.204 owners - Want to hear your experience & recommendations

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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bladeracer » 05 Apr 2018, 3:55 pm

Stix wrote:Mine with the same load as you is about the 2350-60ish mark..
I havnt had a kill with that load yet...one day...!


I've only taken foxes with it but it's still very explosive. The bullet is designed to explode above 1600fps so it's easily suitable out to 100m.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Daddybang » 05 Apr 2018, 4:02 pm

Stix wrote:
Daddybang wrote:Hey Stix that's some nice accessorizing there!!!!
Every shooter should have matchin pants and rifle!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
Nice shootin but!! :thumbsup: :drinks:


Lmfao...!!!
Nice payout ..... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks Daddybang...!

I think its important to make the effort to blend in...especially when spotlighting from within the car...you know just in case a fox jumps in the car with me...if i got camo on it'll just think im just a bush...!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Truth is i never liked camo stock rifles untill i got one...& i always thought guys who wear camo clothing were just wanks...& now here i am submerged in both...!! :?

It all came to be cos i got the rifle--brand new tikka t3 camo stainless for $995 on the road...! (thats shipped from interstate, transferred & registered), & the pants cost me a massive $10... :thumbsup:
So now ive learnt to love em...!

So whilst people might think im a hunt clothing snob, the reality is im nothing more than a cheap stooge...!!! :lol: :lol:


It's all about being comfortable mate!! :thumbsup: :drinks:
This hard living ain't as easy as it used to be!!!
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 05 Apr 2018, 4:31 pm

I also use some 26gn varmint grenades (haven't done any load testing on them but have smashed a few bunnies out around the 270-280 mark with em so figure they shoot straight enough.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Stix » 05 Apr 2018, 7:57 pm

bigfellascott wrote:I also use some 26gn varmint grenades (haven't done any load testing on them but have smashed a few bunnies out around the 270-280 mark with em so figure they shoot straight enough.


Huh...? Ya wot...?!!?
You figure they shoot just cos you smashed bunnies at 270 yds...Nah mate...!!

I seen your pics earlier in the post...& if thats with no load testing...all i can say is that will be enough of that insubordinate carry-on young man...that behavior just wont be tolerated in these parts...!!!

Think its time for you to move on...!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

:sarcasm:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: love it...!!! :thumbsup:
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 05 Apr 2018, 8:12 pm

Stix wrote:
bigfellascott wrote:I also use some 26gn varmint grenades (haven't done any load testing on them but have smashed a few bunnies out around the 270-280 mark with em so figure they shoot straight enough.


Huh...? Ya wot...?!!?
You figure they shoot just cos you smashed bunnies at 270 yds...Nah mate...!!

I seen your pics earlier in the post...& if thats with no load testing...all i can say is that will be enough of that insubordinate carry-on young man...that behavior just wont be tolerated in these parts...!!!

Think its time for you to move on...!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

:sarcasm:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: love it...!!! :thumbsup:


I ment to get around to testing em on paper but ran out of time so figured whilst I'm out there I would give a few a run on some bunnies at around 200m and it smacked em so figured I'd give em a run on some further out and they got belted too so figured no need to waste time poking paper. Those groups I posted somewhere here were from factory Fed and Rem ammo :D If it wasn't so expensive I'd just use it but it's cheaper to reload so I went that way. They certainly shoot well hey, bunny heads exploding at 250m after working out how it was shooting - that's the thing I love about the 204 they generally aren't too fussy to get shooting, they love heaps of jump, some good solid primers (Rem 7.5 are fine as are some of the other benchrest primers) some are too thin and pierce under pressure so if you are reloading for the 204 make sure you use thicker cup primers. I've got about 900 39gn bk and around 400 32 Vmax and a few 100 40gn Vmax and some 40gn bergers from memory and a few 100 of the Varmint Grenades so got plenty of different options to play with when I'm ready.

