r barrel with a 1:11 twist if you want 40’s to group well? My howa shoots 40’s like crap, but my compass (1:10 twist) shoots them great.
Bill K
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Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:00 am
.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
Location: Lake Forest, Ca.

Re: I'm thinking the 204 may be too limited.

Post by Bill K »

I say about the same, you ordered and bought a 204R to have one, so when you ordered this new barrel why not get it in 204R with a 1/11 twist and enjoy the 204R, rather than the 223R ? It would shoot 40's or the 39 Sierra BK great as most 1/11 do in the 20 cal . Bill K
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