204 Ruger FAST Loads: Two Loads and Excellent Results!

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What happens when two firearms industry giants put their heads together? The 204 Ruger, brainchild of Ruger and Hornady, is known for its high velocity, accuracy potential, minimal recoil and flat trajectory.
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Ultimate Reloader LLC / gavintoobe Material Connection Notice:
The following Ultimate Reloader partners are featured in this video:
- Hornady
- Berger Bullets
- Hodgdon Powder
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[@eskimoreloader]

I use my 204 Ruger on Ring seals in the Arctic Circle. Yes!! Im a Eskimo

[@guyminer2384]

Impressive! Thanks for the comment.

[@rickybobby-rimfirerampage]

Love the 204 save all my cases wanna start reloading myself soon

[@pegg38]

Watched for the .204 but really enjoyed the reloading info. Neat set up. Thanks

[@Warmspringsrezbuck]

I’m here in Oregon I love my .204 Rifle by far my favorite rifle. My reloads for coyote and Bobcat loads are Reloader 10X 23.5gr w/ 35 gr Berger bullet at 3594 fps. Love this cartridge for pelt saving, 1 hole in nothing comes out and only 1 hole to sew up. Nothing but jello inside. Keep up on the varmint cartridges and videos.

[@payres48]

Hi Guy, really enjoy the content you and Gavin put up. I don't own a .204 myself but it is used here in Australia for feral pest species. We don't have rock chucks or the other species you have, but we have problems with foxes, feral cats and dogs and some shooters use this calibre for that kind of pest control. As you mentioned, being flat shooting it is very good out to 300 yards which makes it ideal for pest control.

[@tonydevich7937]

Nice to see your helping Gavin out keep it up!

[@Scott-qm6xp]

I’m loading 204 right now! Loading the 40gr v-max with 29gr of CFE-223 getting 3676fps savage 110 varmint great round for gophers in Saskatchewan, Canada. Great video as always guy!

[@dougblessin]

Nice work Guy! Awesome video!

[@oldlincolnpipewelder]

This man is like the Bob Ross of reloading… Very therapeutic! 😊

[@rodneykite8862]

T/C Venture Predator 22" barrel 1:10 twist 28.5gr CFE 223 Hornady V-Max 40gr. Shoots the 40s as well as the 32 grain bullets probably due to the 1:10 twist barrel. Friends in the city ask me to teach them how to shoot a high powered rifle but do not appreciate the recoil of my deer rifles (270, 348 win). The light recoil of the 204 is great for teaching new shooters.

[@guyminer3168]

Yes, the 204 has almost no recoil. Makes it awfully nice to shoot.

[@KNOWYOURZERO]

Great video! I built an aluminum sleeved M98 Mauser. Heavy 1-1/4", 12 twist barrel. My accuracy node is at 3988 fps with a 32grn v- max on top of Benchmark powder. It was a labor of love converting the big ol Mauser 98 to feed, extract and eject the tiny 204. It's a fine shooter now.

[@tomfrommichigan]

This was interesting. I enjoyed seeing this cartridge being used in the field and learning from other peoples real world experience with it. This is getting to be my favorite KZbin channel.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks for watching Tom!

[@JamesSmith-wh4xe]

I have that rifle and it’s one of the ‘not leaving while I still breath’ category. Been shooting Hornady factory 40gr since I bought it. Saved all the brass for this little bit of motivation. This thing makes me look like a varmint ninja. Two three yotes at a time, no problem. Nice work Guy!

[@jsharp1776]

Howa 204. Haven't reloaded for it yet. Been using the factory loads for it from Fiocchi Ammunition with really good success with accuracy. Have put down a coyote at over 600 yards. It took a few seconds for it to die. I wasn't sure if I had hit it, but my brother was with me a confirmed that he had heard the hit. I didn't think that I would liked the 204. My wife had bought for me for Christmas. The idea a new cartridge in 20 caliber wasn't something that I would have wanted as I already had a variety of 22 caliber rifle rounds. But it has become my go too rifle for car trips etc. I own a variety of varmint guns in 17 hmr, 17 wsm, 17 Remington, 204 Ruger, 223 Remington, 22-250 Winchester, 243 Winchester, 6.5 grendel, and 270 Winchester. They all have their place in my opinion. I love each of them and have had great success with accuracy in all of them.

