I just purchased a new 204 rifle and do not wish to reload at the time. Could some of you suggest which factory ammo is best for 204 between Hornady V-Max 32 or 40 or Hunting Shack 32 or 39 with the Sierra BK's, i havent really heard anything about HS ammo. Used on praire dogs or ground hogs anywhere between 100-500 yrds. 24" barrel 1/12 twist
.204 Ruger Ammo Suggestions
- Thread starter bowerj
- Start date
archer_204
New member
The V-Max 32's shoot great out of mine but are very destructive...Fine for varmits but tough on fur...I am going to try some Berger bullets for coyotes...Hopefully they'll be a little more fur friendly...
quackwacker
New member
Any factory loading will work for the small stuff. I think the 32 V-max would suit your needs the best for short range work but if your going for a little longer range try the heavier bullets they buck the wind better. If your going after coyote sized critters you need to upgrade and handload or buy the factory loaded bergers from cabelas. The factory ammo just does not quite cut it. Hornady did come out with a 45 grain spitzer that comes already loaded also. Verdict is still out on that one though.
Ridge Runner
New member
cabelas has 5 different reman loads
32 and 40 hornady and sierra, and HSM with I think calhoon bullets. They're priced cheap, start out at I think 170 bucks for 200 rounds.
RR
32 and 40 hornady and sierra, and HSM with I think calhoon bullets. They're priced cheap, start out at I think 170 bucks for 200 rounds.
RR
Red_Mist
New member
bowerj,
If you look at the 32gr. and the 40gr. V-max's the 32gr. shoots faster out of the barrell, but the 40gr. ends ups going faster than the 32gr. and has more energy when it hits something. I personally have shot both of them, but now that I have reloaded my own the groups are now touching at a hundred yards. But when I was shooting factory loads they would not even come close to touching holes. Just my $.02
If you look at the 32gr. and the 40gr. V-max's the 32gr. shoots faster out of the barrell, but the 40gr. ends ups going faster than the 32gr. and has more energy when it hits something. I personally have shot both of them, but now that I have reloaded my own the groups are now touching at a hundred yards. But when I was shooting factory loads they would not even come close to touching holes. Just my $.02
I had no luck with Winchester 33gr HP or the HSM 33gr CDHP. Over 4000fps but terrible groups in my rifle. The 32gr V-Max was 1/2" at 100yds. Very consistent ammo. The 39gr BK's I shoot now are handloads so I can't help you there.
And all these rifles have a different attitude towards the 40 V-Max. Mine didn't like them. Your rifle just might like the HSM ammo & you may never reload for it. Good Luck in your quest. I really enjoy my 204.
And all these rifles have a different attitude towards the 40 V-Max. Mine didn't like them. Your rifle just might like the HSM ammo & you may never reload for it. Good Luck in your quest. I really enjoy my 204.
OldTurtle
Moderator - Deceased
I've used about all of the factory stuff between 32 and 40gr. I personally like the heavier bullets (39 & 40) for accuracy and lack of wind drift. I have some of the Winchester 34gr HPs that my AR doesn't like to feed, and I have experienced some feeding problems in my Savage as well. In comparing the 34s to the others, the HP appears to be a little shorter and I think my followers just don't lift the nose high enough.
My best groups came from the Remington 40gr, with the HSM 39s coming in a close 2nd. Hornady 40s are 3rd.
Cabela's had the HSM for about $120 per 200 in the bulk sales.
Eventually I will get a reloading set up for my 204 and 223s., but right now it's more cost effective to buy commercial.
My best groups came from the Remington 40gr, with the HSM 39s coming in a close 2nd. Hornady 40s are 3rd.
Cabela's had the HSM for about $120 per 200 in the bulk sales.
Eventually I will get a reloading set up for my 204 and 223s., but right now it's more cost effective to buy commercial.