SmallCaliberCentral

I'm going to buy a new Rem.700, chambered in Ruger 204.
I'm also going to buy a 1000 rounds of ammo to get me going with.
I will eventually be reloading the brass. My question is, should I buy
Federal's Premium load with the 39gr. Sierra Blitz King bullet, or is the ammo you buy from the HSM- Hunting Shack, just as good?
I will be breaking in the barrel and shooting Pdogs with this first 1000 rounds.
Thanks, Dave

Bitman: Given those two choices, I'd get the Fed Premium/39 SBK load hands down if you don't mind the extra cost. Some here have had problems with the HSM brass with their headstamp having brittle rims that have torn off in the shellholder when sizing. If the HSM brass is headstamped WW, R-P or Federal, that would not apply, and it's good quality stuff considering the price.

Whichever route you take, I promise you're going to love your new 204! Welcome to the cadre, Dave, and good luck with the new Remmy on those PD's.

Between those two choices most likely the 39 Feds would be best.
Quite a few 204's can be picky about what they shoot well. It might be better for you to buy a box of everything you can get your hands on. Find out what works and what does'nt then stockpile.
Theres a good chance the 39 Fed will win but........

When I bought my first rifle it was a mini-14. I also bought 1000 Wichester White box to go with it. Shot 16-18 inch groups at 150yds off a bench. Turns out I bought a bunch of ammo that it hated the worst.
Even its favorite ammo bored me to tears so I traded it for one of the first Savage VLP's in 204R to come off the line. Have'nt been bored since.

Dave,
Welcome to the forum! You've got really good information so far. Before you buy a huge amount try a lot of brands and bullet weights to see what your rifle likes. Also it usually takes a few rounds down the pipe to settle the barrel in. My Remington 700 VLSS really likes the 32 Grain bullets. Have fun and keep us posted and remember that we love pictures around here!
Gary

Thanks for the advice guys.
I just heard so much good stuff about the Fed Premium-39gr SBK round, that I figured I buy a 1000 to start with, and be done with it. But, I'd hate to have a 1000 rounds of ammo, that won't shoot well also. When I start reloading, you should use all one brand of brass correct? Is the Fed. brass okay for reloading? I load allot of shotgun shells, and I know some hulls are better than others.