Any 4064 Loads out there?

[nrowles]

Hello all. New to the forum. Thanks for having me.

I recently purchased a Savage 25 Varminter-T in .204. Note: I am NOT an experienced reloader but have done it a few times in the past using friends equipment. I bought all the reloading supplies except powder. I figured my friends would have different powders I could try before committing to one. Unfortunately the only one they had that I could try was 3031 and I haven't shot those loads yet.

I also have some 4064 from when I loaded .243 years ago. I know this isn't an ideal powder for the .204 but I don't reload anything else anymore so I'd like to try it but I can't find any load data for 32 gr V Max or 39 gr Speer TNT HP. Do any of you have load data for this powder that would work with those bullets?

Also, for the 39 gr Speer TNT HP, can I use any load data for the 39 gr SBK or is that a no-no?

I also just bought some CFE223 which should be more suited for the .204 but want to try the others I already have as well.

[Bill K]

If you go to the Hornady data site, it shows a start load of around 25 grn.s with the 40 gr bullet and 4046. they only show 4166 used with the 32 grain bullet and not the 40, but you could use that load for the 40, if you wanted too try it. start with the start load and work up slow. CFE 223 will be your better powder, or others like Rl 10 in your 204. Check out the Hornady site, and some other load data sites and manuals.

[Rick in Oregon]

Also, for the 39 gr Speer TNT HP, can I use any load data for the 39 gr SBK or is that a no-no?

Pretty much a no-no, but some do it nonetheless. The loads in the manuals are specific to each bullet for a reason. Bearing length, overall length both make a difference, among other factors. The loads are worked up carefully in ballistic labs, with attention to pressure. Substituting bullets is not a good idea, as one bullet of the same weight may have vastly different characteristics that may raise pressure to an unsafe level in a perfectly safe load using the recommended bullet.

Best to stick to the loads in the manuals, the way they're tested IF you want to achieve the same results without any surprises. We don't like surprises when handloading.

[nrowles]

Also, for the 39 gr Speer TNT HP, can I use any load data for the 39 gr SBK or is that a no-no?

Pretty much a no-no, but some do it nonetheless. The loads in the manuals are specific to each bullet for a reason. Bearing length, overall length both make a difference, among other factors. The loads are worked up carefully in ballistic labs, with attention to pressure. Substituting bullets is not a good idea, as one bullet of the same weight may have vastly different characteristics that may raise pressure to an unsafe level in a perfectly safe load using the recommended bullet.

Best to stick to the loads in the manuals, the way they're tested IF you want to achieve the same results without any surprises. We don't like surprises when handloading.

ok thanks

[nrowles]

If you go to the Hornady data site, it shows a start load of around 25 grn.s with the 40 gr bullet and 4046. they only show 4166 used with the 32 grain bullet and not the 40, but you could use that load for the 40, if you wanted too try it. start with the start load and work up slow. CFE 223 will be your better powder, or others like Rl 10 in your 204. Check out the Hornady site, and some other load data sites and manuals.

I looked under the load data section on the Hornady website but can't find any of it for 204. Did you have to sign up for the app or e-book or something to get the info you're stating here?

[Bill K]

Unless they have changed, no sign up is required. Go to the Hornady Data site on their web. Another source to check out is the 204 load data on the top of the main page of this site (204 Ruger) On Hornady's, when you put in the cartridge (204) you then put in the bullet weight, 40gr in your case and then choose the powder, which will list several, one of which in the one you are asking about. It does not show using that powder under the 32 grain bullet. So that is a clue.

[Rick in Oregon]

It does not show using that powder under the 32 grain bullet. So that is a clue.

More than just a clue there, Bill. It's obvious that 4064 is NOT a suitable powder for 32gr bullets in the 204 period. I've use it in my .270 Win, but never even dreamed of using it in any of my 204's.

To the OP: If you don't have a suitable powder now, do not load any with 4064, as you'll just be very disappointed. Best just to wait till you find a more suitable powder like RL-10X, Benchmark or any others listed by shooters here or in the loads shown to be suitable in the top header of the forum. As you're just starting out, this is NOT the time to cut corners. Do it right, find the right powder.

[Bill K]

It does not show using that powder under the 32 grain bullet. So that is a clue.

More than just a clue there, Bill. It's obvious that 4064 is NOT a suitable powder for 32gr bullets in the 204 period. I've use it in my .270 Win, but never even dreamed of using it in any of my 204's.

Fully agree Rick. I just left it at " being a clue" and will let the OP use his own judgement on what and how to proceed. I also agree there are way better powders for the 204R and even other 20 calibers. OP just has to read and learn and make some purchase's/.

[17hm2lover]

25.5 grains under a 40 grn Vmax .204, 25.5 grains under a 50 grain Vmax .224. Last year I fired over 1500 .223 amd 400 .204 rounds.