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
Ultimate Reloader partnerships involve one or more of the following:
Product supplied for evaluation + testing + features in videos/articles, paid advertising and promotions, engineering and product development services, scientific testing and evaluation, external media production and related marketing services.
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[@oldlincolnpipewelder]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@Hoytbuff]

What grain bullet you running?

[@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!

[@pegg38]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@jeff3388]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@tboots2p911]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@tonydevich7937]

Nice to see your helping Gavin out keep it up!

[@TriggerPullTV]

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

[@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.

[@johanswart8116]

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

[@guyminer2384]

Wow! Springbuck? Terrific. :)

[@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..

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@donndavis142]

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

[@cfranklin7450]

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

[@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.

[@briansheppard277]

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

[@dougblessin]

Nice work Guy! Awesome video!

[@cw2a]

Nice Video Guy!!

[@guyminer2384]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@paulnelson9907]

I don't use a .204 Ruger, but I am a P-dog shooter, my list of rifles calibers is as follows, 2-.223 Remington with cut rifled barrels, 2- 22-250's soon to be 3, a 22 Bench Rest, adding a 6mm BR, a 6XC, a 6mm Remington and a slow twist .308 Winchester. Wind blows too much in places for .20 cal. bullets. As I get older and have been shooting P-dog for over 20 years, ranges have gotten much longer. 20 years ago average range of a P-dog was 250 to 300 yards, now days I am shooting them starting at 350 yards and average close to 500 yards. Longer range means heavier bullets and better handloads. ES's starting in the low 20's and down with some loads in the single digits. Even .223 rifles need help so i switched to 77 grain TMK's and have the chambers reamed out to seat the bullets out to the base of the neck. 22-250's run faster twist barrels starting at 1/9 to a 1/8 with heavy bullets. 6 mm's all run 1/8 barrels with loads with the 85 G. Sierra #1530 bullet and some set up for heavy bullets. The odd ball here is the slow twist 308 for really windy days, shooting the 135 g. HPBT Matchking that Sierra discontinued.

[@bluepunk182]

What area of the country are you shooting prairie dogs?

[@paulnelson9907]

@@bluepunk182 South Dakota, Montana, Colorado and Kansas. I rotate states as I get information on the populations and the plaque kill offs. I don't use outfitters but they are becoming needed as small ranchers sell off to larger ranchers and they lease out their ranches, or public misuse of their land leaves bad taste.

[@markvanspronsen2061]

Tikka lite stainless in204. Mostly ground squirrels. Solely shoot 32grain.

[@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.

[@jeffgrossman6835]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@craig243ful]

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

[@Ultimatereloader]

👍 Nice choice!

[@tomwhiffen3180]

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

[@philippedomon5178]

A great caliber, I have thé Savage 25 , thé magasin is not the Best, but the barrel is very good, Last year I shoot with my fends, in the field , at 327 meters à gulf ball, and I touch first aptemt, I reload Hornady VMax 40 grs with Vihtavuori N140 , 1,75 grammes and it's perfect. To be continued the vidéo I love this, I'm french and you can see than here we watch yours vidéos.

[@guyminer2384]

Thank you!

[@aaronew26]

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

[@Mike_S_Swift]

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.

[@deserteagle.44]

Hi guys, I absolutely love the 204, love it that much that I own 3 x CZ varmints, 1 x Tikka superlite and just built an AR version with a Shillen varmint barrel. I load 40 gn Vmax with 29 grain of Win 748 for hole in hole accuracy, getting an average of 3930fps on the Tikka and 28gn of the 748 for the AR and the CZ. The AR, hits a 5 inch target out to 700 yards all day long, cant recommend the Shillen barrel enough, just the best. I even built an upper with another shillen varmint barrel for a 17 remington, that too shoots hole in hole.

[@kelvinscarff4010]

Wow Kelvin here im with you I think it is the most unbelievable cartridge to come out im using Ar2206h 27.6grains im in Australia pressure good 40 grain vmax and39 Speer Tnt I can't shoot the Sierra Blitz King39grain it doesn't like them. Neck sized and Anealed 1/2 inch groups 100mtrs no wind but it shoots all 32grn bullets no matter what brand happy hunting im 63 years old and I never get sick of it.Regards SHOOTER

[@deserteagle.44]

@@kelvinscarff4010 hi Kelvin. Where abouts in Australia are you? I'm in Adelaide for a few months.