All I know is the 32gn projes are very explosive on heads. :drinks:

Best shot on bunnies to day is a 305m headshot and a fox at 340m under the light - both bang flops (it's like they get hit by lightning, they just drop on the spot as a rule, even shot one just above the tail around 290m one night standing and shooting off the pasenger side door, instant bang flop, didn't even know what hit it (she was about to disapear down a washout so had no better shot to make it was a quick, line up and send one on it's way. :D
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 05 Apr 2018, 8:21 pm

This was all I found of one that got nailed around 170m from memory.

Image

This poor little fella got skinned

Image

Paddock pizza aplenty when this thing gets cranking.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by SCJ429 » 05 Apr 2018, 8:43 pm

I use 8208, using the 40 Vmax, a little over the book max. I am getting some primer cratering but the cases extract fine. I started with 2208 but couldn't get enough in the case to get a node at decent speed. The 8208 has grouped under four inches at 500 metres.

I used Speer TNTs in a 223 a 6mm BR and a 7mm BR. The 7mm BR is a Ruger #1 and shoots 0.4 using TNT. In my experience if your rifle will not shoot well with a TNT then it is not going to shoot. It is very forgiving like a SMK. Great for a cheap hunting projectile and they come in bulk packs too, love them for small game at ranges out to 300.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Stix » 05 Apr 2018, 9:12 pm

Mate im getting a stiffie with you talking like that...!!!

I know what you mean...i just cant believe how convincing the round is...
The first 6 shots that came out of this rifle in the field yielded 6 foxes--only out to im guessing 120--maybe 140 yds, but 3 of them were on the move so ive had to pick my squeeze in between blue bush & they all just fell over the instant that little bomb hits em.

Heres a bunny i got at about 170 yds under spotlight with the bag over the bonnet just this easter weekend...smooth sailing & clean hands dressing this one out & certainly no clots to soak off this one...!!! :lol:
It actually has a flap of skin left on one side of its head thats blown under its body...

2018-04-04 09.33.41.jpg
204'd bunny
2018-04-04 09.33.41.jpg (494.14 KiB) Viewed 6246 times


You're spot on with foxes saying its just like they get hit by lightning...!...& i now know why...

I kept 4 fox skins from the weekends jaunt, & the damage done under the skin by that small 32 Zmax i use is unbelievable...one full grown fox shot in the shoulder was a broken bloodied mess through to the other shoulder & extending up the neck...& that was just the 'meat & bone'...i didnt open it up to see its vitals.
All of this with no pelt damage apart from the 20 cal entry hole...its like its the perfect amount of energy for foxes with chest shots. :thumbsup:

I cant ever imagine being without one now... :unknown:

& feral pigeons...mate if you havnt, you need to see that through your scope...!!! :o :lol: :clap:
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Stix » 05 Apr 2018, 9:21 pm

Ok thanks SCJ429...ill have to try some of that powder & get the velocities up one day...

Ive got some 110 TNT's to try in the 7-08 too...
Cheers.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Bruiser64 » 07 Apr 2018, 11:46 pm

Well, l am inspired by the effectiveness of the 204 on display here. So much so that I have arranged to buy a savage 25 for a good price second hand. Looking at the reloading information on the forum it looks like the 32 gn Z-max projies look the goods. The rifle I am buying has a 24 inch barrel with a 1 in 12 twist. I was considering loading with Benchmark 8208 with cci primers based on what people hear on the forum appear to be using. I am looking forward to cutting a swathe through our local fox population with the 204 when I get it.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by brett1868 » 08 Apr 2018, 1:09 am

I have a Sako 85 Varmint Laminated S/S in 204 Ruger....definitely one of my top 5 favourites, especially for cats :) Haven't bothered too much doing any load development as I bought a 500pack of the Hornady 32gr VMax ammo which puts 6 into a 5c coin at 100m. Doubt I can improve on that so I'll leave the reloading for now and work on it when it runs out.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 08 Apr 2018, 10:16 am

Bruiser64 wrote:Well, l am inspired by the effectiveness of the 204 on display here. So much so that I have arranged to buy a savage 25 for a good price second hand. Looking at the reloading information on the forum it looks like the 32 gn Z-max projies look the goods. The rifle I am buying has a 24 inch barrel with a 1 in 12 twist. I was considering loading with Benchmark 8208 with cci primers based on what people hear on the forum appear to be using. I am looking forward to cutting a swathe through our local fox population with the 204 when I get it.


