Your groups for 26.8 looks just like my 5-shot groups of 27.9 gr @ 200 yds with the same bullet with my CZ527. IIRC, the max load [at the time per the manuals] was 28.1 although I used RP brass vice WW. Mine shoots like that still today and for what ever reason, all of my 204's shoot best up near max while most others shoot down in the mid range somewhere.
Interesting, what is posted is my second shoot with 39g BK I up didn't find a good load at lower charges so those posted were a grp of heavier charges. 32gr Vmax's with BL-C (2) shoot best it seems at low charges, 28.3 which is what I used on my posted target is A min charge.
I may have miss spoke, I use 39-gr SBK, vice 32 grains. Either way, all of my 204's shoot much better up near the top of the charge vice the lower and middle bands.
We've had the North winds fires and smoke so I haven't been to range to drill down on the Three best 39SBK H4895 Loads and see if i can shoot another small grp With the 32vmax/BL-C (2) loads, but 4cast looks good for early next WK.
Well too bad I didn't have my scope zeroed for the best grp above for the monthly competition. the North winds have subsided and I shot the 26.6, 26.8 & 27.0 loads twice yesterday the best grp was .285" & the other was .482". So I'm going to go with the 26.8 load practice some more and maybe tweak some more.
What distance are you shooting at? If it's 200 yards thats pretty darn good. On a like day [weather wise] see if the loads are repeatable. If these were done @ 100 yds, if possible, try them at 200 yds and see how they do. HTH
Ha! Exactly - exactly! - what I came here to ask about today: 39gr SBK with H4895. I'll be running my own OCW on this combo within the within the next month, I will be sure and post results. Thanks!
I'd have a pretty tough time myself reading the OCW tea leaves with this test. I don't see a clear node.
I went again and shot the same series of loads only with an OAL of 2.300 just for kicks and 26.8 shot tighter, since then between WX and Thanksgiving I haven't been with this load. I switched scopes between the 22-250 & 204 so my range time has been re sighting.
Hornady & 1:12 from Savage M12, Remember 7 1/2 primers. I haven't shot the 39's any more, between switching scopes and the accuracy issues using different powders on the same range day I just haven't, but with better WX I will.
The reason I'm asking working on my Encore 1-11 twist MGM SS 24" with the 39grSBK. I having brass issues, more than anything, Fiocchi, Hornady and Winchester. Sending Fiocchi back it was factory ammo, brought for the brass, it was HOT, flat primers, primers backing out.
Morning, you are in the OCW ballpark. Each rifle is a little different. This is what is so great about hand loading. My pet load is with H 4895 by 27.0 w/ 39 sierra and can get groups like your 26.8 load. Way to go. Nice target you posted. Enjoy your 204 Ruger, great little cartridge.
Later
Ray P
Life is an adventure and often to short. Make the most with family and friends. Shoot often and shoot a small hole. Love the 204 Ruger!! NRA Life Member
"We are never to old to learn"