[@donbenson5292]

I used 12 Guage, 22 LR,17 Rem, 223, 218 Bee, 204 Ruger, 22-250, 220 Swift, 243 Winchester, 6mm BCC a custom 270 necked down to 6mm, 25-06, 260 Rem, 7mm Mag, 7mm08, 308 all to exterminate, well some just about disintegrate groundhogs!!! My favorite is 204, 223 and a 220 Swift. Various brands but mostly 12FV Savages. 788 action on one custom build. Best load in my 204 bolts 12FVs, hand lapped and polished factory barrels, glass bedded, are 39gr Sierra Blitzking moly coated a BR4 and 26.2gr of AA2520 seated .020 off the lands and does 1/2 inch 3 shot groups at two hundred yards if I do part. My others are collecting a little dust since I got the 204s.

[@mittiejackson3427]

Yelp, since I got my 204 years ago ( savage 12FV) my 22-250 and 220 Swift are taking a break.

[@tboots2p911]

Tikka t3 in a 204 for me. Great coyote gun. Just starting to reload for it thanks for the video.

[@TheDiamonddave2]

I have an AR15 billet upper with a Shilen 204 Ruger barrel. The lower has a Gieselle National Match trigger and Magpul PRS type stock. It is scoped with an Arken Optics 4-16 scope. Usual loads are grouping a half inch or under. It's not fussy and I've used CFE223, Benchmark, 8208, Varget, H335, etc. all with great results in bullets ranging from the Barnes VG to Hornady 40 grainers. Love it when it feeds right. Pretty frustrating when it doesn't. Considered going to 20 Practical, but last session it was flawless, so I'm back in love again.

[@danielharmon6316]

Love the 204 ruger! My go too gun for coyotes, fox and sod puppies!! I use a ruger american preadator, 1/4" groups at 100yrds

[@misterlewgee8874]

Thanks for video. Starting to use TubbDust to remove copper fouling from equation. This resulted in no copper removed after last 100 rounds....I was amazed. Rifle 204 browning xbolt. Upgrading to Jard trigger soon. It seems rounds the just fit in mag , may clip the load ramp...so...check for clearance. Previously, on 788, 222...as long as round fitted in mag...it was fine. Shoot varget, 28gn, with 39gn TNT, and 40gn Berger. Moving onto 32gn vmax after TNT's and Berger's run out Hunting fox....pelt damage varies..depending where you hit.. To harvest furs..I use a 26inch 17rem barrel on a rem 788 with Timney trigger, free floated...glass bedded.. usually with varget, and 25gn Berger...but...moving onto 20gn vmax when Berger's run out. Unless you clip the fox, exploding the skin on edge of its silhouette... usually, no exit hole with 17rem.... usually..

[@Andy2008230]

Currently getting a custom built .204, carbon barrel, mcmillan stock and defiance action. Also have the same rifle as you and tried some factory hornady ammo. Both 32gr and 40gr shot amazing, all three rounds touching at 100 yards.

[@brianvoegeli5067]

I don't have a 204 but I have a 20 practical I'm pretty sure performance is almost identical. I built my first one on an AR platform it was so good I had to build another one in bolt action 32 and 40 grain Vmax bullet with lt32 powder makes Magic. Great video guys keep it up

[@larrymeyer7064]

Enjoyed the presentation and information. I have not used the 204 very much but I did buy it for the flat shooting and varmints. I shoot sage, rats, and rock chucks in mid southern Oregon. I use Air rifle, 22 long rifle, 17 WSM, 204 and 25-06 have been experimenting with hand loading for the 204, and the 25-06. Thank you for the article.

