SmallCaliberCentral

I waiting on my first .204 and found this site while doing research. This is my first post and I have a question. I'm waiting on a gun from gunbroker and It's a ruger #1 in .204. It is a 1:14 twist. I handload and will be handloading after builting up some brass from factory ammo. What will be the heaviest bullet that barrel will stabilize? I like Sierra bullets, and I wouold like to shoot the 39gr bullets, but I'm not sure if this twist rate will do the job. Any exprienced guys out there have a #1, and could shed some light?

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the site roooster, and congratulations on snagging a No.1. I'm a No.1 user also, and love those rifles.

However before you actually get this rifle, I'd check out that barrel twist, as myself as well as all I've talked to are unaware that Ruger ever produced a .204" barrel with a 1/14 twist. Could be wrong (it happened once before ), but I'm betting it's Rugers standard 204R twist rate of 1/12.

Many 22-250's are 1/14 twist, but without exception, all the Ruger 204's I'm aware of are 1/12. I don't think you'll have any problem with shooting the 39gr SBK. Try both RL-10X and H4895 under those 39's.

(With the triple "o" in your handle, can we assume you're in Oz?)

Rick, I sure hope you are right, I would perfer the 1:12 twist. Since ruger doesn't make this gun any longer, I can't get the info from their site, I guess I'll just have to wait until I get the gun and measure it myself. I've BEEN in the market for one for a LONG time. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

roooster - I have a friend who purchased a No.1V in 204R when they were first available (SS/Lam), and when checked at the bench, it was a 12 twist barrel.

You'll most likely need to do the 'usual' deeds required to make the typical No.1 shoot, but I'd say go buy some 39gr SBK's with confidence.

Just for fun, here's my No.1V in 223 Rem, Canjar single set trigger and 40gr Nosler BT's at 3,700 fps makes it a real sweetie in the rat patch:



Not sure how much experience you have with these rifles, but if you're just starting out, PM me and I'll fill you in on some easy things to do that'll make her a shooter. The same tricks work on No.3's too.

rooster congrads on finding a Ruger#1 in 204.
Rick your the man when it comes to #1's and #3's.(Real nice pics when you post them). Sure hope you can help him out and make the rifle a real sweet shooter.
Later
Ray P

I've been shooting the Savage SS .204 for about 4 summers. It has a 12:1 twist and shoots the 32gr VMax very, very well. I tried many powders/powder charges and a 40g VMax with little to no success of stabilizing the bullet. Savage, Hornady, and Hodgdon have no help except to say,"it should work"!! I knowingly run enough 'hot' rounds through the barrel over the past 4-5 yrs to burn it to a point of replacement. I contacted Jim at Northland Shooter Supply in MN and he says Criterion (CRI) makes an 11:1 that should better handle the 40g, or from his experience, the 39g SBK. I ordered that barrel and can't wait to get it. Jim is a very knowledgeable source on, amongst other topics, barrels & twists. I have attached a web page that will have a small, info rotating box on it with SSS (for Savage Shooters Supply) and his name, Jim Briggs, & his phone number. If you have further questions, you might want to give him a call.....good luck.

http://savageshooters.com/SavageForum/i ... 2.330.html

thanks torque

Just found out that my SR-556 arrived in TN last night and my Ruger #1 is in the mail, on it's way!!!!