Differences in Sierra, Hodgdon, and Nosler reloading

tpcollins · May 3, 2011, 03:13 PM

I'm getting ready to load 39gr Sierra Blitzking over H4895 for .204 Ruger. Sierra recomends 24.1 grains to 26.5 grains. Hodgden doesn't list a 39gr bullet but for the 40gr bullet weight it lists 26.0 - 27.7C for H4895. And my Nosler reloading manual usually lists loads a bit higher than Hodgden, although they currently don't list a load for H4895 for the 40gr .204.

I've seen various "best loads" using 26.9, 27.3, 27.5, and 27.7 grains of H4895. I don't recall seeing a "most accurate load" at the maximum end of any lists but the Sierra seems to be the lowest of all that I've read. Just wondering if Sierra's loads are more favorable for accuracy whereas the others like to show the need for speed? Thanks.

mehavey · May 3, 2011, 03:30 PM

Every manual has different "most accurate" loads becuase every test rifle setup is different. They are only ballpark starting points, and bullet design/seating depth differences (can) make slightly lighter bullets produce more pressure than heavier ones.

So in your case start low-mid from Sierra's perspective and work up 2/10ths at a time until you see the groups tighten and/or first pressure signs

PA-Joe · May 3, 2011, 04:19 PM

Powder makers soft load their data so that you will not blow up the gun. Bullet makers maximize loads so that they can say their bullet is best.

A_Gamehog · May 3, 2011, 10:37 PM

If you use a Sierra Bullet use their data to start with.

Link to Sierra's data.....

http://www.rugerhunting.com/204_Ruger_sierra.pdf

I have gotten 1/4" 100Yard groups with:

AR-15, 204 Ruger 24" 12 twist DPMS fluted

R-10X
N-140
X-Terminator
IMR 4895

Winchester, R-P, Hornady all brass show well
205M is "the" primer for most all loads.

32, & 40 V-max very good.
39 Sierra also good with the best BC going.

Very easy to find loads with the 204 that worked, I started with R-10X and the rest came with time. I have a new favorite, it's X-Terminator for the 32-39-40 all small groups with a very clean burning powder.

never tried H-4895 but this link has some loads and about 12 using H-4895

http://www.204ruger.com/forum/viewto...=165&start=105

Clark · May 4, 2011, 01:29 AM

Betty Crocker's recipe book says 1 cup of flour and Julia Child's recipe book says 1 1/4 cups.

What is a cook to do?

Shoney · May 4, 2011, 03:22 AM

Clark

Out of curiosity, how many cups of butter do use for each meal before the consumer starts showing pressure sign and blowing arteries?

WESHOOT2 · May 4, 2011, 05:16 AM

the bullets are different

Clark · May 4, 2011, 11:58 PM

I think my dinner tonight, was definitely and overload.

I work out every day, but it just allows me to eat more.

jimbob86 · May 5, 2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

the bullets are different

....as are the test barrels/rifles, atmospheric conditions, and people doing the testing.

Start at the start load. Work up, looking for signs of pressure ......

May 3, 2011, 03:13 PM	#1
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	Differences in Sierra, Hodgdon, and Nosler reloading I'm getting ready to load 39gr Sierra Blitzking over H4895 for .204 Ruger. Sierra recomends 24.1 grains to 26.5 grains. Hodgden doesn't list a 39gr bullet but for the 40gr bullet weight it lists 26.0 - 27.7C for H4895. And my Nosler reloading manual usually lists loads a bit higher than Hodgden, although they currently don't list a load for H4895 for the 40gr .204. I've seen various "best loads" using 26.9, 27.3, 27.5, and 27.7 grains of H4895. I don't recall seeing a "most accurate load" at the maximum end of any lists but the Sierra seems to be the lowest of all that I've read. Just wondering if Sierra's loads are more favorable for accuracy whereas the others like to show the need for speed? Thanks. __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from?

May 3, 2011, 10:37 PM	#4
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	If you use a Sierra Bullet use their data to start with. Link to Sierra's data..... http://www.rugerhunting.com/204_Ruger_sierra.pdf I have gotten 1/4" 100Yard groups with: AR-15, 204 Ruger 24" 12 twist DPMS fluted R-10X N-140 X-Terminator IMR 4895 Winchester, R-P, Hornady all brass show well 205M is "the" primer for most all loads. 32, & 40 V-max very good. 39 Sierra also good with the best BC going. Very easy to find loads with the 204 that worked, I started with R-10X and the rest came with time. I have a new favorite, it's X-Terminator for the 32-39-40 all small groups with a very clean burning powder. never tried H-4895 but this link has some loads and about 12 using H-4895 http://www.204ruger.com/forum/viewto...=165&start=105 __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course" Last edited by A_Gamehog; May 3, 2011 at 10:58 PM.

May 4, 2011, 01:29 AM	#5
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	Betty Crocker's recipe book says 1 cup of flour and Julia Child's recipe book says 1 1/4 cups. What is a cook to do? __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?

May 4, 2011, 03:22 AM	#6
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	Clark Out of curiosity, how many cups of butter do use for each meal before the consumer starts showing pressure sign and blowing arteries? __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

May 4, 2011, 05:16 AM	#7
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	bottom line the bullets are different __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

May 3, 2011, 03:30 PM	#2
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,885	Every manual has different "most accurate" loads becuase every test rifle setup is different. They are only ballpark starting points, and bullet design/seating depth differences (can) make slightly lighter bullets produce more pressure than heavier ones. So in your case start low-mid from Sierra's perspective and work up 2/10ths at a time until you see the groups tighten and/or first pressure signs

May 3, 2011, 04:19 PM	#3
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 909	Powder makers soft load their data so that you will not blow up the gun. Bullet makers maximize loads so that they can say their bullet is best.

May 4, 2011, 11:58 PM	#8
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	I think my dinner tonight, was definitely and overload. I work out every day, but it just allows me to eat more. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?