Sounds good mate - just make sure the primers are thick enough - I know the Rem 7.5s are and haven't had any of those pierce even with over max loads. I think there's a chart floating around on the net somewhere that has all the diff primer cup thicknesses listed so see if you can find that.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Apollo » 08 Apr 2018, 10:21 am

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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 08 Apr 2018, 10:32 am

Apollo wrote:http://www.jamescalhoon.com/primers_and_pressure.php

http://www.accurateshooter.com/technica ... -analysis/


Thanks for that Mega :thumbsup:
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Apollo » 08 Apr 2018, 4:04 pm

Just don't use Federal Primers, especially their standard version or you will find out about that puff in the face, shock syndrome... ie Pierced Primer.

Bit the same warning as not using Federal Primers with a Lee Hand Primer Seater.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by SCJ429 » 18 May 2018, 7:45 pm

I took Bladeracers advice and tried the 39 grain Sierra BK. They shoot great, in the .2s at 100, best group was .187 and 1.380 at 300. It was a little windy and all the 308 shooters were telling me I would get blown off the target. They were the ones suffering far more than me. Made a mess of a fox too, he didn't run after being hit believe it or not.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Bruiser64 » 18 May 2018, 8:28 pm

SCJ429 wrote:I took Bladeracers advice and tried the 39 grain Sierra BK. They shoot great, in the .2s at 100, best group was .187 and 1.380 at 300. It was a little windy and all the 308 shooters were telling me I would get blown off the target. They were the ones suffering far more than me. Made a mess of a fox too, he didn't run after being hit believe it or not.


Well that is very impressive. Sounds like this is an example of a superior ballistic co-efficient and higher velocity at work. On another note I finished paying for my .204 today. I now have the pleasure of going through the WA firearms licencing process. Hopefully it’s all good and in a monthe I will be able to take possession of it.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by SCJ429 » 18 May 2018, 8:57 pm

I have a feeling you are going to love your 204. I was shooting at 300 and loved watching the vapor trail all the way to the target. I was shooting off a bipod with a factory Unmodified unbedded rifle in a laminated stock. The Hornady brass is not the best but all I did was clean up the little kernel of brass on the inside of the case where they punch the flash hole. I would have neck turned them but I don't have a 20 cal mandrel. Hornady 40 grain Vmax are great as well. I am amazed that everyone thinks the 20 cals are blown around in the wind and that the big old lumbering 308 will do so much better.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Cooper » 19 May 2018, 9:21 am

40gr Vmax don't work with me in my Howa Mini action with 20 inch barrel. I have some 39gr Speer TNT and some Berger 40gr to try. Otherwise I'll just stick with the 32gr Zmax
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Bruiser64 » 19 May 2018, 10:47 am

SCJ429 wrote:I have a feeling you are going to love your 204. I was shooting at 300 and loved watching the vapor trail all the way to the target. I was shooting off a bipod with a factory Unmodified unbedded rifle in a laminated stock. The Hornady brass is not the best but all I did was clean up the little kernel of brass on the inside of the case where they punch the flash hole. I would have neck turned them but I don't have a 20 cal mandrel. Hornady 40 grain Vmax are great as well. I am amazed that everyone thinks the 20 cals are blown around in the wind and that the big old lumbering 308 will do so much better.


