Hedge: My goal was for peak accuracy from a 204 Ruger, along with 'acceptable' varmint pureeing velocity using the higher B.C. 40gr bullets for extended range; not necessarily higher velocity. I've never tried to reach the factory claimed 4,225 fps using the 32 grainers, but built the rifle primarily for the 39gr SBK and both the Nosler and Hornady 40's. I wanted to see how a properly chambered 204 would shoot if chambered like "normal" varmint and BR rifles without the rediculous freebore. While I was at it, I figured tightening up the sloppy SAAMI chamber would not hurt either.
During testing, my velocities with the 39SBK & the 40's in the PN 11-twist ran 3,960 to 3,980 fps with decent varmint accuracy, so I'd say I reached my goal. However my 'accuracy load' using the 40gr NBT at .008" off the lands, 10X and Fed 205M's shoots bugholes, and clocks 3,708 fps. Still plenty fast enough for work out at 600 with literally pinpoint accuracy.
With this chamber setup the gun usually shoots one hole on paper at 100 (usually in the .2's), tight enough on paper at 200 and 300 to hit a PD or squirrel peaking over his mound and seeing only his eyes and black nose. I've launched squirrels in the alfalfa patch past 500 yards, but still have not broke the 600 yard mark just yet with this rifle (
The Silver Princess of Death)......the dang things won't sit still long enough, as they actually have time to move just enough at that range from sear-break to impact, to cause a miss when the cross-hairs were 'dead-on' until they twitched just enough. These are twitchy critters that only sit still when they're standing up on their hind feet like a PD.
"SPOD" as she's referred to, on the bench cooling her barrel before the next onslaught against Skippy and his pals (the scope now wears Lupy Alumina alloy flip caps):
Next spring however, I'll correct this 600 yard deficiency.
24" barrel?