SmallCaliberCentral

I am looking for information from those who used the 40 gr BT. I have a Shilen1-10 twist 26 inch barrel and the only powder I have is IMR8208. Nosler's loading data is slower than Hodgden, Hornady and Sierra manuals. Nosler has the longest bearing surface compared to Hornady 40gr and Sierra 39gr so that might raise pressure a little. Normally I use Hornady 40 gr V Max with IMR8208 with great results but availability this year is questionable as no one has 204 Caliber bullets. What velocities are your safe loads and grains of powder used.
Thanks

Probably not much help but my VSSFII done 3/4" at 100 with Nosler 40s and 4895. I dont remember the grains as those were breakin loads.

I've had good results following the Nosler load data, aka accurate loads, so which is a higher priority for you?? Speed or accuracy??

Accuracy will always trump speed. Unless all you want is speed and don't really care how accurate your load is.

In my 204's when I want to shoot any of the 40's, my usual powder is either RL-10X or 4895 at max book loads and an OAL as long as I can get it whilst still retaining one caliber of bullet in the case neck. Accuracy is in the .2's and .3's and enough speed to "get the job done".

I've found that 4895 is an excellent powder for the heavier .204 bullets in terms of both accuracy and velocity, but I've also read that 8208 is also an excellent choice.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I load for accuracy too because I like to shoot out to 500 yards. What brand of 4895 are you using? IMR or Hodgdon.
I have some H4895 to test with my IMR 8208. When the range opens up in May I will test both powder.

Grayfox wrote: ↑Wed Mar 31, 2021 5:54 am. What brand of 4895 are you using? IMR or Hodgdon.

Grayfox: I'm using H4895 only for the heavier 39gr and the 40's.

When I use 4895, it has been the H4895 thus far. Bill K

thanks

I was using CFE223, then I tried some 10X. Good accuracy and speed from both, the 10X edged out the CFE223 though. This was with Vmax bullets. I happened into some Nosler 40’s, honestly I just don’t get the accuracy out of them I like.

Ive got a Tikka T3 1/12" twist 22 inch barrel and using 40 grain Hornady Vmax for foxes, but have been recommended to go a bit lighter and try the 32 gn as 40gn about the limit with the 1/12 twist. Ive tried the 40 grain Noslers and very impressed as well. I am keen to try and get accurate shots out to 400 yards ( I use a fox caller and the wiley ones sit out there without coming in) I have done some bench rest shots at 400m with the 40 grains and got 1-1.5" groups. What is your recommendation on factory ammo? PS: in Oz there seems to be less 40 gr ammo and more .32 and .39. Thanks

Grayfox wrote: ↑Wed Mar 31, 2021 5:54 am Thanks everyone for your replies. I load for accuracy too because I like to shoot out to 500 yards. What brand of 4895 are you using? IMR or Hodgdon.
I have some H4895 to test with my IMR 8208. When the range opens up in May I will test both powder.

Hi Rogman - I tried the Hornady vmax 40gn factory ammo when i first started with my sako 204 VLS (1:12) and couldnt get a decent group - now predominantly use handloaded 39 gn blitzkings over 2206H and get really small groups and excellent performance on foxes and roos(under permit)- happy to take head shots at roos out to 200 m and foxes anywhere you can see them!
If it wasnt raining right now I wouls be out chasing foxes as we start lambing on Sunday and sheep are worth a fortune at present

cheers

Hoppy

Think if I was getting 1 to 1.5 groups at 400 meters ( around 438 yrds) I would be entering some of the shoots and making some money and medals as long as I was shooting paper.

I couldnt reproduce this when I was hunting , but it was fun on the range 400m targets , other blokes had their cannons out, 308's etc , and laughing when I pulled out my pop gun .204. Some hadnt even heard of such a small round. bit of drift in the wind , but this grouping made them sit up , just need to reproduce this when on the field. Tikka T3 , Hornady 40 gn. Love my 204!