Hello all,
Apologies if this question has already been covered, but I couldn't find it anyware
Having decided on a new CZ 527 classic in 204 ruger ( 1:12 sporter weight barrel), I am researching the best reloading options and would appreciate any input (& loading data) from others.
The obvious powder to use from reading other posts is 2206H, but I am unsure about the best projectile choice. No doubt it varies from rifle to rifle, but I would value any opinions on how the Sierrra 39gn B/Ks compare to the 40 or 32 gn Hornady V-max.
Optimum accuracy is the obvious goal.........
Ah Peter, the fun you will be having testing a 204 on your targets and varmints. But like all of these guns, some will shoot everything very well, some will have an accuracy preference biased to heavy or light. Is it possible you can gather up about twenty bullets of each of several kinds, figure out the suggested powder for each, standardize cases and primers and maybe even the powder, and shoot a few groups to see what the shooting tells you? I'm with you. I like to know what different bullets will do accuracy wise, but I like to shoot the best when I go to the field. The CZ in 204 is greatly in your favor of course. pogy
Thanks Pogy, but I was trying to minimise costs (in time & money) by not having to experiment with 20 different cartridge combinations.......
If I'm lucky I'll make an informed choice on the best projectile, & then play around with different powder charges to acheive optimum accuracy & velocity.
I know it will be fun..........
1 in 12 twists seem to be marginal for stabilising forties. Some rifles like them some dont. All rifles appear to like the 39BK. I got acceptable groups with the 40 VM when loded extremely hot (so discontinued as an unviable load) I could get 1 inch groups with the 40 NBT and it improved slightly with seating them out (so long they became a single shot proposition). I had very poor results with both weights of Hornady factory ammo and after one range session sold the rest of the 32gn Vmax box on ebay.
As I always had 3 shots touching with the 39 BK, and 5 if I did my bit I stuck to that. It was also completely unfussy on seating depth (rifle was a VT). While that was my standard load i couldnt help myself from experimenting.
My former avatar (the open heart fox) was taken with a 39BK. Nothing the 204 is designed to shoot will be deader with a 40 as with a 39. If you want to minimise downtime on finding your load, start with the 39BK.
Dont use win primers. the cups are too soft for the 204 pressure, I nearly pierced some on minimum loads. the 204um lists 3 primers as suitable. I used Rem 7 1/2 BR, I believe the others were a variety of CCI and federal but advise you to check the source if you want to try those, or PM Glenn Asher as he is a moderator there and a good bloke.
Thanks guys especially trevort for your detailed response to my
You don't mention having tried the 32gn v-max for higher velocity loads. Is that because you haven't or don't want to ?
Also what brass in 204 do you recommend? I believe norma & lapua are highly recommended, but I may not have those options.....
My .20 Practical shoots all the 39/40g pills well with 2206 the preferred powder but I have settled on the 40g V-Max because they are so much cheaper if you bulk buy them. The 34g Shots perform well too. Cheers Dugald
Last edited by sbn on Thu Aug 16, 2007 9:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
sorry, wasnt clear enough. i did try a packet of 32 VM factory and bought a 100 projies. Factory patterned, not grouped, 3 test loads did similar, sold the packet of projies. I think my rifle might have been an exception since 1 in 12 works for 32s
I used Rem brass and it did a good job. I prepped brass pretty well.
I have just bought 200 Norma as I have sold my VT and a stiller predator with Lilja barrel is coming any time now. i wanted to feed it what is supposed to be the best (no Lapua as yet).
Nosler custom is working well in my 6/250 and would be a good premium option as 204 Norma was $155 per hundred. If I lose a case spotlighting the rest of the trip will be called off till i find it!
I have just made email contact with a speciality US bullet maker who is doing 45gn HPBT and 47.5HPBT. I am also having a 20 PPC built (was going to be a heavy 204 but changed my mind) with a 1 in 10 krieger. Would like to try heavier projies at high speed for target work. I will let you know if they are prepared to do the export permit.
Many users on the 204um also love the 35gn Berger. Procal bring in Bergers but I havent asked if they do this one. I may well give it a go if he does have them
I have a CZ sporter and it favors 32 grain bullets, strongly, but it shoots the 39 Sierra acceptably well (under an inch), too. I mostly use the 32s in my rifle, since that's what it favors. 2206H (H4895 , as I know it) is the powder of choice for the 39s in BOTH of my rifles. For the 32s, it seems that BM2 is the ticket in my CZ, it shoots that stuff really well for a light sporter, and it's pretty much all I use in that rifle. I hope that helps a little, if you need specific data, check out the 204um, as we have all the published data currently available in a sticky at the top of the forum page.
I have a CZ sporter and it favors 32 grain bullets, strongly, but it shoots the 39 Sierra acceptably well (under an inch), too. I mostly use the 32s in my rifle, since that's what it favors.
Thanks Glenn, your results are particularly relevant since you have the same rifle. What size groups do you average with the 32 v-max in your CZ, & at what velocity
I think I have a bottle of BM2 somewhere, so that's good to know it may be suitable for the 204 /CZ. What powder charge did you use...
about the best projectile choice. No doubt it varies from rifle to rifle, but I would value any opinions on how the Sierrra 39gn B/Ks compare to the 40 or 32 gn Hornady V-max.
, as I know it) is the powder of choice for the 39s in BOTH of my rifles. For the 32s, it seems that BM2 is the ticket in my CZ, it shoots that stuff really well for a light sporter, and it's pretty much all I use in that rifle. I hope that helps a little, if you need specific data, check out the 204um, as we have all the published data currently available in a sticky at the top of the forum page.