New 204 load... Projectile options?

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sun May 25, 2014 8:24 am

Hi, I have a t3 that I'm loading 34 gn nosler shots in coz they r cheap and shoot well, but I'd like to try some ballistic tips, not sure of the barrel twist, and if it will stabilise 40gn vmax.
What do u guys use or have any opinions?

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 9:38 am

Polly wrote:Hi, I have a t3 that I'm loading 34 gn nosler shots in coz they r cheap and shoot well, but I'd like to try some ballistic tips, not sure of the barrel twist, and if it will stabilise 40gn vmax.
What do u guys use or have any opinions?

I've been using the 39gn Sierra BK's in my 204 Howa - they shoot real well as do the 26gn Barnes Varmint Grenades (limited testing of those but so far the few I've tested have shoot well) the 32gn projies seem to shoot well in the 204's too so maybe have a look at that weight range too. As for the 40gn Vmax I haven't as yet tried those but I am hearing they can be hit and miss depending on barrel twist I think, I guess get some and try em and see what happens.

Cheers

Flip · Post by **Flip** » Sun May 25, 2014 10:29 am

I have some 40's in the draw and as is the way around these parts can send you some to try. Same goes for Camel a Scott. If you want to try some 35's or 40' let me know.

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 11:03 am

Flip wrote:I have some 40's in the draw and as is the way around these parts can send you some to try. Same goes for Camel a Scott. If you want to try some 35's or 40' let me know.

Hi Flip, what are the 35's mate? Can't say I've heard of the 35gn for a 204. Mind you I just went the 39's because I knew they would more than likely shoot well going by all reports, I used the 32gn in factory ammo when I first got the 204 Howa and it shot those brilliantly I must say - Barry B sent me some 26gn Barnes VG's and some custom 26gn projies a while back and and I loaded up 6 of the BVG's the other day to test whilst out looking for a fox and they shoot very well too going by my limited testing - so will have to give them a bit more of a serious test to confirm but so far they are looking good.

Thanks for the very kind offer mate, I might take you up on it at some stage just to see what they shoot like too - I've got to say so far I'm very impressed with the way these 20cals shoot! Those 32gn ACP's certainly look good in em too and would be real handy for those who have small cals and want to shoot bigger game with em.

Post by **GriMo** » Sun May 25, 2014 11:53 am

I've got a T3 204. 40gn VMax work just fine out of it

39gn SBK's did aswell but they are more $$$ and supply is not as good

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 12:18 pm

GriMo wrote:I've got a T3 204. 40gn VMax work just fine out of it

39gn SBK's did aswell but they are more $$$ and supply is not as good

What twist rate are the T3's mate any idea? also any pics of groups with the 40's?

Flip · Post by **Flip** » Sun May 25, 2014 12:54 pm

They are Bergers Scott. Hollow point flat base varmint Part # 20303. Not the cheapest but hell I don't really care. Looking at BRT.s site they are in stock again but if you want to try them PM me your details.

Flip · Post by **Flip** » Sun May 25, 2014 12:57 pm

T3 204 barrel twist 1 in 12

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 1:04 pm

Flip wrote:They are Bergers Scott. Hollow point flat base varmint Part # 20303. Not the cheapest but hell I don't really care. Looking at BRT.s site they are in stock again but if you want to try them PM me your details.

Thanks for that Flip, looks like a nice looking Projie - have you tried them on foxes? I'm after something that won't blow big holes in em like the 39's do.

Flip · Post by **Flip** » Sun May 25, 2014 1:13 pm

Have not really got to may yet still using up the last batch of 32's. did snot one at less than a hunred a while back was a fair mess. even the 32's can leave a nice hole when hit in the right/ wrong spot

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 1:17 pm

I think we need to go back to 17Rem's to do the job without leaving big holes in em, I sconed this one at 270+m a while back using the 39bk's bloody things leave big holes in em at that range too!

This one was shot at over 300m and still blew a big hole in it!

So as you can see they aren't conducive to producing good quality skins

Flip · Post by **Flip** » Sun May 25, 2014 1:23 pm

Nope........ just as well were not shooting for skins then

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 1:28 pm

What I've found with these 20cals is they seem to like being driven hard but at the same time aren't too hard to get shooting very well which makes it a great cal to load for.

I haven't tried the 40gn Vmax as yet - got em there just haven't tried em.

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 2:36 pm

Flip wrote:Nope........ just as well were not shooting for skins then

Well the problem is I am!

which makes it real hard when I'm using the Bk's - that's why Barry B sent me down some of the lighter pills to try as I'm trying to get skins for him, ain't been real successful of late for one reason or another but I will keep trying!

bigfellascott · Post by **bigfellascott** » Sun May 25, 2014 2:41 pm

Flip wrote:T3 204 barrel twist 1 in 12

The Howa 204 is a 1 in 12 too so I wonder if they will shoot ok in it? the 40 Vmax seem to have issues with stability from what I've been reading, I guess it needs a faster twist? but I might crack open a box one day and see what they do.

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