"correct" non IMR powder for the .204 Ruger

[JohnK]

I'm a very experienced reloader, of some 50 years, but have always relied on IMR powders for loading my rifles. Admittedly an old dog, hard to change.

With this cartridge, and 32 gr. Nosler BTs, 3031, 4895, and 4064 all seem a bit slow, with compressed loads. 4198 seems a bit fast.

I have a new CZ .204 Varmint, just waiting to use.

Again, I have no experience with ball powders, at all.

Recommendations for this correct powder? Highest velocity, with the lowest pressure, Don't particularly want to use Mag primers.

 

[pownal55]

Being an old dog myself I would not try to drag you away from your favorite powders but thought this might be worth mentioning. I used Varget in the 204 with Berger 35gr and Sierra 39gr Blitzking bullets and got very good accuracy, good velocity and low pressures, especially with the bergers.

 

[JohnK]

Pown, Varget appears to be a compressed load too. Same burn rate as 4895, any advantage there?

Would like a powder with 90-95% fill.

Maybe I'm worrying too much, 4895 might be fine, with a little vibration to settle the load.

Have used IMR 4895 for years, in a wonderfully accurate .222 Rem Mag SAKO, with 55 gr. BTs.

Is Varget a "stick" powder, or ball?

 

[pownal55]

John,
Varget is a rather short stick powder that has a reputation for resistance to extreme temperature fluctuations without ill effects. I used Hogdons starting load for the 204 with excellent accuracy. I also use Varget in 7mm08 and 308. I don't recall the 204 being much of a compressed load.
After some thought I recall switching to h335 for the Sierra 39gr bullet since it gave slightly better velocity with that bullet.
I never went to maximum powder charges with any 204 load because I had slightly flattened primers even with factory ammo. Don't know if it was just my rifle but I read it was a common problem with many 204 loads.

 

[lostarts]

I use accurate 2520 with very good results

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Nevada Ed]

One that might work for you is BLC ?

It worked for me with light bullets in my .224 but watch out for max loads in 90 degree weather or more !! It can lock up a bolt.

 

[Homie]

John,

I've had good luck with Reloder 10x and the 32 gr. Noslers in three different .204s- a factory Remington SS, a Ruger SS, and a Hart SS.
Work your way up to 25 or 26 gr., Rem. 7 1/2s in Win. brass. Play with bullet jump after things settle down.

Good shooting.

 

[Cdog]

I'll second the Alliant rifle powders. The Reloader family of powders are mainstays for me.

 

[H Richard]

Varget has been my "go to " powder for all medium size case loads for several years now. 223, 224, 22-250, 243, 308. Very consistent.

 

[msinc]

I have had the best luck with 32 grain bullets and Winchester 748...26.0 grains to be exact. I found that loading the 204 down just a little made my custom Pac-Nor barreled 700 drop 'em just about into the same hole. Good shooting.