SmallCaliberCentral

I've been shooting 35 gr Bergers, coated, using 27.4 of H4895 and they are becoming my best friend even though I've stocked up on 40 gr hornady. Today I was able to get a .307" group @ 100 yds. Guess I'll have to load up on the bergers

The temperature finally reached the upper 60's the other day so I chronographed some .204 loads in my Savage 12VLP. FYI...... 35 gr. Berger 28gr. H4895 powder 7 1/2BR primer W.W. Brass O.A.L. 2.260 Oehler 35P chrono. posted 3954fps 10 ft. from muzzle (total average).
Second load..... 40gr. Berger 25.1gr. RL-10X powder 7 1/2BR primer Hornady Brass O.A.L. 2.260 posted 3725fps 10 ft. from muzzle (total average). I found that both loads are very accurate in my rifle and I am counting the days until June when I can do some "Skippy" launching in Wyoming.

giterdone wrote:The temperature finally reached the upper 60's the other day so I chronographed some .204 loads in my Savage 12VLP. FYI...... 35 gr. Berger 28gr. H4895 powder 7 1/2BR primer W.W. Brass O.A.L. 2.260 Oehler 35P chrono. posted 3954fps 10 ft. from muzzle (total average).
Second load..... 40gr. Berger 25.1gr. RL-10X powder 7 1/2BR primer Hornady Brass O.A.L. 2.260 posted 3725fps 10 ft. from muzzle (total average). I found that both loads are very accurate in my rifle and I am counting the days until June when I can do some "Skippy" launching in Wyoming.

Interesting to note that you're using 25.1 grns of 10X with 40 Bergers. I received reloading data from Berger and they listed a max load of 10X for 35 Bergers at 23.8 grains. The first thing I noticed about their data is that it seemed extremely conservative compared to my other sources. Dave

No problem with the 25.1gr. of RL-10X with the 40gr. Bergers. I agree that the Berger recommended loads are conservative. I did use Hornady brass though, WW brass may produce higher/lower pressures, as I have not checked the internal volume difference (weight of water to base of neck) between the two cases. Im just happy they stabilize in my Savage 12VLP because my T/C Encore .204 SS barrel doesen't like anything over 35grs. and even 35grs. gets oval at times. Even though both barrels are the same length and twist... velocity's are much less in the T/C.