AusVarmint

Virgin poster so be gentle boys. Just ordered a 85 Sako varmint in .204 so I am madly searching the net for info! Now ,Iv'e always tended to use Sierra's so thats what I will try first, 32grainers preferably but will give the 39gn' ers a run if I need too. The BIG question is which powder? Seems like 2206H gets the nod on this forum for being the most popular with the 39gn BK's but is it just as good with the lighter 32gn projectiles? any other recommendations for an accurate ,clean burning powder ? BM2 ,10X, w748 ? Also what Mounts would you guy's reccommend for the new Sako , should I just go with sako optilocks or is there a better alternative ? Scope is going to be a Zeiss 4.5-14x50 . thanks and great site BTW

2206H seems to be the goto for most, but I run RL10x with the 39gr SBK's with excellent results.

Mount wise, my own 204 is a Sako 75, and I use the Sako ringmounts (One piece Optilocks, effectively) with a 42mm objective March, but they're limited in height options and might be touch and go with a 50mm depending on barrel thickness (Mine runs a Kreiger and not in the normal Sako Varmint profile). On my other Sako, I run the normal Optilocks for the Swaro. Tried a few different ones over the years, but always ended up going back to Optilocks.

Plus one for the reloader 10X. Its good stuff in a 204. Though 2206H and BM8208 would be my ADI powders of choice. The 8208 in particular as it meters really well (fine granules)

Shoot the 39's- they go fast enough and will help you out a bit on those windy nights.

Brad Y wrote:Plus one for the reloader 10X. Its good stuff in a 204. Though 2206H and BM8208 would be my ADI powders of choice. The 8208 in particular as it meters really well (fine granules)

Are you running 8208 in yours, and if so, what groups and speed are you getting with the 39gr BK's?

10X for me too

Dont waste your time with 32 bullets the 39 sierras or the 40 vmax are the go. Another vote for Reloader 10x just hard to get hold of it at times. The other powder I like is win 748. 29grn behind a 39 sierra will do the job for you.

Jeff I dont own a 20 cal anymore if I cant reach it with a 223, then I will have a 6 dasher running in a month or so hopefully- it has been delayed but looking forward to it finally.

Oh and off topic, the 284S reamer has been ordered you are third in line to get use of it.

Thanks Fellas for the info,I might try to get hold of a sample of both 2206H and 10X

If you can get your hands on it try BM8208. I'm getting better velocity and accuracy than 10x in my 20 Tac and it is cleaner burning also.

Welcome

I've been running BM8208 behind 32 Vmax and been happy with it but not quite able to match the factory accuracy close but just not the same.BM2 was also great as well.

Just sorted out a load with the 40 Vmax's and BM 8208 after some advice from a fellow 204 shooter and won't change back. I was truly surprised.

I wish I could get hold of some 39 grn sierras.every time I go to the LGS or look on line, their out and no Eta. The way the 40's are shooting though I'll stick with them now.

yet to run them (the 40's)over the chronograph but don't expect them to be moveing overly, quick nor am I looking for top speed. The 32's were running around the 4,000 FPS with the BM8208 out of my factory T3 and the load was near the listed max so I backed off a little.

My 204 is now my go to rifle for nearly all my shooting which is pretty much only fox shooting the only time I don't use it is on small properties.

Happy shooting

Flip

Flip what loads are you using with 8208 and the 40gn pills, I couldn't get the 40's to shoot anywhere near as good as the 32's. but that was before I switched to 8208.

Ill look it up when I get home tonight and get back to you.

Flip

Got to remember in a standard 1:12 twist (most 204's) the 40VM is marginally stable. In some barrels it will work, in others it wont. Its only because this bullet is longer than the others in 40gr weights (nosler and sierra) The 45gr hornady soft points/dimple tip bullets will stabilise in the 1:12 twist but they are short as well. If your barrel doesnt shoot the 40's I wouldnt waste too many rounds trying to get them to work. If they arent stabilising the only way you will improve it is going faster- which most 204 loads are quite fast anyway. Stepping up to a 20PPC or 20BR would be about the only solution Sierra 39gr pills are proven and very explosive in the 204. The 40gr noslers arent spoken about much but are good if you want a little more penetration with their solid base jacket- they are still explosive in the front 3/4 of the bullet anyway.

Nothing wrong with running the 32's fast but they hit a bit of a brick wall (for me anyway) out past 200m, where the 40gr class of bullets werent bad to 300 in good conditions.

cheers for the heads up on that Brad.

I have also picked up a 100 Berger 35 grn hollow points. Yet to load any up as yet.

Flip

Brad they stabalise ok, just not the accuracy I'm willing to accept especially when compared to the 32gn pills, again I just haven't spent the time playing around with loads for them with 8208.
A mate has a .20/250 which he is waiting on a new barrel for with a faster twist so he can have a play with some of the 50gn projectiles, he is getting the new barrel on a ackley case this time, not so much to get any extra speed but mostly to prolong case life, it still should be pretty quick though!