I'm worried: 32 gr VMax

[FireBallGuy]

I agree, switch to the blitzkings and I am positive you will get better results or the noslers as rick also indicated. And again, rick is spot on about the fireball.....get that 25 grainer moving out at 3800+ and the FUN factor is OFF THE SCALE!!!

[Keith in Ga]

My Coopers will shoot both the 32 and 39 gr blitzkings. I shoot 32 gr in one gun, and 39 gr in the other. I may throw some 40 gr v-max in the mix for June, but want to experiment a little more if I can find the time. Turkey season opens Sat. and that is my main focus for now.

[lanenebraska]

Factory ammo sprays 6" groups.
My best hand loads can't breech the 0.5" barrier.

Any one else had problems getting 32 gr VMax bullets to group? I'm having a bad time getting past the .5" barrier. 'Getting a little worried that I may have a problem child (rifle).

Rifle: Savage 12 VLP (original varmint barrel, epoxy bedded)
Powder: 26.8 gr Benchmark
Brass: Hornady (NOT flash-hole uniformed)
Trim: 1.395"
Primer: Fed 205M
OAL: appx 2.33"
Bullet TIR: confirmed under 0.002" case side of the olgive

I started w/OAL at spec., and adjusted the powder charge for best groups. I then varied OAL in .02" increments but saw little change.

Like I said, I'm starting to worry a bit here. Dialing in my other rifle (6.5x55) was a piece of cake. I now have 1000 rounds through the tube on the .204, and I'm getting worried, feeling disappointed.

The answer is the 35g Berger MEF. Will bring your groups down to .3's real easy

[glenn asher]

That's rare for a rifle not to like the 32 VMs. I'd look at the crown of the muzzle, too. Something doesn't sound right there.

[bow shot]

Well, the crown looks good to me, but my eye may not be the best trained. No visible scratches dents or dings or other marks.

'Local shop has 30 grain Bergers, but no 35s in 20 cal. Anyone go intelligence on them? I may post a new thread for that one...

I'll make a call and see if they have SBKs too..

[FireBallGuy]

Bow SHot: Don't think you have a gun problem. Thought the same of my remington but as you have read MANY times before some barrels will show a preference in what bullets they will shoot well. The fact mine did not shoot 32's well was a BLESSING to me. This 204 is replacing a 22-250.....read LONG RANGE and the 32's just dont cut it when you get past 400 yards. If your shots come at 350 yards or less the 32's should serve you well but if not the heavier bullets are superior at long range. Just my 2cents worth.

[bow shot]

Ok, the son is stopping at a shop near him before coming home for a visit this weekend, he'll be bringing some 32 gr SBKs, perhaps 39 gr SBKs, and possibly 40 gr Bergers. Looks like I'm in the desert for 35 gr Bergers

Brass prep tonight.

[bow shot]

I'll be loading 32 ans 39 gr SBKs tomorrow. Bergers unavailable.

[FireBallGuy]

Good call bowshot! My remy loves those BK's! Bullet of choice for ALL long range shooting. Have some 40 grain bergers on deck and loaded ready for testing....we will see...

[bow shot]

Thanks FBG. Brass is all prepped just need to throw charges and seat bullets!

I'm racing the calander now, 'chucks are showing their heads now, I'm sure. the grass and weeds are all down flat too, so this is show time!!!

[FireBallGuy]

Got 3 words for you bowshot: KILL THEM ALL!!!

[bow shot]

Filthy varmints that must be brought to justice!!

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

bow shot, what's the best accuracy you've seen from any load? Does it not shoot anything well?

I have a Savage 12 in .204, and have come across several others in the same boat, and every last one of us has found the rifle to be uncommonly accurate and very tolerant of ammunition. That your rifle is so far out of step gives me reason to think it's a gun problem.

[FireBallGuy]

I had a model 12FV that would not shoot ANYTHING!! It actually keyholed 40 grainers without mercy....was a piece of JUNK! Ended up dumping the rifle just to be rid of it. Did the crown and other things to no avail.

[bow shot]

Can't get better than 0.5" w/ the handloads so far (32gr VMax), and some of the factory stuff (32 gr and 40 gr VMAx) actually spray 6".