SmallCaliberCentral

Just purchased a new Ruger M77 mark2 in .204 for $462.00. Mounted a Mueller 8.5x25 eraticator scope, and begin to make some test loads. Using winchester brass, cci small primers, 32 grain vmax, and reloader 10x. I just used my lee hand press with RCBS dies. Loaded weight sorted rounds with 25 grains of 10x with a C.O.A.L. of 1.257 and a final loaded weight of 157 grains. Took eight shots to sight in, with the ninth, and tenth shot being one hole. I've reloaded in the past, but think I got lucky on this one.

2.257 c.o.a.l., I'm not very good on a computer!

I think you had a typo on COL....

1.257

....that would be pretty short... ... in my rifles...or mighty thick brass with a total weight of 157gr... ,,,, Just razzing you a little...

I'm somewhat envious that you have a rifle that will handle the 32gr bullets well.... both of mine get really wild with the lighter bullets..

[quote="OldTurtle"]'m somewhat envious that you have a rifle that will handle the 32gr bullets well.... both of mine get really wild with the lighter bullets..


old turtle, what is the twist on your rifles? my howa 1500 has a twist of 1 in 12 and handles the 32 gr. pills with great accuracy, under 1/2 at a hundred yards. i am loading 27.2grs benchmark with wsr primers. and shoots the 39gr. blitzkings even better. doesn't seem to like the 40gr. vmax though, but i am trying h4895 behind this bullet to see if i can group a little better.

Both of my .204s are 1/12 twist rates....I'm getting ready to try some 35gr Bergers if the rain/wind ever settles down...

When I first got my .204, I picked up a couple boxes of each factory offering that was available and the 40gr Hornady was producing some really tight groups for a new rifle, and the 32 and 34gr were a lot more spread out at 100yds....

When I started reloading for it, I've just stayed with the 39gr SBKs with excellent results.. I only shoot the factory when I have to...

Fatman
How do you like that Mueller scope? I have an APV on my Howa and really like it. Just wondering about the rest of their scopes

I have heard both good, and bad on the mueller scopes. I for one happen to like mine. The optics are clear for a scope in this price range, very easy to sight in, holds zero, and love the ultra fine crosshairs with fine dot. I have several high dollar scopes, and for the money, I'd buy another Mueller. $206.00 from Sportsmansguide for the 8.5x25 eraticator.

I have a couple of Muellers.... one is their 2-7x Multi-Shot that I use in 3-gun competitions and the other, is their 8.5-25x Eradicator, for PDs..... My first Eradicator was 2-3 years old and about November, I discovered some spots on the inside of the objective lens that appeared to be dried water spots.... I sent it into the factory and for the $12 handling fee, they sent me a new one....

Both are accurate and other than the spots, have been excellent buys for the money..