reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Share information about reloading the 204 Ruger.
K22
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Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2019 3:54 am
.204 Ruger Guns: Kimber

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by K22 »

FoxFlopper wrote: Fri Oct 01, 2021 9:57 am It was interesting to see the difference between 27.8, 27.9 and 28gn as shown in k22s targets.
I've been pondering the case size and the different effect small changes might make ..seems very small changes.0.1gn can make all the difference..from those pictures...
I wonder if same "velocity nodes" might work for different weight bullets...I'm dubious

Those are some very decent targets FoxFlopper. I would be quite satisfied with the accuracy. Is 2208 powder the equivalent of 8208? IMR 8208 is all I use in 17 Rem., 204, and 223. I have not found any other powder that gives me that kind of accuracy.............so far. I know BillK loves CFE223 I want to try some in the near future.
Yes, .01 grain when running close to max does seem to make a big change in group accuracy. The 27.9 load is just absolutely consistent in accuracy in my 204. As an experiment I had 2 other fella's shoot for groups and all 3 of us shot just under .5" at 100yds, 5 rounds. Interesting was the fact that the poa was slightly different between us 3 shooters, but the group size stayed the same.
When I first bought the Kimber I had thoughts of skim bedding it, not trusting the factory bedding job. After working up loads for it I was sure impressed that it didn't seem to be in need of any skim bedding.
FoxFlopper
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.204 Ruger Guns: Browning Predator Hunter
Location: Australia

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by FoxFlopper »

Thanks for target compliments. I do have high expectations and hopes..my first groupings at bout 79yards from car bonnet with bipod and squeeze bags felt alot steadier and were much smaller than at 100..prone, with bipod or bags... something i need to address...as the 100 yard groups, Prone had a dancing reticle. Maybe no coffee before range .

Ar2208 is varget.

I shoot 17 rem with 2208

I'm thinking of getting Tubb dust to tackle copper fouling.

I almost bought 8208 for 32gns.
Bought ar2219 instead.

I've been shooting digital scopes almost exclusively..no parallax. Using glass again has been interesting. My poi changed in last group...parallax, head position?
The target with white dot, I aimed in the middle of the dot...the others, at top...I have half inch dots somewhere..they seem to make tighter groups..

I don't know skim bedding. Had my Remington's glass bedded.

Browning comes glass bedded. Haven't taken rifle out of stock, yet...might lighten trigger...slowly applying force with a dancing reticle doesn't feel like control to me..

After doing the "obsessing" work .I look forward to the point n shoot pleasures... hopefully with confidence at longer ranges..

Longer range testing next...or later .fingers crossed.
K22
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Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2019 3:54 am
.204 Ruger Guns: Kimber

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by K22 »

You should give 8208 a try when you get a chance.
If you can clean your barrel so it looks practically new inside, push a couple of patches through it with Lock Ease on them as a final coating. Lock Ease is Colloidal Graphite suspended in a evaporating liquid, when you fire a round down the bore it will push much of the graphite into the pores of the metal. Being pretty slick, graphite won't let the bullet copper adhere to it. When I clean the barrel of the 17 Rem. or the 204 I get very, very little copper show up on the cleaning patch. In my opinion the graphite works and I use it every time I clean a barrel.
Here's a short but good article on skim bedding. https://rifleshooter.com/2013/07/skim-b ... ngton-700/
FoxFlopper
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.204 Ruger Guns: Browning Predator Hunter
Location: Australia

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by FoxFlopper »

Interesting stuff.
I use Redding Dry neck lube...so..graphite may be in the vacinty...I'll look into it..

I was keen on 8208 for 32gn, but, ended up with ar2219 (10x, h322)

Reducing copper in barrel does seem ideal...I spose some barrels might love copper...but...I do like the idea of clean and consistent...rather than copper building up..

Thanks k22
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Rick in Oregon
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.204 Ruger Guns: Sako 75V, Cooper MTV, Kimber 84M, Cust M700 11 Twist
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Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by Rick in Oregon »

+ One for Lock Ease!

Been using it in all my varmint rifles for a few years now, and can confirm it really does reduce the amount of copper allowed to build up. Quicker and easier cleaning since using it, less fouling, and accuracy last longer between cleanings in the field when shooting colony rodents. Good stuff!

NAPA stores were the only outlet I could find, always bough it in little squirt bottles; great for dropping into the solvent port on the bore guide. BUT some marketing genius at Lock Ease decided to discontinue the little bottles and only market it in aerosol spray cans. A very bogus decision, makes using it now a mess..... thanks there, Lock Ease Brain Trust....... :doh:
Semper Fortis
Rick in Oregon
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Bill K
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.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
Location: Lake Forest, Ca.

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by Bill K »

Totally agree with Rick. And he is spot on, the spray cans are messy and the old squirt/drip can was super. :)
K22
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.204 Ruger Guns: Kimber

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by K22 »

This company still makes it in the little squirt bottle. It is what I use.

https://www.maxwarehouse.com/products/l ... SkQAvD_BwE
and of course there's Amazon...................

https://www.amazon.com/American-Grease- ... 6938&psc=1
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Rick in Oregon
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Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by Rick in Oregon »

K22 wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 7:25 pmThis company still makes it in the little squirt bottle. It is what I use.
Excellent! Good to know, thanks for posting that K22!
Semper Fortis
Rick in Oregon
NRA Life/OHA/VHA/VVA

Oregon, East of the Cascades - Where Common Sense Still Prevails

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FoxFlopper
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.204 Ruger Guns: Browning Predator Hunter
Location: Australia

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by FoxFlopper »

Looking into "lock ease" led me to "discover" Dyna Tek bore coat.
In Australia, neither seem available...research shall continue...
Thanks .
K22
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Posts: 72
Joined: Sat Apr 13, 2019 3:54 am
.204 Ruger Guns: Kimber

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by K22 »

I would have thought you could get lock ease from most auto parts stores.
I started using lock ease a number of years ago based on Greg Tannels barrel break in procedures. https://www.gretanrifles.com/
K22
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.204 Ruger Guns: Kimber

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by K22 »

Rick in Oregon wrote: Tue Oct 05, 2021 10:15 am
K22 wrote: Mon Oct 04, 2021 7:25 pmThis company still makes it in the little squirt bottle. It is what I use.
Excellent! Good to know, thanks for posting that K22!
Happy to help Rick.
Bill K
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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: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by Bill K »

Back up, Thanks K22 for that info. Will be looking. So far, here, Napa and others only have the spray lock ease. May have to order this squirt style on line. :)
FoxFlopper
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.204 Ruger Guns: Browning Predator Hunter
Location: Australia

Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by FoxFlopper »

Plan to use tub dust in the 32gn load Dev.

Improved rest for steadier aim should come about soon.
Plastic beads sent by fellow member to fill rest bags...thanks ..

Tuner on rifle too now...also waiting for steadier rest..
Bill K
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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: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by Bill K »

Sounds like you are really ramping it up Foxflopper, to be #1, next year. :D
FoxFlopper
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.204 Ruger Guns: Browning Predator Hunter
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Re: reloading for Browning Predator Hunter

Post by FoxFlopper »

Next year indeed.
Finally filled the rest bags, and made extra squeeze bags...thanks to Ausiboy.
Want to be alot steadier for finer load development.
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