.204 Ruger groups

[Guy Miner]

Another web site was holding a 100 yard rifle match - I hadn't shot my .204 Ruger in a while and knew it to be an accurate rifle so I decided to shoot it this morning for the August match. I shot 100 yards, prone, from the bipod. Used a CZ 527 Varmint rifle with a 12x Leupold. My loads included 35 gr Berger bullets and BL-C(2) powder for 3900+ fps.

Groups were:
TL = .405"
TR = 1.414" (Breathing doggone it! Knew as soon as I pressed the trigger that it was high & right)

BL = .316"
BR = .640"

Average was .694" but if I didn't include the group with the high/right flyer, it would be .454" average, which isn't too bad from a factory varmint rifle, prone/bipod.

Regards, Guy

 

[Oldtrader3]

Looks just like mine, Guy, except I have a 4.5-14x40AO Vari XIII on my CZ527. I am using 32 grain Ballistic Tips and IMR 3031 @ 3980 fps for mine. Groups run 1/2 to 3/4 inches when I do my part.

 

[257 Ackley]

Good shooting regardless Guy...that is a true varmint shooting position, so that looks like a bunch of dead squirrels or p-dogs to me!! :lol:

 

[FOTIS]

I have a Ruger 1V and I get 4200 fps with the V-max and Win 748. That was the only available bullet then.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

Great groups. I would love to get a 204 someday.

 

[DrMike]

Not too shabby! Prone? I'd take it. On the other hand, getting prone gets harder for me each year. Great shooting, Guy.

 

[YoteSmoker]

If you want tighter groups, give H4895 a try with those Bergers. My CZ loves it, not that you have a bad group but you might be surprised.

 

[Oldtrader3]

With the lighter 32 grain bulles, try IMR 3031. The loading density is better for that case with lighter bullets.

 

[Guy Miner]

I might just give 4895 or 3031 a try... Thanks for the suggestions!

At the particular range where I was shooting, to get lined up on the 100 yard target from prone I have to extend the bipod legs out quite a bit - so the whole affair gets a little wobbly compared to shooting from a more solid platform.

Haven't done a lot of "group" shooting with this rifle - only occasionally - sure is a neat little walk-around varmint rifle though. A few years ago I had the lighter version from CZ with the pencil thin barrel and a nice looking maple stock, but I shoot this somewhat heavier "varmint" version better in the field.

Guy

 

[Oldtrader3]

Mine is the light barreled version CZ 527 and it does walk a little after it heats up. However, for a walking around, varmit rifle, it is very accurate for the first 5-6 shots and that suits me fine. I do not push the handloads too fast because of barrel life concerns. Moving at 3980 fps is plenty fast enough anyway.

 

[muleman]

Hey Guy,
I tried XBR in my 204 with 32gr vmax's and NBT's - got .5" groups with STD's in the single digits! I was pushing 4100fps out of a 26" tube.
Scott