Powder for AR in .204

[Vartarg]

I've ordered a DPMS upper in .204 which I'll have next week sometime. While reading an interesting thread on .223 loads for the AR in another category on this forum, I began to wonder whether any of you who are loading the .204 for an AR platform have opinions on powder preferences. I expect I can count on many of you having opinions and I look forward to hearing from you. I'm currently loading for and shooting two bolt guns in .204: a Rem LVSF and a Ruger Target Gray. My go-to powders have been RL10X and N133. Thanks, George

[Grayfox]

Vartarg.

Last Fall I shot about 800 rounds in my AR15 in 204 Ruger. The load used 25.1grs of Rel 10X powder,WW brass, 39gr Sierra BK, and Federal GM205M primer.

This year I am makeing some changes to the load. I will try 24.7gr of Rel 10X to lower the pressure and take some stress off the brass during ejection. I have a Tubb CS spring that holds the bolt locked a little longer than a regular spring. I am also getting a Tubb carrier weight system that adds weight to the carrier/bolt assembly. This delayes the bolt opening and keeps pressures more even to aid in accuracy and less violent case ejection.

Another change is I will use Rem 7 1/2 BR primers. They have a thicker cup. The AR15 has a narrower fireing pin than my Savage 12VLP. I have had some pierced primers (Federal GM205M ] with the AR15 but never a problem with the Savage.

Grayfox

[glenn asher]

A buddy of mine was using AA2230-C in his AR, and he was very pleased with it, but it's dried up now. 2460 SHOULD give similar results. I agree with using 7 1/2s as primers, when an AR lets go, it's not pretty.

[dannybracy]

Would CCI Benchrest primers be as sturdy as a 7 1/2 or should I just buy a 1000 of the 7 1/2's? We use the BR-4's in my LRPV and my girlfriend dad's 2 Rem 700's? Thanks! -Dan

[OldTurtle]

Mine prefers Win-748 powder with CCI Mag (450) primers in Winchester brass. I get my best accuracy performance with 39 Sierra BKs..

My better AR loads are almost a full grain under the max. charge listed. Obviously, you will have to find your individual seating depth.

This combination gives me excellent results in both my .204s, as well as it is the basic powder I use in my .223 ARs

[Bad Dad]

The best powder I've found with the ar is XMR-2015 with 39 Sierra BKs.

[bushymonster]

Try some Tac powder. It was designed for the AR and is faster then some and is $5.00 a pound cheaper. It's put out by Ramshot.
randy

[jo191145]

booshy Have you been hittin the smilie bottle again. Happy belated New Year to you too.