[@briansheppard277]

I have a savage 12 FV haven’t had time to do anything with it but I am looking forward to it!

[@highboostcreatve]

Watch all your videos. Love this little bit different style video than usual with Guy just talking about reloading, projectiles, powder, showing the reloading process. Would really love seeing more videos like this! How about a video of some 53gr vs 55gr VMax is a .223 Rem.

[@jeff3388]

my dad has the exact same setup, but his leupold is on his 1885 and he's got a ziess on the cz.

[@222triple]

Bought a Thompson Center 204 Ruger a couple years ago when they went on sale. Not a fan of the trigger but does have a 1-10” twist. Still have to fire form cases etc. I also shoot 17 Rem, 222 Rem, 22-250 & 244 Rem. Most experience on the 222 Rem in 788 I bought new in 72’ tack driver in Lee Six Beavertail Glass stock and CanJar trigger & old school Leupold M8 12x.

[@daddyfunn]

Thanks so much for the video and info. I have the Ruger Predator and prefer Fioici .32gr

[@TriggerPullTV]

39gr Blitz in my CZ527 204. Exactly same rifle here. 3,780fps

[@bluepunk182]

My 15 year old son uses a .204 ruger on praire dogs. He hits them out to 275 yards without too much trouble. It's an AR platform with a Wilson Combat barrel I assembled for him. He shoots it suppressed (which helps A LOT), but it's still pretty loud. Just not insanely loud, and the prairie dogs don't always go in their holes after he takes his shot, giving him an opportunity for more prairie dogs to kill. He currently uses a Fiocci 40g extrema with a ballistic tip going around 3600fps. It has a different effect on the prairie dogs than my 55g V-Max .223. His tend to pop more, and mine tend to get their entrails sucked out more and have huge exit wounds. The pop is everything from mimicking a watermellon at a Gallagher show, to having them fly through the air with a large part of them missing. The 204 just opens them up... Last year he also got a coyote at about 200 yards. 1 shot, double lung...it ran about 50 yards and dropped. Not a huge one...maybe 25lbs. He also tends to get .7" groups of 5 at 100 yards. He's got an Athlon Argos 6-24x50 mounted on it. Rarely uses it past 18...the 18-24 is more for getting a better view before the shot.

[@bjagfan9452]

Great cartridge, I’ve had an T/C Encore barrel since it first came out. I’ve always had best groups with 32grn Sierra Blitzking. Also, neck size only but with Lee collet die. Enjoyed the video and I have an interest now in the arbor press and Wilson dies.

[@SuperJeanq]

In Australia here i use it for competition and varmint shooting, tikka T3x, full length sizing shoulder bumped 1thou, after i played with my seating depth i found the magical load 25.6gr of ADI benchmark 2 powder with federal champion primers. .200” shooter all day its my favourite

[@cw2a]

Nice Video Guy!!

[@guyminer2384]

Thanks!

[@21McLain21]

Man couldn't have found a more perfect video. I have the exact same rifle and it's my no.1 choice for coyote and bobcat. Great rifle

[@cfranklin7450]

Cz 527 american 204 ruger. Norma brass Cci primer N133 powder 32gr z-max

[@stephenmallory8613]

Found a lefty Ruger 77 in Missouri last fall and bought it, liked it so much I just built an AR15 with a 24" bull barrel. Waiting for the weather to warm up so I can go for some rockchucks.

[@donndavis142]

I have a 204. Have had it about 12 years. It's good.

[@dogbone1358]

Thompson Center Encore. Factory Hornady 40 gr V Max Superformance. Amazing accuracy. Used for woodchucks in NJ & PA years ago. No woodchucks in NC.

