Just bought a Savage model 12 vlp in .204. Looking for some loads. What powder have you guys founds to give the best mix of accuracy and velocity? I will be loading the 32 and 39 grain Sierra's and the 32 grain v-max. Heard poor reviews on the 40's so I will be staying away from them unless someone tells me different. Thanks for the help.

The following is the result of testing my 26 inch TC Encore!


Barrel .... 26 inch TC Factory barrel
Case ...... Hornady
Bullet ..... 32 grain Hornady V-Max
Primer ... CCI 450
Powder .. 23.0 grains IMR 4198
O.A.L. .... 2.265 inches
Temp ..... 44 deg F.
3-Shot muzzle velocity average .. 4125 fps @20 ft!
3-Shot group center to center ..... .330 inches @100 Yds

I bought 32 grain Hornady factory ammo and used the fired brass for my reloads!
NOTE: I was getting 3/8 inch groups with the factory 32 grain ammo! I was surprised and pleased!
I tried some 40 grain factory ammo and the best I could get was a 5-6 inch group and the bullets all keyholed!

I have a bunch of them loaded right now, that are seated to 2.300 inches COAL that I'm anxious to try! If they turn out not so good, I'll just seat them to 2.265 inches!

32's:
N-140 From 25.3 grains to 29.2 grains
Remington 7-1/2 Primer

35's:
IMR-3031 From 22.0 grains to 26.6 grains
Remington 7-1/2 Primer

40's:
W-748 From 23.0 grains to 28.3 grains
Remington 7-1/2 Primer

27.5 gr. Benchmark
Federal GM primers
Winchester brass
Sierra 32 gr. bullets