New to reloading

Share information about reloading the 204 Ruger.
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Whitetail fanatic
New Member
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:20 am
.204 Ruger Guns: .204 bushmaster
Location: Ann Arbor,MI

New to reloading

Post by Whitetail fanatic »

Alright here's my question for any and all . I'm new to reloading and in search of knowledge I'm shooting a MSR Bushmaster with an 18" barrel with a 1:12 twist,I've been shooting the hornady 32 gr. v-max and the gun loves them but I'm finding them a little light for yote hunting so I'm looking at building a round using either the 35 gr.bergers or 34 gr.nosler. I've shot 40 gr. v-max but they seem to be inconsistent. So I've got a container of hodgdon H322 and I'm looking at the federal 205m primer with nosler brass(if I can ever find any). I'm not really concerned about speed but I am really looking for an accurate load,any input would be appreciated.
Bill K
Senior Member
Posts: 2324
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2011 10:00 am
.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
Location: Lake Forest, Ca.

Re: New to reloading

Post by Bill K »

I believe you will find the 35 grain Berger hp will work very well in your rifle, with around 25 grains of H322. Start load is around 24 grains and a max is shown around 26, so start in the 24.5 range and work up in your rifle. Mine levels off around 25 and groups just fine. but that is not in a bushmaster. Bill K
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RAMOS
Senior Member
Posts: 765
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2009 9:30 am
.204 Ruger Guns: Savage Model 12 FLV, Cooper M21
Location: Sherman County, Oregon

Re: New to reloading

Post by RAMOS »

My 204R is a bolt gun. Regardless, the 35 grain Berger has proven to be excellent for coyotes around here. The 32 grain V-Max is just the ticket for rodent size critters but, it is NOT a coyote bullet.
User avatar
Whitetail fanatic
New Member
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 11:20 am
.204 Ruger Guns: .204 bushmaster
Location: Ann Arbor,MI

Re: New to reloading

Post by Whitetail fanatic »

Thanks Bill I will give this load a try,I'm really hoping that the Bergers accomplish what I'm looking for when it comes to accuracy and performance on the yotes.
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