204 Ruger loading

jack robson · September 16, 2007, 05:21 PM

Anyone out there load the 204? Shot my buddys this weekend and I am very impressed. My question is,is it simple to load or is it fussy. I have loaded for many years but nothing smaller than 22. Thanks Jack.

cobra81 · September 16, 2007, 07:24 PM

I was used to loading for 30/06 and 30-30, so the much smaller case of the 204 toook a little getting used to, but no, it's not fussy. Most of the bullets I have used for the .204 have a flat base, so I put a decent chamfer on the inside case neck to avoid shaving the jacket as I seat them.

Quite a bit of load data out there now. I like BL-C(2) and H335. You'll have trouble getting up to the 4200 fps achieved by factory ammo without going over max loads. 32 grain bullets have given the best accuracy in my Savage. 3900-4000 fps is right about where I have stopped.

Oh, one other thing is finding a powder funnel small enough to fit the .20 caliber neck. You may have to improvise a bit.

Great little round, and fun to shoot.

Good luck.

T/C Hunter · September 16, 2007, 09:52 PM

Yea I'm shooting and reloading a T/C encore .204 PRO SS THUMB HOLE . Its quite fun and enjoyable. You'll need a good set of Dies that for sure. But with a good set you will have no problem. I use RCBS Competition Die set # 39401 . It works nicely . You just drop the bullet in the opening slot and it alines itself for a easy bullet seating . No small finger fumbling stuff. Those little bullets are tinny. With out a good die set for Bullet seating you'd be in big trouble. I'm still working on finding a accurate load to shoot ,but I'm just Nuts in that way

Other than that Have fun .....

.shoot straight, and aways go with good optics. This round will go way out there.

Let us know what you decide to get for your New Gun.???? P.S .................. all the other little stuff you may need to load a 204 or to clean it is on the market and easy to obtain. One good thing it doesn't use a lot of powder to load these little guys :but they sure to zip along

September 16, 2007, 05:21 PM	#1
jack robson Member Join Date: June 17, 2007 Posts: 17	204 Ruger loading Anyone out there load the 204? Shot my buddys this weekend and I am very impressed. My question is,is it simple to load or is it fussy. I have loaded for many years but nothing smaller than 22. Thanks Jack.

September 16, 2007, 09:52 PM	#3
T/C Hunter Member Join Date: August 31, 2007 Location: Trumansburg New York Posts: 61	204 reloading Yea I'm shooting and reloading a T/C encore .204 PRO SS THUMB HOLE . Its quite fun and enjoyable. You'll need a good set of Dies that for sure. But with a good set you will have no problem. I use RCBS Competition Die set # 39401 . It works nicely . You just drop the bullet in the opening slot and it alines itself for a easy bullet seating . No small finger fumbling stuff. Those little bullets are tinny. With out a good die set for Bullet seating you'd be in big trouble. I'm still working on finding a accurate load to shoot ,but I'm just Nuts in that way Other than that Have fun ......shoot straight, and aways go with good optics. This round will go way out there. Let us know what you decide to get for your New Gun.???? P.S .................. all the other little stuff you may need to load a 204 or to clean it is on the market and easy to obtain. One good thing it doesn't use a lot of powder to load these little guys :but they sure to zip along

September 16, 2007, 07:24 PM	#2
cobra81 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Location: Land of Lincoln Posts: 336	I was used to loading for 30/06 and 30-30, so the much smaller case of the 204 toook a little getting used to, but no, it's not fussy. Most of the bullets I have used for the .204 have a flat base, so I put a decent chamfer on the inside case neck to avoid shaving the jacket as I seat them. Quite a bit of load data out there now. I like BL-C(2) and H335. You'll have trouble getting up to the 4200 fps achieved by factory ammo without going over max loads. 32 grain bullets have given the best accuracy in my Savage. 3900-4000 fps is right about where I have stopped. Oh, one other thing is finding a powder funnel small enough to fit the .20 caliber neck. You may have to improvise a bit. Great little round, and fun to shoot. Good luck.