What do you think of the Norma brass? My lgs has some that I am thinking of getting. It’s an interesting observation about the wind drift of the 308 compared to the 204. Ballistics is more complex than just bullet weight. I would have thought a projectile with a better ballistic coefficient travelling at a higher velocity has less travel time to the target. Therefore less time for a side wind to affect it. Which l suppose is why the 6.5 creedmore is now popular.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by SCJ429 » 19 May 2018, 2:29 pm

I must admit I was feeling a little smug after everyone expressed concern about my tiny bullet suffering in the wind and guys with projectiles more than four times bigger found they were struggling to read the windage and spread their group across the target.the little 204 is going nearly 1000 fps faster and for short range that helps when your down on BC.
I have used Norma brass in 222 and 300 Wim Mag. All my Weatherby brass is Norma. It is equal to the the best in the world I.e. Lapua, the only downside is it is expensive. I got given the Hornady brass so I will use it as it is only a hunting rifle and I am not trying to set any records with it.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Bruiser64 » 20 May 2018, 1:00 am

Living out here in Butte Fuque WA, I like to support our LGS. So will probably just grab the Norma brass. I have never regretted spending more money on a quality product. I note your from the ACT ( which is where I grew up). Where can you hunt there? Or do you shoot in NSW? I am lucky where l live as I have quite a few good shooting options. The 204 should be the ducks guts on foxes. I plan to try both the hornady 40 grain vmax’s 32gn vmax’s and the 32gn zmax’s to see how they go.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by SCJ429 » 20 May 2018, 8:47 am

I see that the Barn sell Norma 204 brass for $105/100 which is great value. I also like to support the local guy but we sometimes get interesting service here. I don't mind paying extra for good service but that is not always what you get. We have plenty of places to hunt here, all in NSW. The closest one to me only takes 40 minutes to drive to. I also get down to the South Coast. We mainly get after foxes but also deer, goats pigs and lots of crows. The 204 is great for crows, foxes and a heap of other things as long as you are sensible.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bladeracer » 20 May 2018, 8:58 am

SCJ429 wrote:I see that the Barn sell Norma 204 brass for $105/100 which is great value. I also like to support the local guy but we sometimes get interesting service here. I don't mind paying extra for good service but that is not always what you get. We have plenty of places to hunt here, all in NSW. The closest one to me only takes 40 minutes to drive to. I also get down to the South Coast. We mainly get after foxes but also deer, goats pigs and lots of crows. The 204 is great for crows, foxes and a heap of other things as long as you are sensible.


Are we allowed to shoot crows in NSW?
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 20 May 2018, 10:38 am

bladeracer wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:I see that the Barn sell Norma 204 brass for $105/100 which is great value. I also like to support the local guy but we sometimes get interesting service here. I don't mind paying extra for good service but that is not always what you get. We have plenty of places to hunt here, all in NSW. The closest one to me only takes 40 minutes to drive to. I also get down to the South Coast. We mainly get after foxes but also deer, goats pigs and lots of crows. The 204 is great for crows, foxes and a heap of other things as long as you are sensible.


Are we allowed to shoot crows in NSW?


Yes in certain areas it is permitted. :thumbsup:
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by SCJ429 » 20 May 2018, 1:28 pm

Yes, you need a permit. Most sheep farmers are not too fond of the Australian Raven pecking the eyes out of there birthing ewes.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 20 May 2018, 1:34 pm

SCJ429 wrote:Yes, you need a permit. Most sheep farmers are not too fond of the Australian Raven pecking the eyes out of there birthing ewes.


Not sure you need a permit mate any links to it.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by Apollo » 20 May 2018, 1:58 pm

SCJ429 wrote:Yes, you need a permit. Most sheep farmers are not too fond of the Australian Raven pecking the eyes out of there birthing ewes.


Don't know about the ACT but the only place Crows are protected in NSW is an area known as The Greater Sydney Land Area. Elsewhere they are game on.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by bigfellascott » 20 May 2018, 2:49 pm

Apollo wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:Yes, you need a permit. Most sheep farmers are not too fond of the Australian Raven pecking the eyes out of there birthing ewes.


Don't know about the ACT but the only place Crows are protected in NSW is an area known as The Greater Sydney Land Area. Elsewhere they are game on.


That's pretty much my understanding too, and I think there's some areas of the Illawarra that are off limits too but can't quite recall.
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Re: Want to hear from .204 owners about their experiences an

Post by zook60 » 20 May 2018, 5:01 pm

I thought anywhere west of the blue mountains you are permitted to shoot crows.
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