[@x-calibearusallc]

I bought both of my 204 Ruger rifles more or less at the same time. Savage Model 12 LRPV and Howa mini action. I’ve yet to shoot the Savage. The Howa shoots really well so far. When I bought the Savage at a pawn shop it came with about 200 rounds of reloaded ammo (with load data). They used the 40 gr V-Max and Reloder 10x. After random sampling of 20 cartridges, they were all spot on. Unfortunately they are all loaded longer than magazine length for the Howa. I use a Forster bushing neck body die and the Wilson inline seating die with a K&M Precision arbor press. I probably have about 1,000 20 caliber bullets on the shelf, from 32 to 40 gr. Sierra, Nosler, Berger and Hornady. Alliant Re10x IMR 8208 XBR Vihtavuori N133 Benchmark LT-32 H335 Accurate TAC

[@claudecjs]

I use the 204 Savage 12 as my change off rifle when shoot PD. I tried some 40s ended up with Benchmark and the 32gr V-Max. Shot so well I never tried any other load. Great watching PD fly.

[@gotjuice7160]

40gn Vmax, H322 and CCI small mag rifle primers, 3977fps. Absolutely awesome. And hilarious on Pdogs and Chucks

[@gotjuice7160]

Rifle is a Tikka Varmint in 204 w a Bushnell DMR H59 3.5-21x50... Second and 3rd Rifles are Ruger No.1's all 3 are tack drivers, though the Tikka is the best in terms of absolute accuracy followed by my old 920" Savage 12 Custom Target accutrigger DBM. Amazing guns.

[@brsmith2801]

Had my gunsmith rebarrel a Remington 700 bdl in 20 practical, before 204 was available. Absolutely love the 20cal. I'm using a 26 inch Pac-Nor 1:12 twist rem. Varmint contour. It shoots lights out.

[@stevenjahnsen4955]

Don’t have a 204 but I have two 527 s a 17 hornet and I just built a 17 fireball I took a 527 in 223 and rebarreled it to 17 fireball I really like the 527 to bad they discontinued it those rifles doubled in price I’m going to keep looking for a 204. I enjoy your videos good stuff .

[@donrandall2030]

I have the same rifle, With 40 grain hornady, same, I found Varget to be my most accurate powder.

[@dantheman5222]

Aussie fox shooter here, the 204 is my go-to using a Ruger m77 all weather in SS used hand load is burger 40 grain 100ct Part # 20304 no 7 1/2 small rifle bench rest primers by Remington 27grains of ADI AR2206H is NOT a good combo if you want to keep the pelts it extremely explosive. but currently working on 22-250 hand loads for my savage 12 BTCSS. very good video by the way

[@misciohomemiscio2830]

My 204 in an AR platform is the most fun to shoot. I can ring steel all day long past 600yds. Longest varmit shot is 500yds. I reload with 32gr v-max, but have also used varmit grenades and Sierra blitz king. My goto power is Benchmark. My only minor complaint, it will tear AR500 steel targets up inside of 200yds.

[@scottmckenzie8537]

I have a Savage 12FV in 204 that loves the 40g vmax and an AR with a 24" ER Shaw bull that loikes the 32g vmax and 34g Nosler HP. I've taken p-dogs out to 535yds with the AR and 490 with the Savage. I load both with 29g of BL-C2 and both are more accurate than I am.

[@aaronew26]

Remington 700 cambered in 17 remington. 25g vmax and a 23g load of bm2 seem to be working very well for me.

[@tomwhiffen3180]

Savage LRPV with a Shilen barrel. H335 and those Berger 35’s. An absolute machine 👍🐿

[@glennmatthew6824]

I got a Sako 85 varmint in 204 ruger and I will be reloading soon , this is a good video

[@GregMcM]

Have the same rifle. Favourite gun to shoot. Great results and brass life just neck sizing, light tension, Benchmark powder, 32 and 39 gr Sierra Blitz King and the 40gr Vmax all shoot very well, but the 39 is best in mine. The set trigger is a godsend on a Varmint rifle. Hope you have the same experience with yours.

