Aww it might be of interest here also... you never know time to time.. it is also posted on the varmint forum and the reloading forum for those that might have missed it there...

seafire and seafire jr, wish to thank Capt Dave Funk, forum member f224, for his gracious donation of a take off Barrel in 204 Ruger for this project.. this post is dedicated to him and his 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.

Thanks, John. I have a #1 in 204. I think I'm gonna give some of the blue stuff a try in it.

I guess I've never understood buying a burner of a cartridge only to load it down. Why not buy a Hornet, etc?....

Seafire cause your a friend of mine I'm gonna speak up here one time then shut up and go away.
As you know I shoot boo-coo sub-.22 caliber wildcats. .17's and .20's are about all I do.
In my opinion with the way the subs spike pressure different and respond to minute changes in powders, primers, temps etc. Blue dot in a .204 is perilous in the extreme.
When I started reloading sub .22 calibers I learned to reload all over again after doing it for 25 years, that was the fun in it. There's big differences in how .223's and .204's react to things. I felt compelled to say that, please understand.
Good luck my friend and safe shooting to ya.

quote:

Originally posted by Buster:
I guess I've never understood buying a burner of a cartridge only to load it down. Why not buy a Hornet, etc?....

Its called flexibility..

I am not a 204 fan myself.. I am a 223 fan.. however with blue dot loads, folks have been asking for 204 data for over 2 years.. so I finally put some together....

I can load a 223 from a 22 Long rifle right up to 223 specs, which I do.. as I own a batch of 223s....

handloading offers a lot more flexibility, so I don't need to own a 22 mag, a 22 hornet, and 218 Bee etc.. I can load a 223, to cover any of their needs...

Doug

It must be a montana thing. I don't understand the fear of a powder like Blue Dot in a 223, when most guys wouldn't even think twice about it, if it was in a pistol case with a 22 bore...

This rifle is going to be for my son as a walking varminter.. the Blue Dot and 2004 info is the answer to multiple requests....

actually I'll probably do a medium load with say 2400 powder or IMR 4227.. as my son will be using it primarily in a Woods environment....

But if there is folks loading cast bullets with these powders, why does doing so with jacketed bullets cause such a fret? I don't get that... I consider these loads perfectly safe...

In fact with all the hype I have heard about not doing it in a 20 caliber and down, I approached this with a little more caution.. none of the pressure horror stories happened...or pressure spikes...

but I won't be shooting a lot of 204, so it is not something anyone needs to worry about.. but if I was, Blue Dot would still have a use in that caliber as far as I am concerned...

Our opinions diverge on this one but I'm sure not here to tell ya how to do things. It isn't something I'd do but your not me so it's your call.
Nice to be able to discuss diverging opinions without having to lock and load .

quote:

Originally posted by Buster:
I guess I've never understood buying a burner of a cartridge only to load it down. Why not buy a Hornet, etc?....

It is FAR easier to load DOWN a "burner of a cartridge" than to make a Hornet into a Swift.
Oh wait, you can't make a Hornet into a Swift.



Nevermind...