After free floating the barrel, re-checking and tightening all mounting screws, switching scopes, the best I can get my 204 to shoot is 1 - 1.5" at 100yds. I've tried factory loads (Remington and Hornady,) and handloaded Hornady 40gr with BL-C2, H322 and W748; nothing better. I figure I should try Sierra and Hornady 32 gr bullets, but I hesitate spending the time as at least one of the 40gr loads should be coming in under 1". After five shots, I'm surprised if two touch. Anyone else having problems?

Drop to a lighter bullet (32 or 35 Gr.) and go to H4895 or RL10. Some .204's just don't shoot their best groups with 40's.

quote:

Originally posted by Col K:
After free floating the barrel, re-checking and tightening all mounting screws, switching scopes, the best I can get my 204 to shoot is 1 - 1.5" at 100yds. I've tried factory loads (Remington and Hornady,) and handloaded Hornady 40gr with BL-C2, H322 and W748; nothing better. I figure I should try Sierra and Hornady 32 gr bullets, but I hesitate spending the time as at least one of the 40gr loads should be coming in under 1". After five shots, I'm surprised if two touch. Anyone else having problems?

I've got one that's pretty much the same. I have yet to get it to shoot under an inch with any consistency with either of the bullet weights. Very disappointing.

a lot of people that have trouble with the 40's find that the 39 Sierras work well- have NFI why but the differnt shape and slightly lighter eight might just work

later
P

with the 39grn sierra's try AA2520 start load is 24.5 @3400 to 27.5 @3750---27.5 works best in my sav and 27 works best in my rem. both have the heavy barrels

Pretend it's a .17 Remington, and clean the barrel really, really, well..........

I bought a Remington ADL in 204. Took it to the range with factory ammo and it shot like 2" groups at 100.

I then bought an HS stock for it with the freefloated channel, and put together some handloads with Sierra 32's, and Hornady 32's.

Now it shoots 1/2" groups at 125 yards consistantly.

I am using WW brass, Benchmark or H335 powder and 32's. I am no where near the lands, and just loaded to SAAMI OAL.

I have read by several people that their remingtons hated 40's. I never tried them because I already shoot 40's in my 223AI and I wanted something different.

After getting tired of feeding problems with my R700 actions I gave up on them. My Kimber LongMaster shoot's sub 1/2moa all day with Hornady 40gr factory ammo and does the same with the 39gr Sierra's loaded by The Hunting Shack.

I like the caliber so much, I'm adding a 204 Ruger AR15 upper to my collection.

quote:

W748

Several suggestions...

1) What is the trigger pull? Get it down to around 2lbs.
2) Did you shoot it before you free floated the barrel? I was having problems with a used rifle that the previous owner had a gunsmith free float for him. An former high power rifle shooter suggested that I either place a shim betwee the barrel and the stock or wrap the barrel and stock with something that will hold tight but not mar the finish on the gun.
I shimmed the barrel with a stiff piece of paper and the group size went from 1" to .25".
I was told that the barrel vibrations were uncontrolled.

3) I'm using 40gr VMax's and Varget for my .204. Check out Hogdgons website for load details.

Good Luck, Let us know what works for you.

I've found that a lot of factory barrels chambered in the smaller calibers really do need to have the muzzle re-crowned. When I first got my .204 Rem 700 factory loads were all over the place --- had crown done and a trigger job and they shrunk quite a bit with a lot more consistency. I later added a skim-bedded Mt Rifle stock and the groups really shrank with reloads.

A friend had similar problems with his 204. He tried many different loads without any success and was ready to pay a gunsmith to figure out the problem. I lent him a can of wipeout foaming bore cleaner to try first, and the next morning he was shooting ragged holes at 100 yards. It seems his rifle likes to be perfectly clean to shoot well.

As my first post on this forum this probably sounds like I'm related to that product and trying to boost sales, but that's not the case. lol

I had a Remington 700 VSSF in 204R. It had a bedding issue (barrel touching about 2" in). Just returned it this week, new CZ for me.