How many grains make a diff?

[darchell]

I would like some opinions on coming up with some test loads for the 204. I am using benchmark with CCI 400 primers, already hard not a good choice I wil have to watch closely, and 35 Grain Berger. The load data from berger is, 21.5 - 25.5 how much change should I use between loads? For example should I go with 21.5, 21.7, 21.9 etc or give more of a gap like 21.5, 21.8 etc. Any ideas?

[Rick in Oregon]

Most times we work up in .2 gr increments...... always watching for signs of pressure. When I get near book max, I work up .1 gr at a time.

[darchell]

Thanks, that was what I was thinking anyway. I will work at .2 at a time.

[jo191145]

Also be aware Walts data is VERY conservative. Hodgen recommends 25.0 as a start charge and 26.6 as max. Most folks find 26.5 - 26.6 hits a nice accuracy node. Hodgen claims around 3800 fps at 26.6gns.

Your 400's should handle the pressure well enough but keep a close eye.

[darchell]

I noticed the loading data form Hodgdon for the Berger 35 grain bullet is diff. then the data given to me from Berger Bullets. Berger reccomends 21.5 - 25.5. Hodgdon reccomends 25-26.6? This is for the same bullet? I had this happen before with the 300 RUM and Barnes MRX bullets. They reccomended a totally different amount then Hodgdon. In fact there max was lower than Hodgdon's starting. Any ideas???? Who do I believe?

Didn't see the above post prior to posting my question. So I would be safe with going as high as 26.6?

[cynergyguy]

Most of the time berger recommends seating the bullets touching the lands, so they back off the powder charge, they don't want you to create too much pressure, just start low and work your way up looking for pressure signs and you should be fine.

[jo191145]

darchell

Walt makes the finest production bullets available.
Hodgen gets its data from real life testing. Walt from a computer with variable inputs.

Its fairly safe to say if your gun is a bolt action it can easily handle Hodgens data.
What gun are you using anyway???

Your weak point right now is the CCI-400's. You'll need to keep a close watch on them.
Primers are scarce, we need to learn how to use what we've got

I used Walts data for Viht 135. There is no other data to compare it too.
I got some serious blowby from undercharged loads.
Save yourself some bullets and go with Hodgens recommendations. Just watch those primers.
Some cratering is ok but if you notice the firing pin indentation begin to become shallow you've reached the edge.
If the indentation reverses your over the edge and hanging on by one fingernail. Don't go there

[darchell]

I am shooting a Savage VLP DBM. 26" Fluted Bull Barrel. I have never encountered primer issues on any other load, other calibers. I will watch thme closely. Pretty much I will look for anything other then what they should look like. Thanks for the advise. I'll take all I can get. I am using Winchester BRass which I am learing on here is not reccomended also. I had four componets to buy, powder, brass, primers and bullets. I got two out of four I guess I am using benchmark and Berger bullets. Both seem to be working good for others. Next week I will start looking for some winchester primers and see what I can get my hands on. Any others that would be reccomended?

[Frank]

I can't recall at this second, however, if the cci 400 are mag primers, then that would be the first thing I would QUIT using. Again, IF... The Fed 205 match or cci match standard primers would be much better in this situation.

My 204 LOVES 27.0 grains of Benchmark with the 39gr Sierra Blitz King bullet. So your starting loads are way too light in my opinion.

Good Luck

Frank

[jo191145]

Just to show you how diverse this sport can be. 205M's are my personal favorite. If those aren't working I'll grab mag primers every time. In my big toys I use only magnum LR primers.

[darchell]

Frank, I have been doing some surfing on the net and agree with you. I will start with either 24.5 or 25 and work my way up to 26.6 with .2 grain increments. Looking for pressure issues each step.

[acloco]

....and CCI 450's are my favorite primers (magnum).

[Gube]

I feed both of my 204's with 26.8 gr of benchmark for the 35 gr bergers.

[darchell]

Gube, what primers did you use? What rifle was it in?

[kenbrofox]

Hi guys, am i missing something here? is it correct that if you put identical loads in identical rifles you might not get identical performance figures. I still got a lot to learn Thanks KB.