Finally got my .204 together

[steve_twice]

I have to say, this was a bit more of a process than I expected but I'm excited to get to the range.

1. Bought a CZ 527
2. Bought a Meopta Optika6 3-18x50
3. Bought Warne medium steel rings
4. Quickly realized that the bolt handle would not clear the (very thick) focus ring.
5. Ordered the Glades Armory curved bolt handle
6. Somehow knocked the extractor off while installing and it took me *forever* to get it back on.
7. Reinstalled bolt; handle still wouldn't clear
8. Exchanged medium rings for highs and got just enough clearance.

Good to go now ... headed to the range tomorrow with some 32 and 40 V-Max ... fingers crossed it likes one.

[skipper]

Nice looking rifle. Thanks for sharing the picture. Good luck at the range. Hope it lives up to your expectations. The 32s should perform well in a 1:12 twist. Not so sure about the 40s though.

[Bill K]

As Skipper mentioned the 40 grn may not work well in a 1/12 twist, but most 1/12 twist do just fine with the 39 grn bullets i.e. sierra BK's. So you may have to do a little testing with your rifle.

[steve_twice]

Thanks guys. That's what I've heard but I found a guy selling 2 boxes of 32s and 2 boxes of 40s for $80 and figured the time to buy ammo is when you can find it. Might move the 40s down the road.

[Bill K]

For sure, you could test a few and/or have them for trading material, as you say, down the road. Enjoy you 204.

[Rick in Oregon]

Steve, the CZ 527 has a solid history, here and industry-wide, so yours should be a shooter, especially with the 32's as has been mentioned. If it does not prefer the 40's in that 12T, they'll be good trade material here for some 32's or the excellent 39gr SBK, which every one of my 204's seem to favor.

At the very least, you can always either shoot the 40's up for a good break-in, or pull the bullets for the brass, sell the bullets for some you can use. Either way, it's a win-win for you. Be sure to post a range report.....we're all interested.

If you don't handload, this is one caliber that really benefits from it, as most 204's are capable of very, very good accuracy.

Time too to update your profile, as you now certainly DO own a 204 rifle!

[steve_twice]

Had a lot of fun at the range. As you guys predicted the 40s did not group well. Around 1.2".
With 32s I was just under 1/2 MOA for 3 shots and the 4th pushed it out some.

The optics on the Meopta Optika6 are nice but with the Z plex reticle i found the crosshairs difficult to see.

[RowdyYates]

I have a CZ exactly like that; you’re gonna love it. Never heard of that brand of bolt handle but will check it out. I only shoot 39 Blitzking handloads through mine but 35 grain Berger bullets would be a second choice if they’re accurate. If you’re looking for loaded .204 ammo, might try Hunting Shack, www.hsmammunition.com Also, Sierra was supposed to come out with ammunition tipped with a 36 grain(?) BK bullet, but I’ve yet to see any for sale.

[Bill K]

Rowdy. Glades Armory has various models of bolt handles, for rifles. They work very well and can really smooth out the opening and closing effort on a bolt. Check them out. Prices are very reasonable also.