Hammered the 204 today

[DXHI]

Spoke with Steve about 3 months ago, ordered some bullets and just now getting around to load development .
I love this gun but the past 2 days have been frustrating equipment wise.

First tried to seat .01 off the rifling, but wasnt possible due to feeding issues. The small hollow points kept getting hung on the feed ramps, backed off to .02, .03...finally had to go to .1 off the rifling to get reliable cycling which wound up giving me a shorter COAL length than SAAMI...
Was a little worried but since these bullets are sensitive to sweating depth said WTH I'll still give a go.

Tried running my ladder, and after 2 sets ...nothing on paper, was worried was the seating depth causing issues....went to town, bought a box of factory.....yeap nope still not on paper.. keep in mind this thing was dead nutz accurate 6 months ago...re bore sighted...managed to get on paper..but unable to re-zero as windage dial just free spinning...

Long story short, I was able to get one ladder shot @100 yds... AAANNNDDD I think I managed to do it with the right charge
Very happy with the powder steve recommended and with how they shoot.

31gr Hammer Hunters
30 grains CFE223
5 shot group measured .48"
If I did the math right its .27 MOA?

Now in the mean time ...gotta get my scope repaired ..reconfirm the results today...and try on Wiley coyote..

 

[Csafisher]

Nice. What kind of gun and scope?

 

[TXAoudadKlr]

Velocity?

 

[HARPERC]

+++ for hanging tough with it.

 

[DXHI]

Gun is a Savage Model 12 FV. Scope is an old Leupold VX2 came off an 8 mm mauser my uncle traded some something for, then didn't like so he sold to me for $100... and I needed a scope for my new rifle for my upcoming Prarie dog hunt at the time. Got several good years out of it. Had the serial numbers ran and it's like a 1983 or 1986 model....cant remember exactly.

Don't have a chrono; so no speed numbers

 

[armbar]

I have that same Savage rifle. I also had feeding problems. It seems to be a known issue with that weapon. I ended up sending it to a gunsmith who specialized in Savages. He machined a small cone or feed ramp on the breech of the barrel. That fixed the feed issues.
Good luck.

 

[Canhunter35]

Is this a 204 ruger?

 

[DXHI]

It is a 204 ruger
Armbar do you have that Smith's info by chance?

 

[RockyMtnMT]

Looking at the load it should be very close to 4000 fps. Let the red mist fly!

 

[armbar]

I'm not home right now. I'll look tomorrow when I get back. I believe I got his information from the Savage shooters forum.

 

[Left Hand Dave]

+++ for hanging tough with it.

This is a good point. I have had days where I had to remind myself what I was doing was for fun."

 

[reelhardmt]

I love the 204 ruger! I do a lot of prairie dog shooting with everything from 300 win mag to the 204/223's. following this to see if Hammer Bullets can match the explosive results of the Blitzking and Vmax bullets!

 

[laker]

Curious on how they will be for a fur bullet on coyotes

 

[DXHI]

Curious on how they will be for a fur bullet on coyotes

I'm curious as well....very curious and I'm waiting for one to be stupid..(after i get my scope fixed)