Now I need some powder
- Thread starter viking499
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I have been using CFE223 with 40 grain VMAXs in my 204 Ruger for the past year.
I loaded a few 39 grain Sierras with CFE223 but it has been a while (1 year). The combination worked well but I could not get any more 39 grain Sierras at the time so I did not optimize the load.
I have used H4895 with 32 grain bullets but with the small case neck, it is difficult to get the powder in the case.
With 32 grain VMAXs, I am currently using AA2230. Western Powders has data for the 39-40 grain bullets with AA2230.
There are many other good powders that could be used.
I loaded a few 39 grain Sierras with CFE223 but it has been a while (1 year). The combination worked well but I could not get any more 39 grain Sierras at the time so I did not optimize the load.
I have used H4895 with 32 grain bullets but with the small case neck, it is difficult to get the powder in the case.
With 32 grain VMAXs, I am currently using AA2230. Western Powders has data for the 39-40 grain bullets with AA2230.
There are many other good powders that could be used.
Check your manuals and the powder manufacturer's on line load data and get a list of suitable powders for 204 Ruger. Then you will have a list when you go to the gun store.
Right now, you kind of have to use what you can find, then when powders become more available, you can experiment.
Right now, you kind of have to use what you can find, then when powders become more available, you can experiment.
witchhunter
Member
My pardner uses 2230 and 2200, but I bet 322 would work good too. Don't listen to everybody's nonsense about bullets, your rifle may like something else. I recommend trying different bullets and find out for yourself. I decide by my intended use and range. Since a .204 is only used as a varmint gun, and only varmint bullets are made for it, I would shoot the most accurate, as they are all going to be fast and explosive. Good luck finding powder.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
One of my shooting buddies is loading for the 204 Ruger and he has been using H335 with good success. He also tried TAC and got good results too. He's loading a 40gr Hornady V-Max bullet.
Of course 4895 is the Unique of rifle powders and can also be used to load the 204 Ruger but I'm sure that's still one of the hardest powders to find.
I see CFE-223 mentioned above. CFE-223 seems to be all the rage these days and I'm sure it will also work well in the 204 and probably help with Copper fouling that comes with hyper velocity loads.
Of course 4895 is the Unique of rifle powders and can also be used to load the 204 Ruger but I'm sure that's still one of the hardest powders to find.
I see CFE-223 mentioned above. CFE-223 seems to be all the rage these days and I'm sure it will also work well in the 204 and probably help with Copper fouling that comes with hyper velocity loads.
Ifishsum
Member
I mostly use BL-C(2) and Varget for the .204, and I'm sure W748 would work as well. I seem to remember also using H322 along the way....
bluekouki86
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I've got a .222 Remington magnum (which is the .204 ruger parent case) and it absolutely loves aa2015. I shoot mostly Hornady 52 grain match BTHP.
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