39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Share information about reloading the 204 Ruger.
varmit_master
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.204 Ruger Guns: TC 204
Location: Arkansas

39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by varmit_master »

Hi I bought it to use on fox and bobcats . I have 32 gr z max 32 gr nosler HP 40 gr v max 40 gr accu tips. And 39 gr bking and 35 gr bergers HP. I am going to use RL10 or H4895. I just need to know which one to start with. Some say to use 39 gr some say the 35 gr HP. If the bergers is the ticket I will order a 1000. Need some help Ty.
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rfd
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Re: 39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by rfd »

since all rifles and trigger pullers are different, only yer personal testing will tell ya what boolit and powder and charge yer rifle will like best. there are no shortcuts nor fast-food answers to consistent accuracy. happy testing.
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TrapperDan
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.204 Ruger Guns: remington 700 204,cz 527 american 204
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Re: 39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by TrapperDan »

As we don't have fox here, I really can't say but for coyotes I have found that the hollow point is more fur friendly than the plastic tip.
I have also found that the slower I run them ,the less fur damage. I don't like to "Knit one pearl two" all that much . For a straight on chest shot or a broadside shot there isn't that much difference ,but it's the quartering shot where the hollow pt. seems to do less damage.Dan
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RAMOS
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Re: 39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by RAMOS »

Like TrapperDan, my experience does not include fox. I started out with 39 SBK's on coyotes, badgers and cats. All was well until maybe two years ago when I started having trouble with bullets splashing. Heard a rumor that Sierra had changed the thickness of their jackets on that particular bullet. Never confirmed if they did or did not. Decided to give the Bergers a try and have been very happy with them. In my 204R, both of these bullets have proven to be extremely accurate. I usually end up with a small entrance, no exit and innards that are VERY messed up with the HP's. Again, can't testify how this applies to fox, I know they are much thinner skinned. If I see one, I will tell you how it went! :mrgreen:
varmit_master
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.204 Ruger Guns: TC 204
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Re: 39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by varmit_master »

Thanks guys before I got my 204 one guy said the 32 gr z max was a good bullet for that. So like a dummy I bought up 3000 of them. I fount a guy that has a bunch of 39 gr bking I just bought 7 boxes 0ff him. And he sold me once fired Winchester brass 15.00 @ 100 he had 200 he could let go so I bought. I have enough stuff for my 204 for life just need need some more 35 gr bergers . We have grey and red fox here. Cats tons of coyotes. When you shot the cat did it leave a small hole? I shot my gun with factory ammo Winchester 34 gr HP. My wife bought me 20 boxes when i couldn't find any brass. They shot OK for the rifle being shot 9 times. What powder r ya using I have RL10 H4895 and H322.
TwentyBore
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Re: 39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by TwentyBore »

varmit_master wrote:Thanks guys before I got my 204 one guy said the 32 gr z max was a good bullet for that. So like a dummy I bought up 3000 of them. I fount a guy that has a bunch of 39 gr bking I just bought 7 boxes 0ff him. And he sold me once fired Winchester brass 15.00 @ 100 he had 200 he could let go so I bought. I have enough stuff for my 204 for life just need need some more 35 gr bergers . We have grey and red fox here. Cats tons of coyotes. When you shot the cat did it leave a small hole? I shot my gun with factory ammo Winchester 34 gr HP. My wife bought me 20 boxes when i couldn't find any brass. They shot OK for the rifle being shot 9 times. What powder r ya using I have RL10 H4895 and H322.
I can't say as to the fur damage, but if you have a 1:12 or faster, 39 grain SBKs and RE-10x is quite often a VERY accurate combo in the .204.
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RAMOS
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Re: 39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by RAMOS »

With the Bergers, I have never had an entrance hole bigger than a quarter. Usually not much bigger than the bullet itself. That being said, I can't remember my last 'head-on' shot and I don't believe I have put one through a shoulder blade. My 204R is quite happy using fully prepped WW brass, RL10X and either Federal 205M or Remington 7 1/2 primers. Once I find a load that makes me happy, I quit experimenting. I am sure there are other combinations that perform well other than mine.
varmit_master
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Re: 39 gr bking or 35 gr bergers for a fur bullet.

Post by varmit_master »

Thanks guys my gun is a TC venture 1@10 twist . I use Winchester brass and Remington 7 1/2 primers. As long as either bullet with not make a big hole and group good. I am happy. I have my gun topped with a nikon buckmaster 6x18x40mm with target dot.
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