SmallCaliberCentral

I want to load some lower power .204 cartridges. I see on the IMR load data page that they say you can use H4895 at 60%+ of the max powder charge. Just want to get something down around 2800 fps or so to cut the recoil to the point where I can see the hit on the target. I'm shooting a CZ American which is pretty light. Any one have any experience with this subject?

788k wrote:I want to load some lower power .204 cartridges. I see on the IMR load data page that they say you can use H4895 at 60%+ of the max powder charge. Just want to get something down around 2800 fps or so to cut the recoil to the point where I can see the hit on the target. I'm shooting a CZ American which is pretty light. Any one have any experience with this subject?

Yep, I do.....went to a 20 Vartarg. About 85% of 204 Ruger performance from roughly 30% less powder. Even with full power loads with a 32gr bullet, virtually every hit can be seen through the scope.

A 204 Ruger alongside a 20 Vartarg, both loaded with 32gr SBK's:



Be careful with reduced loads in the 204, as detonation may occur with slower powders in the 204 case......not a good thing. I love my 204's (all four of 'em), but if you really want to slow down a .204" bullet like that, a smaller capacity case would be the best move. You may want to check out some Blue Dot loads, as it works very well for reduced veolcity .223 Rem loads. JMO

i stay at the low end of the load manual. sometimes a little lower. i believe i had already reached the 60% rule at 3200fps. which is fine for punching paper.

Use Trail Boss, It's the absolute best for reduced loads:

http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf


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For sure the way to go is with one of the Fireball variants. Trail Boss is too slow. 22-250 at under 2,000 fps? You may just as well use a .22 mag and save a ton of powder. Anyway, thanks to all for the input. If I try some 4895, I'll post a report.

OK, I loaded a couple of H32s w/60,70 and 80% of max H4895 as shown in the Hodgdon table (29gr.), and shot them through the cronograph. 2,250, 2,640 and 3,110+/-. No high pressure signs or anything like that. I want something around 3,000, so I loaded three each of 21.4, 8, 22.2, 6 and 23.0. Groups were just about what I'd expected for this rifle. The 22.2 group was very good with all three touching in an horizontal string. Good plinking ammo with noticeably less kick.