This is also being posted on the Varmint forum..

Me and seafire Jr first wish to thank Capt Dave Funk for his donation of a 204 Ruger Take off barrel...he posts as member f224...

A hardy thanks Dave and this post is dedicated to your and your generosity...

cheers
seafire and seafire jr.


204 Ruger and Blue Dot

Rifle used: Ruger 77 Mk 2

Barrel: 22 inches

Primer used: Winchester Small Pistol

Bullets used: Hornady 32 and 40 grain V Maxes.


32 grain Vmax:

5grs: 1588 fps
6grs: 1849 fps
7grs: 2012 fps
8grs: 2300 fps
9grs: 2472 fps

10grs: 2709 fps
11grs: 2890 fps
12grs: 3012 fps
13grs: 3212 fps
14grs: 3372 fps


40 grain Vmax

6grs: 1734 fps
7grs: 1966 fps
8grs: 2197 fps
9grs: 2321 fps

10grs: 2546 fps
11grs: 2709 fps
12grs: 2874 fps
13grs: 2892 fps
14 grs: 3140 fps


Starting charges were determined based on work with the 223 cartridge.

Both bullet weight’s charges were stopped at 14 grains, as going higher didn’t show any real increase in velocity but did show pressure signs starting.

Accuracy was what I have come to expect with Blue Dot.

Small pistol primers were used based on availability.. this was done during a nationwide primer shortage. Small rifle primers would not show any potential increase in velocity or pressure, based on experience with the 223 case.

As always a prudent handloader will work up to max charges, to make sure they are safe in their rifle.

This is presented as for academic review only, as I can not be responsible for other people’s handloading procedures.

If the lighter charges are used, I recommend charging a case and seating the bullet first, before going onto the next cartridge as this will eliminate the potential of a double charge.

With a max of 14 grains per case, a pound of Blue Dot will yield powder for 500 rounds of ammo.

Seafire
February 2008.

Very interesting.

Please correct me if I am wrong, does the 5 grain load with the 32gr vmax duplicate the
22 LR? I am looking for a small game load for shooting rabbits which duplicates the 22 LR, that wont be too destructive.

The other important thing is that the load also has to be quiet. I have a Kimber Pro Varmint & I don't want to fit a supressor to it.

Regards,

Michael.

a 22 LR is only about 1150 to 1200 fps, so it is a little faster than that... yet the 6 grain load is in the 22 Win Mag velocity arena