[@kelvinscarff4010]

Did You get my Email Steve

[@p.t.anderson1593]

I got such a strong Bob Ross vibe from this video. I was half expecting Guy to say something like "Happy little cartriges." at any time. Please note, this wouldn't be a bad thing. I'm very interested in this method of reloading with the arbor press.

[@guyminer2384]

I can't honestly say that the arbor press produces better ammo than good dies on a conventional press, but thought it would be interesting to some folks. I load most of my centerfire ammo on conventional presses, but I do like the arbor press for some jobs, like the little 204 Ruger. My tightest groups though have been shot with the 223 Rem, loaded on Forster loading gear. "Happy little cartridges" ... I may need to use that someday!

[@p.t.anderson1593]

@@guyminer2384 I was intrigued because it looks more portable while maintaining decent precision. That method looks like you could do it at the range or at the coffee table.

[@guyminer2384]

@@p.t.anderson1593 - yes! I have loaded at the range with it. Wind and powder charges can be a bit of an issue, but that can be made easier with pre-measured charges in small bottles. I've used 35mm film canisters, but don't have any of them anymore. Should have saved a dozen even after my photography went digital!

[@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.

[@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.

[@donrandall2030]

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

[@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

[@daddyfunn]

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

[@countercivilization]

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

[@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 .

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@brentpopiel7816]

Custom Remington 40x, 204 ruger, 26” 9 twist kreiger barrel running 50 or 52 grain blackhole uld bullets over Norma 203b and RP 7 1/2 primers. Shoots real small in the neighborhood of 3300 fps with the 50 grain.

[@BEANS-O-MATICtransmissions]

@brent popiel how does the 9 twist do with lighter bullets?

[@brentpopiel7816]

@@BEANS-O-MATICtransmissions I’ve only shot 39 sbk/40 grain berger bullets as my light choices and it shoots them really good, 40 grain vmax too. Havnt shot any 32 grain through it.

[@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. :)

[@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.

[@brentnunn7031]

Howa 1500 and I shoot 24gr. And I’m getting 4700 fps. Best for coyote’s is 32gr. They exploded inside. The 40gr. Zip right through them not to good. But like you said I can get some good groups out to 600 yards with the 40 gr.

[@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!

[@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.

[@stevefertig6594]

My opinion is the 204 caliber is a awesome and enjoyable round to shoot, weather varmint hunting, coyotes or just target shooting for accuracy. It's a very fast and flat shooting caliber. I shoot a Ruger model 77 varmiter bolt action with a heavy 26" barrel, and a two stage trigger. It's topped with a Leopold VARI X 3, 6.5 x 20. I shoot factory loaded Hornady 32 grain V-max bullets. With a heavy varmint rifle and a low recoil 204 caliber you don't lose your sight picture. My opinion is the 204 Is the finest varmint round to date, if not it's tied with the 22-250. One thing is for sure, you can't go wrong with either. I'm no competition shooter but with that said my longest shot on a woodchuck is 384 yards and I try to make head shots on anything under 250 yards. It's just darn fun and the farmers like it too. Thanks for the opportunity to share.

[@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.

[@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.

[@mikespak1473]

CZ527 Varmint 223 50gr VMAX with H 4198 very accurate.

[@guyminer2384]

The 223 might well be a more practical choice. I just wanted to try something new and different back when I bought the 204 version.

[@rebbull11b]

204 Cz 597 for general pest control Red squirrels, skunks, pigeons, crows and coyotes. 32 gr for all.

[@chrissidwell9455]

I have a Savage modle 10, Ruger Hawkeye, and a TC Venture in 204. I use it primarily as a coyote round and have never lost one. Alot of guys get a 204 only to find that they don't stop the coyotes dead right there ,DRT. The reason why is they don't use the right bullets in the right spot. I use the heavier tougher bullets like the Hornady 40gr V-max, Hornady 45gr soft point, Berger 40gr hollow point,, or the 40gr Nosler ballistic tip bullets at 3800-3850 fps. A neck, chest, or behind the shoulder shot will anchor a coyote every time with these bullets. I have killed many coyotes also with the Sierra 39gr Blitzing bullet, but it is more fragile that these others, so don't shoot them too close, like under 75 yards or you may get bullet splash on the hide. But they are great and very accurate farther out to 400 yards on coyote. My favorite powders are RE-10x and H 4895 with Winchester or Remington cases and either CCI br-4 or Remington 71/2 match primers. 25 grains of RE-10x behind that 39 gr Blitzing is a very accurate combination,, 1/4" moa all day long. With the Sierra bullet especially, if I zero at 200 yards, I hit 1" high at 100 yards, and only 3" low at 300. I get an average of 1" groups at 200 yards also, with 1/4" moa at 100 and 2" at 300. The other 40gr bullets are really close, both in accuracy and trajectory. I have used the 35gr Berger hollow point and it works good also, but out past 200 yards the velocity drops very quick, so I don't use it for longer range work. On a calm cloudy day I have sniped pigeons and crows out to 650 yards pretty regularly with all three rifles, but the Savage is probably most accurate. All three are sub moa guns at 100yrd though. It just seems to be a very accurate cartridge compared to my other calibers.

[@Thermaldoggin7690]

I'm using 32 and 40 gn.v-max, have had several coyotes hit 20-200 yds drop like a rock, only to get back up or flop before ambling off, leaving a short blood trail.

[@nathanevans6297]

I have a Savage 110 camo in 204 ruger. It's one of my all time favorites. Excellent round. It's hard to believe more people havnt caught on to 204 ruger. It's a laser and zero recoil plus it has killed everything with 1 shot thus far. I also only neck size (I do for most of my bolt guns). I'm considering getting an AR upper for this cartridge as well.

[@nathanevans6297]

I forgot to mention, my lgs carries 32 grain vmaxes so I use those predominantly so far. I'm using surplus WC844 powder (H335) because I have 16 lbs of the same lot. Accuracy is excellent for a ball powder otherwise I would use my h4895. Charge is near max for 335 powder for just over 4000 fps.

[@GTRSniper1]

Try Ar2206h with 28gr. Gets my ruger M77VT to 4k with 40gr hornady and extremely accurate....

[@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.

[@KingLoopie1]

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

[@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

[@jamieharnish8725]

I get 3800fps in my 22-250 with 53g vmax and 36g 4064. Favorite groundhog gun/caliber. Explosive, accurate results.

[@dantheman5222]

not doubting you here at all, at 36 grains inst that a compressed load? i just checked my hornaby handbook and states IMR 4064 53GV-MAX MAX LOAD IS 35.5GRAINS for a speed of 3700fps,im currently working up a load with the same projectile in fact yesterday was my first on-paper results of 34.5g. are you getting any signs of overpressure?

[@jamieharnish8725]

It is not compressed, but it is on the verge of over pressure, in the summer sun if i leave one in the chamber it is. I wont chamber untill im ready to shoot. It could be reduced but shoots so good, i hate to change.

[@dantheman5222]

@@jamieharnish8725fair enough mate, yesterday i got sub moa, and happy with that at 100m, and no need for me to push my load, getting difficult to get ammo in Australia if we can projectiles have doubled or tripled in some cases in price, thank you for getting back to me so fast

[@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

[@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

[@randallcl9925]

I love varmint rifles because you can shoot them year 'round for not much money, unlike a deer rifle only fired a few times a year. Reloading small bullets and small charges is cheap too. I own a 204 Ruger, I bought a TC Compass when they were less than $300 after the rebate. I also have two Rugers, an '80s M77V in 220 Swift and a '90s M77V/T in .223. Both those have 26" heavy barrels and will shoot less than 1/2 MOA with good loads. I am looking to buy a Ruger Hawkeye in 204 but they are hard to find these days.

[@guyminer3168]

Varmint rifles are so cool. Very little recoil, great accuracy.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@baronwiens4510]

I like benchmark for 204

[@williams9859]

My favorite cartridge is 204 Ruger. I have an Ruger American that I beat the crap out of hunting coyotes. Still a tack driver.

[@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.

[@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.

[@stephenheersink6778]

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

[@daviddebacker2909]

Love the video, but missing some critical steps IMO. Case length trim? Primer pocket clean? C.O.A.L. check? Also, my little .204 really loves the 39 grain speer varmint TNT. One beautifully fast and accurate little rifle.

[@kimdavis5522]

220 Swift at a little over 3800fps, Remington 700 VSF. Take care of the gun, it will take care of you.

[@justbaggit70]

+1 here for the 35gr bergers. Taken many coyotes with it. Im using h4895 though. Im at 3,880fps just off max load data.

[@jeremyclark3410]

Same bullet and powder combo. Drops them in their tracks with zero pelt damage.

[@waynemayle865]

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

[@farmerwayne1404]

The reloading system reminds me of a high tech, Lee Precision Class Reloader....

[@guyminer3168]

Yes, it's quite similar.

[@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.