What's the next powder I should try?

tpcollins · June 9, 2012, 06:13 AM

I've tried various powders trying to push 39gr bullets (SBK and Speer) for .204 Ruger and I'm coming to the conclusion that my Tikka doesn't like 39 grainers. (Best is factory Hornady 32gr V-Max). I picked up a box of 32 gr SBK to verify if they shoot any better.

I have Varget, H322, H4895, 8208 XBR and I was thinking on getting either some Benchmark, CFE 223, or RE-10X - I was leaning towards the Benchmark. A nudge in one direction would be nice . . .

ruger357w · June 9, 2012, 06:30 AM

I use IMR-4198 in my 204's with a 32 gr v-max with very good results. I've also had good luck with varget with 40 gr. v-max's. Whats your rifle got for a barrel twist? I've herd a lot of people having problems with the heavier bullets with a 1-12 twist. Also seating depth can change your accuracy as well.

Brian Pfleuger · June 9, 2012, 06:33 AM

Mine shoots 1/3-1/2 MOA with 28.0gr Benchmark under 32gr V-Max, 4035 fps.

Some people have good luck with Win748 too. QuickLoad thinks the velocity would be better. Seems some times people seem to get 4,200 some no better than Benchmark.

tpcollins · June 9, 2012, 08:27 AM

"Whats your rifle got for a barrel twist"?

My Tikka T3 has a 1:12" twist with a 22 3/8" barrel. The Tikka magazine doesn't allow for a whole lot longer COAL - I'm just amazed that the factory Hornady 32gr V-Max is the best load I've shot so far. Last time I shot 2 2-holers that was .570" apart at 100 yards. This spring I shot a 1 1/2" group at 200 yards of the back of my tailgate with them.

If I can't get the 32gr SBK to group, I'll just shoot the factory loads. But I'd like to find a combination that works.

June 9, 2012, 06:13 AM	#1
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	What's the next powder I should try? I've tried various powders trying to push 39gr bullets (SBK and Speer) for .204 Ruger and I'm coming to the conclusion that my Tikka doesn't like 39 grainers. (Best is factory Hornady 32gr V-Max). I picked up a box of 32 gr SBK to verify if they shoot any better. I have Varget, H322, H4895, 8208 XBR and I was thinking on getting either some Benchmark, CFE 223, or RE-10X - I was leaning towards the Benchmark. A nudge in one direction would be nice . . . __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from?

June 9, 2012, 06:30 AM	#2
ruger357w Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2012 Location: Maine Posts: 158	I use IMR-4198 in my 204's with a 32 gr v-max with very good results. I've also had good luck with varget with 40 gr. v-max's. Whats your rifle got for a barrel twist? I've herd a lot of people having problems with the heavier bullets with a 1-12 twist. Also seating depth can change your accuracy as well. Last edited by ruger357w; June 9, 2012 at 06:35 AM.

June 9, 2012, 06:33 AM	#3
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Mine shoots 1/3-1/2 MOA with 28.0gr Benchmark under 32gr V-Max, 4035 fps. Some people have good luck with Win748 too. QuickLoad thinks the velocity would be better. Seems some times people seem to get 4,200 some no better than Benchmark. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

June 9, 2012, 08:27 AM	#4
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	"Whats your rifle got for a barrel twist"? My Tikka T3 has a 1:12" twist with a 22 3/8" barrel. The Tikka magazine doesn't allow for a whole lot longer COAL - I'm just amazed that the factory Hornady 32gr V-Max is the best load I've shot so far. Last time I shot 2 2-holers that was .570" apart at 100 yards. This spring I shot a 1 1/2" group at 200 yards of the back of my tailgate with them. If I can't get the 32gr SBK to group, I'll just shoot the factory loads. But I'd like to find a combination that works. __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from?