SmallCaliberCentral

Hi guys.
I am after a little advice.

I currently use a .17hmr as I hunt on small properties and want to eliminate the chance of ricochet or bullets passing through the Red Fox I target here in Australia. I limit my shots to around 100m.

I am considering upgrading to a Howa .204 and using the 26gn Varmint Grenades and W748 powder.

Can anybody tell me the best twist rate for such light projectiles?
Is W748 suitable for the Varmint grenades? Ive read about everybody using the 32gn load data.
Are there any other mid priced rifles that I should be looking at?

Thanks for any help.

Romek.

As a Howa owner, and shooter, in 204, I don't think you can beat this rifle for quality, value, and accuracy. It will come in a 1&12 twist, which should handle just about any bullet, except maybe the 40grainers, you choose to feed it.
On a good day in the rat fields, I can go thru more than 100 rds a day. Like any 204, you will need to keep her clean to maintain accuracy. JMHO

Second the Howa choice or, if you can find one, the new Ruger American in 204R. 1-12 to 1-11 twist will work for you. Work up a load from the 32 grain bullets. Bill K

Thanks for the replies.
Sounds like the Howa will fit the bill nicely.

One last question.....

Would I be right in thinking the lighter 26gn projectiles would not need a long barrel to get velocity up?
Being so light, would they reach their max velocity earlier and I would be able to take an inch or two off the barrel length to make shooting from a vehicle window more comfortable?

Personally, I do not believe you would lose enough to worry about. If you are after clearance from a vehicle. Bill K

So it has been a few years since I started this thread. I thought it might be interesting to give a quick update.

I ended up getting a Tikka T3 Varmint and it shoots the Varmint Grenades very well. I use W748 and am more than happy with the accuracy for fox hunting here in South Australia. As I said previously, I only shoot around 100m on small properties so the tiny projectiles are fine.

I use the ATN Xsight 2 with the NM800 IR light.

Looks like you found a nice setup and it appears it is working as you want. Thanks for sharing. Will be watching for more photos, we like photos.. Bill K

More photos will be coming. It is the middle of summer here with some days around 40*c which is 104*F so hunts are a little less frequent.
It has been a while since I frequented this forum and things look a little quiet.....

Has the ATN Xsight 2 worked well for you? Been contemplating one for shooting coyotes at night here in the states.

Hi dirtcd.

Yes, I have been very happy with the ATN Xsight2.

When I first saw them, I was a little unsure how a digital screen would be for holding zero but I have not had any problems in the 2 years so far.

However, you will need to upgrade the factory IR light if you shoot past 100 yards. I currently use a Nightmaster 800 but there are a few other top quality IR torches that will work way better than the one that comes with the scope. Also, a battery pack or Lithium AA batteries are a must. It will chew through normal Alkaline batteries in about 20 minutes. I use Kentli rechargeable AA and get more than 6 hours use easily.

There are 3 series available. Xsight 1, Xsight2 and now the new 4K version with plenty of forums and facebook groups for support if you run into any trouble.

I liked my xsight2, then it failed to start...now 4kpro..sometimes freezes. I moved to PBiR torches.

Was interesting your happy with 26gn for closer ranges..I'm just starting the 204 journey..

I also fox in SA....

Im foxing in WA, use the ATN X Sight 4 K Pro with Sniperhog light (can see out to 300 yards!!) absolutely the best IR light on the planet! Ive got a Tikka T3 .204 and playing with factory rounds ( I dont reload) I am wanting distance to 200m but lot of shots within 100. I have a 1/12 twist and 22' barrel. My understanding is that up to 50 gn will be good and then you run the risk of tumbling, so I have been playing with 32 grn Hornady Vmax and 40gr Hornady as well as 39 grn SBK. I think the 40's are great and less drift in wind, still playing though , I want something that will be flat shooting but good out to 300m at a pinch. Any hunters have a preference with factory rounds?

If your 1/12 twist is like most 204's, you might have success with the 40 grain, without it yawing or tumbling, but over that most heavier bullets will not work well at all.
You will find the 32 and less will work the best. If you want to shoot heavier bullets then you are probably going to have to rebarrel with a 1/11 or faster twist.

Rogman, Bill K is spot-on in regard to bullet weight and twist. You might as well forget shooting the 50gr bullets in your 12T rifle. It would be a most frustrating experience. Stick to the 39gr SBK and lighter, and you'll be both money and smiles ahead.

Sorry, but that's the truth unless you re-barrel to at least an 11 twist. Myself and others here have gone that route and have had complete success. PTG has my reamer on file that is considered a 204R Match chamber, similar to what TK designed, just with less freebore. Shoots in the high "ones" and low "two's". Good stuff and allows bullets to be seated at or near the lands.

thanks Bill I will revisit the 32gn, but will they drift more in the wind ?

Bill K wrote: ↑Mon Sep 27, 2021 7:13 pm If your 1/12 twist is like most 204's, you might have success with the 40 grain, without it yawing or tumbling, but over that most heavier bullets will not work well at all.
You will find the 32 and less will work the best. If you want to shoot heavier bullets then you are probably going to have to rebarrel with a 1/11 or faster twist.