[@glennmatthew923]

@@GregMcM i have had my rifle since January this year and i love using it and i am living in Australia, Perth

[@johanswart8116]

One friend that hunts with us uses the 204 ruger for springbuck hunting. He only take headshots.

[@guyminer2384]

Wow! Springbuck? Terrific. :)

[@drk1952]

Good video!!

[@Blong243]

I haven't crossed the line into sub-22s yet just too old-fashioned I guess. 22 Hornet, .221 fireball, .222 Mag, and the .243 on the windy days of the Prarie dog town. All loaded on a Sinclair arbor press with Wilson neck dies and a hornady auto charge

[@bluepunk182]

22 Hornet is my favorite round...it's just so nice to shoot...wish it was cheaper and you could find more guns in it. Used to have a Ruger No 1 in 22 Hornet. Killed a lot of prairie dogs with it in Montana.

[@waynemayle865]

Had a couple of them they shot really well went back to my 17 remington an berger bullets

[@rugerboy1039]

I cried a little bit when I saw those primers at 6:32. 😭 Awesome set up though. Haven't tried. 204 Ruger before but I love my .22-250.

[@mikebych3121]

Love my 204 ruger. Latest testing I’ve been doing is with 40 grain vmax s and benchmark powder. My Remington 700 sps with 26 bull barrel seems to like the benchmark best so far.

[@cornbreadburgess1950]

Great video men.

[@shaneewell7404]

Great video. I love the 204. I have two....A remington 700 in a HS precision stock. Shoots amazing. I also have a Kimber varminter. Shoots about the same as the Remington. I shoot 32 v max with 27grains of Benchmark. I quit shooting the 40 gr vmax. Couldnt get it to shoot in either rifle. 39 Blitz kings on the other hand shoot fantastic.

[@danielamberthompson2434]

Sliging the 39 gran sierra blitzking under Hogdon H4895 with cci primers. Rifle is a tikka ss with a vortex 4-12. Used as my coyote gun and it has taken many dogs.

[@jeffbadger462]

Custom 40xbr Remington with 1-11 twist, Vit, 133 and 40 gr. v-max, CCI 450 @3820.Sub 1/2 inch @ 100 yards.Kriger barrel at 24 inches. It's a super flat shooting rifle, I love it.

[@guyminer2384]

That must be a very nice rifle! I think that when my factory CZ barrel wears out I'll replace it with a 1:11 twist, just to do a bit better with the longer 40 grain bullets. I've used Krieger before in other cartridges, with great results.

[@jacobzachary5631]

Like the 40grain+ the most for me, had bad luck on coyotes hit in the bone with 32. It’s a LAZER beam and my favorite little round

[@trg3761]

My varmint cartridge was the 22-250 AI, i shot this cartridge for many years on crows goats foxes possums wallabies cats and Kangaroos. I now shoot the 220 swift AI 40° and use the old 55 and 60 gr flat bace sp-sx bullets by hornady. I have chronographed the 55 gr load at 4050 fps with either RL-17 or AR 2209 (H-4350) You may have guest I am in Australia. We only have access to Australia made powders these days. 😕 I haven't actually seen any RL-17 for a number of years in gun shops. I enjoyed the video an have a number of Wilson inline dies of my own, including 6mm dasher 204 R and 308w. My 220 swift dies are a custom Forester product made from my 220 AI reamers. Happy hunting and greetings from sydney.

[@wileytw55]

Love my Rem 700 VTR in .204. I'm shooting 32gr Vmax over 31grs of CFE 223. Tried the 40 grain Vmax, but the rifle seems to like the 32s better. Nice vid, thanks.

[@guyminer3168]

Ya, the 40's seem right on the edge. :)

[@Regnisab]

204 Ruger, Amazing accuracy with 39 Grain Blitz kings, Shooters World Precision Powder at 27 grains. One hole five shot groups at 100. Bullets unfortunately are out of stock on Earth.

