How sensitive to bullet geometry does cartridge seem to be? I have shot three different bullet wts in factory ammo, 34gr Win PP, 39gr Sierra Blitz King in Federal, and 40gr Hornady brand V-max to get an idea of where I want to start in bullet wt with this rifle.. The 39gr showed excellent accuracy for four, 5 shot groups with a "best" of .29" and largest of .61", the 34gr went in ~ .7" avg, but the 40gr V-max would not do better then 1.3". All were 5rd groups at 100yds in low wind conditions and from a clean barrel to start with for each bullet wt. Is the 39gr-40gr wt range getting too close to the malengthht for the twist of this rifle? I believe I have a 1/12" twist and will avoid the 45/50gr offerings as they seem to be a bit too much for sure. I understand bullet jump/seating depth, and barrel harmonics with different bullets, but this much accuracy difference with two similar weight bullets makes me think maybe there is more then just "jump" at work.
Is there a wt range that seems to give the best accuracy in this cartridge? It seems in most cartridges there is a certain bullet weight or style that seems to do "well" in most guns. The 165/168gr .30 cal as example or 52gr in the .224. If a 308 or 223 doesn`t shoot one of these bullets well they likely won`t do well with any in my experience without some very serious work. If there is a bullet that seems to shoot in most 204s I`d like to start there and see if it offers what I need instead of trying a 1/2 dozen different bullets hunting for it.
I`ve lurked here for a short while and it seems 4895 and Benchmark are popular powders for the 204. I have both on my shelve and will probably start with them in that order. The 39gr Sierra looks like a good start but I`m still open to other bullets if there is consensus on another being as good or a better choice, especially if my twist is getting iffy with this bullet. The 35gr Berger is another I`m thinking of trying to start with.
How about the real light wts?
I guess it all comes down to what do those of you who load for this round seem to find to best bullet in the most rifles and where do you suggest i start with my hunt for a accurate load. Any tips, ideas or thoughts on where I should begin are appreciated. Accuracy is my 1st worry. The cartridge is fast enough I`m not worried about top velocities
) and am thinking about doing something with the trigger. This one feels like they assembled it in a sand box. I`ll post a couple pictures when I get going. Dies and bullets are getting ordered this weekend.
