I have a Remington VLS chambered in 204 Ruger. I'm looking for some help with the accuracy. To say the least, I am not happy with it so far having tried several bullet/powder/primer combinations, but not finding a very accurate one. Most groups are 1+ moa. Some are worse.

So here are my problems/questions. I have spoken with Remington and they say that both scenarios, as delivered from the factory, gets the best accuracy. They claim the 204 needs to be treated differently for maximum accuracy as compared to standard 22 caliber rifles. I have my doubts, so I'm looking from some advice.

1- The throat is so long, I can't get closer than .075". I've always started at the lands and worked back. Not possible in this one.

2- The pressure point on the forend of the stock. Should that be removed? I've always free floated my barrels.

Is there something else I'm missing here? Point is, I always look to learn something new in reloading and accuracy, but the conflicting stories here have me scratching my head.

Is it new?

What's the round count on the barrel?

Are there any pressure points on the barrel or action that shouldn't be there? Action screw too long. Poor inletting binding something. et cet.

How's the trigger?

Have you tried it with factory ammo? If so, what result? If not, a couple of different types of factory ammo might give you more baseline to work from. One 32 gr load and one 40 gr load is what I would suggest.

Of the bullets you've tried, were they all the same weight? I've heard of .204s having a strong preference for either the lighter or the heavier bullets.

LWD

I'm no expert, but I've spend a little time on a forum called www.204ruger.com. A couple points that I've read on there:

Be aware that the standard (i.e., factory) 1-12 twist rate can often be marginal for stabilizing some 40 grain bullets. Bullet stability via rotation is related more to bullet length than than weight. As a result, some guns that will not shoot the 40 grain plastic tip bullets, will shoot the 45 grain Hornady, because it is a little shorter.

Sometimes in 204s, the bullets like to jump to the lands, don't necessarily try to get as close as possible.

Anyway, best wishes, hope you get it going, and be sure to check out www.204ruger.com. They're nice guys around there.

Davis

Did Remington say how the .204 differed from the standard .22 center-fires in trying to get max accuracy?

LWD: The gun was purchased new. It has just over 400 rounds through it now. Break-in was done properly, per Shilen instructions. I've shot Barnes 26g and Hornady 32g and 40g V-max. Doesn't seem to effect group size

I have never shot factory rounds through it. That would be interesting to see what happens. Maybe this weekend.

Davis: I did read that the 204 likes a little jump, but .075" is the closet I can get and still keep the bullet in the neck at .012". I'm wondering if it needs to get closer. ???

Teancum: I didn't ask the question, but next time I call, I will. I do have a 22-250 VLS that has forend pressure from the factory and it shoots sub-moa. Plus, I have the bullets .002" off the lands.

Thanks for the input. I'll do some more research on 204ruger.com

I've had excellent accuracy from the Sierra 39 gr. bullet with BLC-2. Give it a try. It shoots groups half the size of Hornady and Nosler 40 gr. in my rifle. Also you could try the 32 and 34 gr. bullets. A lot of 1 in 12 .204's won't shoot 40 gr. Hornady and Nosler bullets. Those plastic tipped bullets look better than they shoot.

The 39gn Sierra Blitzking is the saviour of the .204Ruger, no question about it. Mine (a factory Sako 75 Varmint) shoots them in silly groups (.2' all day) with N135 and Fed205Ms, sat about 40thou off the lands.
Todd Kindler says the RL10x is the powder of choice for the .204 and he has forgotten more than I will ever know on the subject, so there may be something to try there.
The 40gn VMax never managed to match the 39gn Bkng, which is a pitty...

Hope this helps,

best wishes,

Finman

The 40 gr. V-max fails to totally stabilize in many, if not most, 1 in 12 twist rifles. Not so with the 39 gr. Sierra.

I'd try some factory ammo to see what you get, but I'm guessing there's a mechanical issue or problem somewhere.

LWD

I know it doesn't really help the OP but it's interesting that my bone stock VLS loves the factory Hornady 40 gr's.

In fact, so much so that I keep working up loads for other rifles that end up "in various stages of load development" where they get left in the safe, and I grab the VLS and go hunt.

The rifle with that factory ammo usually (USUALLY) shoots under and inch and frequently much, much better than that. By the way, it hated the 39GR sierras....

--Duck911

I had an early SPS in 204. 1-1 1/2 " was the best it would do. And I tried just about everything and anything. Rather disappointing.

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:
The 40 gr. V-max fails to totally stabilize in many, if not most, 1 in 12 twist rifles. Not so with the 39 gr. Sierra.

Interesting, they are dead nuts accurate in my CZ.