22/204

[B4408]

Interesting case if you had a 223 and wanted to improve it.

Since you've had Swifts, 22/250 and fast 20s, how long would this keep you interested..............

Bruce

[Tony Z]

I sized two identical weight Hornady 204 cases then took one out to 224 with an expander then the other was passed through a 222 RM FL die. Filled both with water and weighed. The capacity is irrelevant and will alter with brands, but what is relevant is the 4% H2O difference. Using the 4 to 1 rule a net velocity gain of 1% is achieved. It is easy to gain or lose that and more in batch lots of powder.
What I'm stating here is that using the Hornady case formed to 22/204 has a potential velocity gain of 1% over one formed into 222RM. If you have a velocity of 3400 fps with whatever pill at 50 grains that equates to 34 fps for equal pressure.

My old 222RM BR rifle achieved 3400 fps in Sako cases, 25 grains of 2207 and 52 grain Kats bullets. I later reamed the same barrel to 5.6x50 using the 222 RM reamer sunk in a further 3mm. The front dimensions of both cartridges are identical. Using RWS cases, the only manufacturer, i could get to 3600 fps with both the Kats and Nosler 52s using something in the order of 29 grains of BM2. This skews the data a lot as the 5.6X50 was designed to run high pressure so the Euros could legally chase some breed of deer with it. The RWS cases were indestructable in that i never FL sized a case or lost a primer pocket. The cases died when the necks split. Essentially a 100 RWS 5.6x50 cases would most likely outlive the barrel or go very close to it. Had the brass been anything other than RWS i seriously doubt much over 3500 fps would be obtainable keeping to pressure levels that wouldn't destroy brass too quickly. I never really stretched the 5.6x50 because i was looking for tiny groups and velocity was secondary. I do know that it had a 10% capacity gain over the RM so a 2.5% velocity gain is about where i put it using non bomb proof brass.

[MISSED]

Long and skinny has never really done it for me Stinki but the 22/204 might just scratch that itch

[MISSED]

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co.nz/ ... ator-5607/

An interesting read from Kiwi Greg

[17REM]

Have put over 4k rounds through the Howa 223 reamed 22-204 now. Can get 3660fps with 50gn HP using BM1 powder.

[Branxhunter]

Long and skinny has never really done it for me

And I breath a huge sigh of relief

Marcus

[MISSED]

Ah yes Marcus but what do you identify as ?

Martin I loaded some 53 grn Vmax with BM2 and got similar velocity but I cannot feed them from the magzine or from single shot

What brass are you using

[17REM]

I am using a mixture of Hornady, Federal, and Winchester.
Maybe the Taipan 50g are shorter. They load and cycle sweet.................hang on a minute!!
It has been a few years now since the Gunsmith did the conversion and yes the magazine block had to be modified to take the longer cartridge. Feeds well now though.

[17REM]

Actuall it looks like it was converted in 2016, how time flies.
"Wanted any unwanted 204 brass. Does not matter what brand. Once, twice fired or whatever as long as there are no split necks (as I cannot fix them)
Need brass for my 22/204.
Will hopefully be going to the Missathon on the weekend. C Can swap for 17 Projectiles or 7 1/2 shot if desired."

[MISSED]

I may have some Martin just need to sort the stash.

I will get back to you

[17REM]

Sorry, the bit in Inverted commas was a post from 2016 but I didn't know how to tag it. But if your throwing away brass!

[17REM]

I may have some Martin just need to sort the stash.

I will get back to you

Just sent you a PM Missed about brass. Cheers.

[MISSED]

And answered

[Brad Y]

Can get over 3500 with 50’s in the 223. Not that far off 3600 and could push harder. Great brass life so far. Enter a 223ai reamer and I expect 50’s to be over 3700 It’s rumoured online 40’s might get to 4000 with the right powder but that could be overdoing things

[MISSED]

Mate has a 223 Ai and drives the 40 Vmax at 4000 fps

50`s at 3500 fps and I believe 17 Rem is at 3650 fps with 50 gr Taipans out of his 22/204