[@fowllab]

I built a 204 in a AR platform last winter. 20 inch Proof Research Carbon Fiber barrel trying to have a light weight build.. So far only used factory 32 grain Winchester varmint and when I do my part it works well on coyotes. At some point I hope to test it out on some woodchucks.

[@jeffgrossman6835]

My 204 was a custom built on a 700rem left hand action.

[@Greyzonecompliant]

I came close to buying a 204 ruger. But the 22-250 won the practical race. I have loads of 224 bullets already. And none of my local hunting stores have any 204 bullets. But I still feel the 204 itch.

[@DB-yb6jr]

Great video, nice to see the 204 covered. Also, great looking shirt, what brand is it?

[@ShootingAndReloading]

I have the same rifle 🙂 I also use the 35gr Berger. Try it with N135. With that powder, I can easily and safely get above 4000fps in Hornady brass. My accuracy node seems to be 3980fps.

[@Ultimatereloader]

That is SMOKING fast, love it!

[@bznbrian]

I have this rifle too. Broke in the barrel, and in the safe it sits. This video has inspired me to get it out. Thanks

[@richardbruyere9523]

I'm not reloading yet but I have a Ruger Hawkeye in 204 and use Hornady Superformance 32 gr and last time at the range I got a .71 inch group at 300 meters. No wind though. They get blown around pretty easily. My gun does not the 40 gr.

[@peterschmidt2849]

Cfe 223 and Varget is my go to powder for the 204 Ruger. Cci 450 primmers are a must.

[@peterschmidt2849]

@vettelover2009 I run magnum primmers for the harder cups.

[@fern6468]

I’m doing load developement right now with cfe Hornady brass and federal gmm primers as well. Started bottom of the load data with .2 increments. Did 5 groups so far nothing worth bragging about hoping I get tighter groups as the powder increases

[@hghunter44]

I use a CZ 527 varmint model in 17 Hornet. I use CFE BLK powder and can load 20 gr bullets to 3850 fps and 15.5 gr bullets to 4050 fps. I love the set trigger and wish CZ still made the 527.

[@uriahturner6533]

29.1 grains hodgdons h4895 with 32 grain vmax getting 4150 out of 22 inch barrel. Also 27.7 grains h4895 with 39 blitzking getting 3910 out of that same rifle. Both one ragged hole accuracy. Both coyote poison. Furthest shot on a coyote with 32sis 390 yards. Furthest shot with 39 blitzkings is 439 yards. Both dropped on the spot.

[@2004Grizzly]

Hello, I am looking for some more information on the dies you were using. I have a .204 and came across your video today and was very impressed with your reloading set up.

[@ArkansasBadBoy]

Same here. I wish there was a list of everything being used in this video.

[@DanielBoone337]

I'm more of a 22-250 and 223 REM guy but I've hunted with a couple guys who swear by the 204. We don't have the rock chucks or prairie dogs in my part of Louisiana all I hunt is coyotes and I try to shoot my 1 bobcat a year. I even had a 22-250AI built so I can reach out and touch a coyote at longer distances. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!

[@Ultimatereloader]

Awesome- what kind of performance do you get out of that 22-250AI???

[@DanielBoone337]

@@Ultimatereloader It's not all that much I'm getting around 100 to 150 fps more then a 22-250 Rem with the lighter bullets but I had it built with a 1:8 twist so that I can shoot the heavier bullets. Without looking at my notes I can push the 75gr Swift Sirocco 2 bullets around 3400ish FPS if I remember correctly and that opens up what I can hunt with it a little. So instead of only hunting coyotes I've killed deer dead in their tracks 200 yards and in but I've also folded multiple coyotes at over 500 yards. You can do the same with fast twist barrel on the 22-250 Rem but I just wanted something different.

