Hi guys, awesome website here, and since i knew that there's a wealth of knowledge here, I have some questions on the .204 Ruger. First, is the .204 based off of a cartridge that brass is more ready available for? Also can somebody give me some measurements such as trim-to length, COL with a 32 gr. V-Max. Anybody have favorite loads? I loaded some with H335 that I haven't shot yet. Thanks in advance for the help.

A couple of places you might like to look:

204 Forum

Saubier

Hodgdon Powder Co

The 204 is based on the 222 Rem Mag. Probably easier to get good 204 brass than the other way around.

My favourite load uses the Sierra 39 gr BK, and a max charge H4895. Hornady brass, and Rem 7½.

quote:

First, is the .204 based off of a cartridge that brass is more ready available for?

No...but if you're interested there is a .204 that is based on the 223 case and is very popular and easy to reload...it's the 204 Tactical.....and a fine cartridge nearly equaling the .204 Ruger in performance with dirt cheap brass.....

The factory 204 brass is readily available in bulk and at pretty reasonable prices from suppliers such as Midway.....so why worry about using some other case............?

the 204 is based on a blown out 222 mag. 222 mag cases are lots harder to find than 204's. also since the shoulder is blown out quite a bit and the round headspaces on the shoulder, fireforming 222 mag cases can be a bitch (or in such things as a ruger #1 impossible) because the round will go into the chamber to far for the firing pin to reach the primer

Remington and Winchester are both selling .204 Ruger brass and they can be had pretty cheap from Midway and other online sources. Just bought two bags of Winchester brass for the .204 I still don't have (waiting on PACNOR barrel).

Highck: In addition to the Hornady 204 brass that I have saved from the originally available factory cartridge offerings, I have now purchased and put to use both Remington and Winchester bulk 204 brass. I am happy with all makes so far.
I have also seen (in boxes of 50) Nosler 204 Ruger brass!
Several of my friends started out from day one by using Remington 222 Remington brass necked down to the 204 configuration.
Everyone seems to be getting good to great accuracy with whichever brass they are using.
I have no trouble finding 222 Remington Magnum brass and have lots on hand for my 222 Magnum and my 6x47 Rifles.
Good luck with your new 204!
And be sure to try the Berger 35's in it.
Long live the 204 Ruger!
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy