204 projectiles

[Shep25]

Ok guys, i am just doing a bit of research on projectiles for a .204r.
I am buying a tikka t3x varmint 204 in stainless and am looking for suggestions on projectiles.
Looking for a reasonably priced and accurate projectile for hunting(foxs) and for non competition targets.
Will be using rem 71/2 primers and hornady brass(at this stage)
Open to suggestions.

Cheers Bob

[Camel]

I tested all the different 32gn projectiles I could get when I was setting up my 20/222, Nosler, Sierra, Hornady Zmax and Vmax, they all shot in the same hole so I went the Zmax as they are cheapest, they kill no better or worse than any of the others. Cleavers do specials on the every so often, stock up.

[MISSED]

As Thod said I tried Nosler ,Sierra ,Speer,VMax and Zmax settled on the Zmax for the 20 Vartarg and am am very impressed with the 40 gr Copperheads in my 20 PPC.

[barryb]

Yeh Cleavers for sure. They currently have 20grain 17 ZMAX , 500 for a ridiculous $95. I'd be getting some except I haven't got enough 17's to use 500 up.

[Shep25]

Cheers guys, sounds like the 32grners are the way to go.
Will load up a few and sit back and wait my 6 weeks for my PTA to turn up in the mail.
Going to be a long wait but soooo looking forward to it.

[trevort]

Shep I would recommend the 39 or 40 gn pills in a 204 but all depends how far you want to shoot. It’s been a long time since I looked at ballistic tables but the lighter pills shed speed faster and have a little more wind drift. If you don’t shoot past 250 it doesn’t really matter. From memory it’s at about 300m where 40gn pill is actually going faster than the 32.
The vartarg uses a lot less powder than the 204 and the 32 is perfect for that case but the capacity of the 204 makes the 39/40 gn pills really shine


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[Shep25]

Shep I would recommend the 39 or 40 gn pills in a 204 but all depends how far you want to shoot. It’s been a long time since I looked at ballistic tables but the lighter pills shed speed faster and have a little more wind drift. If you don’t shoot past 250 it doesn’t really matter. From memory it’s at about 300m where 40gn pill is actually going faster than the 32.
The vartarg uses a lot less powder than the 204 and the 32 is perfect for that case but the capacity of the 204 makes the 39/40 gn pills really shine


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Cheers trevort, guess that i will just have to get a box of each and try them out for myself.
I think i may keep the loads i made up from the projectiles you sent over.
On second thoughts they are in sellior& bellot brass and i will more than likely use hornady so i guess there goes that idea.( going to check that).
They were 40gn vmax if i remember correctly.
Either way i will load up some more.
Might make up 42 just so i can use them to count down the days until the rifle gets here.
Cheers Bob

[trevort]

If you ask nicely you in the projectile swap meet
Thread you
Might get a few samples to try without buying full boxes


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[Shep25]

If you ask nicely you in the projectile swap meet
Thread you
Might get a few samples to try without buying full boxes


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Cheers trevort i might just try that as i have a few .45 acp projectiles here i will have no use for.

[antsa]

Z-Max no longer listed on the Hornady site. Discontinued?

Cheers

[Teepee]

Hi shep,
When using those 40gr projectiles, you might need a faster twist barrel. The 39gr Sierra I found to work in a standard twist brl and in the 204 cartridge, decent speed and accuracy was acheivable. Couldn't get the 40 to group in my Sako, but it had just a standard twist brl.
If your interested in obtaining a few to try, I have a range of projectiles on hand. Happy to send a few to you to try if your interested.

[Shep25]

Hi shep,
When using those 40gr projectiles, you might need a faster twist barrel. The 39gr Sierra I found to work in a standard twist brl and in the 204 cartridge, decent speed and accuracy was acheivable. Couldn't get the 40 to group in my Sako, but it had just a standard twist brl.
If your interested in obtaining a few to try, I have a range of projectiles on hand. Happy to send a few to you to try if your interested.

cheers Teepee
the twist rate is 1-12 so not sure if they will stabilze or not. only one way to find out i guess.
At the moment i am currently waiting on my PTA to be approved (looks like another 5 weeks) so i am looking to make up a few rounds and see what it likes the best.
I have a few 32gr Zmax on the way but if you have anything different and wouldn't mind sending some over that would be great.
i will PM you my address .
i am happy to pay a bit for them if that helps ,just let me know.

cheers Bob

[Teepee]

No worries shep,
With the 12 twist, the 40's might or might not work. You can only try.
I'll have a look tomorrow and see what I've got. I only basically use the 32vmax or zmax in my VT or 50&55's these days. Havnt had a 204 for some time so could probably cull some of the other various projies lying around.
Cheers

[Shep25]

No worries shep,
With the 12 twist, the 40's might or might not work. You can only try.
I'll have a look tomorrow and see what I've got. I only basically use the 32vmax or zmax in my VT or 50&55's these days. Havnt had a 204 for some time so could probably cull some of the other various projies lying around.
Cheers

Awesome mate thanks for your help, much appreciated

[204 Hunter]

I'll second the heavier projies 39 and 40gn as I have also shot pigs with my sako 204.