[@rgthomson1]

I would say the 39 grain sbk is a better choice than the 40 vmax, 1 in 12 struggles to stabilize the 40, i have used both in my 204 and its either the 32 grain vmax or 39 sbk I would recommend full length sizing as you will get trouble later on with reloads

[@guyminer2384]

Ya, I think you might be right. I know the 35 gr Berger flat base shoots better from my rifle than the 40 grain V-Max.

[@donbenson5292]

I have the same experience. The Sierra shoots the 39 gr much better. They claim that is what Savage uses, 40gr vmax for their testing on the 12 inch twist.

[@countercivilization]

Very popular choice for roo hunter in Australia where head shot are favoured and compulsory if hunted for meat.

[@stephenheersink6778]

Yes. I use a Savage Model 12 with a 26” heavy barrel.

[@leemcmillan6408]

I got to tell you, this little rifle is mind boggling accurate. I have a Savage 111 in .204 and this isn't BS. First reload I tried shot 4 shot grp. at 100 yds was an unbelievable 1/4 " great. Fresh gun right out of the box. 28grns of win. 748 with a 26 gr Varmagedon bullet. Could use this little rig for bench match if I did that kind of shooting. Go and get one today.👍

[@deernbass]

I’m picking up a Ruger American gen 2 in 204 Ruger soon. It’s a 1:12 twist rate so I’m thinking something in the 32-38 grain range will work well in it. After I get this rifle I’m gonna start getting my reloading stuff together and get started

[@jasonpaulzine1311]

I run a 20 practical. It’s a 223 case instead of the 222 rem mag case. I use the same bullets 35gr Berger with Benchmark at 3842fps ave. The 40gr v-max with 8208 at 3670fps ave

[@scottendicott3249]

I have a special run Savage for Cabela's from 08 I think. 20" heavy barrel oversized bolt knob. Called a 4x4 truck gun. AR15 with a 24" ER Shaw barrel. Both shoot lights out. I shoot both the 32 ballistic tip and 40 grain hollow point.

[@quickdraw881]

I love the 204, bought a Ruger stainless all weather stock when it first came out, killed a few bobocats , rabbit, coyotes, my oldest son killed two doe with it also. It’s a very capable round and the kids love shooting it

[@dantheman5222]

I have the same gun, had it for almost 15 years now, i was told said gun almost sent Ruger broke with tool steal as the SS was super hard

[@CCXRS7]

Varmint Rifle: Aero Precision receivered AR-15 with a McGowen Precision 18" Modified HBAR barrel, chambered in 5.45x39 with a 1 in 8 twist. 60 grain V-Max on a stout load of CFE223. Really those CZ 527 mini Mauser rifles though, would love to pick one up in 6.5 Grendel.

[@user-ti7uj4dq5n]

I’m using a savage 12 FCV 26” 22-250 with 40gr Nosler ballistic tips, 38.8gr Varget for 4277 FPS and SD 6, ES 14. Very accurate combo and extremely fast. Blows the hell out of everything it hits lol .

[@craig243ful]

i love the 204 for ground hogs and crows after the crops are in

[@Ultimatereloader]

👍 Nice choice!

[@fern6468]

Funny I just started loading some 40g vmax over cfe 223 and 205m primer. I’m working up from starting min charge and going up by .2 increments. I’m really hoping I can find a load that works in my cz Kevlar. I just picked up 500 40g vmax and been wanting to try some 39 sbk but those are no where to be found.

[@linkbond08]

My Varmint round is a 110gr Sierra pro hunter, on top of 55gr of Varget, with a estimated velocity of around 3,300fps out of my 22" Mossberg Patriot 30-06. Takes out whatever I need it to inside of 200.

