Thread: A few Q's 204R

I have,at last, got most of my gear to reload. Well to at least literally hand-load - haven't got a powder measure yet, but will soon - but everything else. I think.
I'll try not to repeat Q's that have often been asked, but a few tips from those in the know would be helpful.
Where I'm at: I've measured some Fed 39SBK's base to ogive, and the measurement is consistent enough. (Using the Hornady comparator). Now the Fed 39sbk's shoot really well in my Kimber - easily 3/4 " at 100yds. BFD I hear you say, but I want to at least replicate that for a start. I have seated some 39's in prepared but unloaded brass to set up the seater die, and measurements are all good. c.f. factory Fed. I plan on doing the same as a starting place with the Fed 32 sbks -but which shoot all over the show. (will measure from factory loads to start).
I can't get any Win new brass right now- unavailable - but I have some Nosler prepped unfired from a while back. 30 or so Fed cases(should have heaps more if I can find where I put the huas), about the same in Hornady, and some Win. All fired thru my rifle.
So to start working up loads, I assume it's best to use one brand of brass ? Accuracy is the priority at the mo'.
Would I be better off just using the Nosler and have done with it, at least consistent as a starting point? I may have just answered that by asking
I have a dozen Nosler 40gr to try a bit later, would I use the same seating depth as the 39 sbk to start?
Much of this is probably very obvious to you blokes who have done all this, but a few tips would be great, so I don't blow my hands off (or worse); they've served me well over the last 57yrs
Thanks, Bob.

"generally" it seems any of the 39/40 pills are the way to go accuracy wise - certainly it has been for me in the 20 Vartarg and the 20 Tactical.
If you havent got much brass of one brand use the Nosler cases.
My kimber was the most accurate factory rifle i ever owned and by a long way.

Thanks for that. I've primed them, just have to finish them off in "test" lots now, when I have a bit of time. Thanks muzr

Hi, Len here.

I also load 204 39grSBK. How did you get on with your loads??

I've had success so far with minimum powder loads working better than max loads.
E.g. 24.0gr ADI BenchMark2 and also loads of 26.0gr ADI 2206H (currently trying, but may go back to ADI BM2).
OAL (to ogive with Hornady comparator) 1.880inches.
Used Hornady brass, now on 5-7 reloads, starting to split necks, now annealing.
These loads have touching 5-shot groups at 100m ~0.3 - 0.4MOA, some touching 3-shot groups at 200m.
Ruger Hawkeye MKII rifle , and Tikka T3 varmint rifle. (Tikka preferred).

Any powder suggestions?
The Hogdon 223 copper fouling retarding powder (can't recall exact name???) could be stupid fast, as it's supposed to be what Hornady use / or very similar in factory loads? So far velocities not matched with consumer powders??

Whoops, just realized this thread is more than a year old...

Len, i think i sold that brass to you on trademe awhile back now when you were just getting into reloading? If i remember correctly you picked it up from my old man

I was giving away a bit of 204 gear e.g projoctiles brass dies etc but no one took me up on my offer on here, ended up selling via trademe.

I have sold my tikka varmint 204 now but i had very good results with the 40grain nosler, like 1/4moa good.

My best results came with full case loads

Jock? Yes that was me haha! I was thinking the other day of e-mailing to see if you had more brass, too. Damn, too slow. Just joined this forum few days ago, seems really good and welcoming. You have any .204 stuff left at all?

yeah mate. Umm i might be able to dig up some more cases, maybe have 50 lying around somewhere, but i wont be home for a few months. Will let you no if i find any

Crikey dick..Shows how long since I've been on here. My Mrs had a serious health issue which tied up much of my time. That and a new Enduro bike seems to have taken up the remainder of my time...not even any fishing
the info above is good, i just have to get rid of shit-loads of stuff out of my shed again, to get to my bench! cheers.

I use win748 powder and hornady v- max 40gr.