SmallCaliberCentral

I ordered this back in April and it finally arrived. It's a Cooper Varmint Extreme with a fluted barrel. The wood on it is out of this world (first gun I ever bought with "upgraded" wood). I mounted the scope this weekend (lapped the rings) and bore sighted it. The scope is a Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20 x 50 with a rapid Z varmint reticle.

Can't wait to take it out to the range for the first time this weekend.

I loaded up 50 rounds of .204 Ruger varying mostly the OAL. I've got 5 rounds at 0" off the lands, 5 rounds at .010 off the lands, 5 rounds at .020 off the lands, 5 rounds at .030 off the lands and 5 rounds at .040 off the lands. The RCBS precision micrometer and the Redding competition dies really made that job easy. These 25 are loaded at the "starting" load in the Nosler manual for 32gr Noslers with 23.5gr of RL10x. The next 25 are spread out the same way with varying OALs, but with 24.5gr of RL10x. The objective is to see which OAL shoots the best. Then I'll start fine tuning the amount of powder once I've shot these with no signs of pressure.

I've got some Bergers (35gr and 40gr) to try out once I've seen how the Nosler 32gr and 40gr bullets fly.

Birddog

Beautiful gun! I have two Coopers in .204, and both are very accurate. I talked with Rob Behr (before he left Cooper) and he gave me an oal of 2.235 that they use in their loads. I use the same oal in both 32 and 39 gr Blitzkings. I'm using Benchmark in both guns, but a different powder charge in each gun. I did try some 10x, but Benchmark seems to work better for me. Neither of my guns care for v-max bullets, but really shoot the Blitzkings.
I can give you more info, as to loads, chrony results, etc., if you want to send me a pm.
Be sure and give us a report.

Hmmm, I wonder if they've changed things. According to my measurements, an OAL of 2.325 is right at the lands. I loaded up at this length and shorter lengths out to 2.285 (which is .040 off the lands). Didn't even think about going farther.

2.235 would be would be .090 off the lands for my rifle. Is that advisable to try something that far away from the lands?

thanks for any input on this.

Birdddog

That is definitely one of the most beautiful stocks I've ever seen. Congrats on one amazing looking rifle. I bet it will shoot as good as it looks. All Coopers sound amazing, and if they aren't they'll keep working on it with you until you're satisfied (from what I've read).

I started a separate thread in the "Reloading the .204 Ruger" section concerning the OAL recommendation from Keith in GA.

Bird, that's one purdie stick! Let us know how she shoots. Gary

Very nice rifle. Sure it will shoot tiny holes. Your reloading bench is WAY too clean!

Birddog, you need to read my post again. I said the oal that Cooper gave me was 2.235 , not 2.325. This is NOT measured off the ogive of the bullet, but the exact figure given to me for oal. I do realize that the ogive measurement is different, and I can give that to you if you need it. And yes, the 2.235 rounds take quite a long jump into the lands, but it is very accurate and works in my guns.
Just trying to help and pass on some useful info I got from the factory. I know it saved me a lot of headaches, and wear and tear on my guns.

birddog: All I can say is "oh baby!" That's one sweet rifle you've got there, bud. We all know it's going to shoot as good as she looks too, bein' a Cooper 'n all. Congratulations, I know the wait was worth it now.

You need to work on that reloading bench though..... far too devoid of the usual clutter of a rifle loonys sick mind......

I think that is the DEFINITION OF COOPER PORN!!!!! Very sexy rifle. Congrats! -Dan