[@michaellittzi5023]

I have 3 204 rugers. CZ 527 -SAVAGE heavy barrel and a TC venture with 1-9 twist I use 25.5 RL10X WITH 32 GR VMAX AND 24.6 RL10X WITH 39 GR SIERRAS

[@Xsheaffer]

Love the 204. I use 2200 powder with 26gr VG and 32gr VMax. No published data for 2200/204 but I found it to shoot better than TAC or 2230. 25.7gr 2200 for 26gr VG nets about 4250 fps and 25.4gr 2200 for the 32gr VMax nets about 4100fps out of my Savage 26" varmint stick. About 100fps less with my 22" American Predator. Much more velocity than this is possible with 2200. Killed a 50# hog a few nights ago with the 32 gr VMax on a 30m shot. Piggy made it about 5 feet, shattered the near shoulder, dislocated the other. No exit and made a total mess inside. It was real close range on a small pig, but still a surprising amount of damage.

[@SledSaint]

Running the same rifle! had the barrel cut to 22" and threaded to run my YHM Turbo-K. I reload with 39gr Sierra Blitzkings and H4895. Taken many of big western coyotes with minimal fur damage. I noticed a few guys only neck size .204 as well, I'm curious on why.

[@guyminer2384]

Honestly, I just neck size because I enjoy using that little arbor press and the Wilson dies. They're nice to use.

[@Zegswijze]

My Howa Ranchland in .204 with a 20" 1 in 12 barrel won't stabilize the Hornady 40gr V-max bullets. So I use the 32gr V-max bullets in combination with Ramshot X-terminator. The thin barrel heats up instantly on that rifle. It's cooking after just five shots.

[@jodyhendricks5276]

So I run a 20 practical in a Ar for coyotes and it is excellent for fur and follow up shots and I just use range brass to reload it with 40 bullets I would like to see you guys build one and do load data on it .I just run tac and it just shoots .

[@farmerwayne1404]

Love the vid! Kinda' Bob Ross-esque. 🎨 🖌

[@rtrapper4life]

I use a single shot sako 6 ppc for the majority of my varminting but would like to have a lightweight repeater in 204 for coyote hunting or for longer walks.

[@KingLoopie1]

204 looks like a lot of fun, but I just don't have the room or time for it yet...!

[@WorldofTon]

I’m using a 22-250Ackley. For me in my 12 twist barrel it will do all that and more. In my 8 twist barrel, 88-90gr Berger’s out to 1000 yds. Can’t buy off the shelf ammo though.

[@r.awilliams9815]

Over the decades of doing gun deals, going to gun shows, etc, I've acquired some odd things...one of those odd things is about 300 pieces of unfired .222 Remington Magnum brass. I have no idea why or when I got them, I've never owned a .222 Magnum, but there they are. I could reform them to .204 I suppose, should I ever buy a .204 and have trouble finding brass. My varmint rifles are: A: Sako L461 custom with a Hart barrel in .222 Remington. It's fitted with a carbon fiber stock and field ready it weighs just under 7 pounds. Favorite load is a 40 grain Ballistic Tip and enough H322 to launch it at 3500 fps, which accounted for more than a few incautious coyotes. B: A Winchester Model 70 Classic Stainless action fitted with a long fat contour Pac-Nor barrel in .243 Winchester and a laminated benchrest style stock. It weighs about 15 pounds all up and spits out 55 grain BTs into tiny groups at better than 4000 fps. It makes ground squirrels very unhappy, very briefly.

[@glenkl6465]

Love my tikka HB varmint 204 I have excellent results with 40gr vmax h4895

[@Daywalkerbmz1188]

I also own the CZ 527 Varmint with a Maple stock. Usually use 32gr nosler varmagedon and 39gr sierra blitzkings to take anything from grey fox, racoon, euratian collard dove up to coyotes and feral hogs here in Texas. Sadly cannot shoot 40gr bullets and up in mine.

[@guyminer3168]

I think the 40's are right on the edge for the 204.

[@toddswogger5445]

Have been wanting a 204 this may have tipped me over the edge. I use either a 22-250 savage low profile w/ barnes 50gr. Varminators or a 220 swift remington longrange w/hornady 40 gr v-max. Both are .3 guns.