Which .204 Ruger Factory cartridges to try?

[Jim Phillips]

I just purchased a nice rifle chambered for .204 Ruger. The barrel is a 1:12 twist and I would like to try some factory ammo. I am not, and doubt I ever will become, a hand loader. I want to do a lot of paper punching and steel plate ringing (I hope) but will also set up on occasion to see if I can call in a Coyote or two. Any suggestions for which factory ammo I line up to try would be appreciated.

 

[GLShooter]

Try the Hornady. Most guys get good results with it. Of course every rilfe is different. None of my three bolts, two CZ's and a 700, like Winchester at all.

Greg

 

[catbegone]

40 gr. hornady would be your best as the bc is .275 and the sirrea 39 gr. blitzking is .287 bc

 

[bryan h]

40gr Hornady works the best in our gun's.

 

[deathwind II]

Keep an eye out for some Federal Premium 39 gr. Sierra Blitzking factory ammo. Although it (probably) has been discontinued - Lord knows why - I occasionally see some leftovers on shelves in my travels. Even though I handload I keep a stash on hand, it's that accurate in both my C-Z and Cooper. The 39 BK is known for shooting well in 12-twist .204s that won't stabilize 40 grain bullets.
The Hunting Shack, last time I checked, was still loading some; also the 35 gr. Berger HP, a good coyote-killing bullet that's generally pretty accurate in slow-twist .204s.

 

[GTOHunter]

What several have mentioned.....the Federal Loaded 39 grain Sierra Blitz Kings shoot very well in a .204 Rifle,next choice would be whatever grain choice You want in the Hornady brand or Winchester 32 grain ammo!

I have a CZ model 527 "Varmint" .204 Rifle and it does Awesome with those 39 SBK Bullets...but they quit making them unless You find a Shop that still has them as Deathwind mentioned or You buy the bullets from Sierra and load them Yourself?

 

[cahunter805]

Hornady is what I would start with. Shoots very well

 

[Orneryolfart357]

Since none have mentioned barrel length, you may need to start with a lighter bullet . I have a Savage 12 FV with a 26" barrel and it will shoot the 40's but shorter barrels may not. Try some of each and find out what your gun likes depending upon barrel length.

 

[JLJ223]

I agree only factory ammo I have tried has been the Hornady 32 and 40gr.

 

[AdamT]

Hornady

 

[SnowmanMo]

32 and 40gr Hornady's are a great off the shelf choice. Be aware that your rifle may or may not like the higher speeds of the "Superformance" line of ammunition from Hornady. But I have found their standard ammunition to be very reliable and accurate.

You may also try Fiocchi that are loaded with Hornady bullets, or Winchester Silver ammunition.

The .204 is sure a nice cartridge.

 

[webfoot56]

I WILL SECOND THE FIOCCHI!

 

[kswaterfowl]

My Tikka 204 loves the fiocchi 32 gr vmax.