Reloading The .204 Ruger

(Photo from Hornady – loaded ammo with 32 gr. V-Max bullet)

Firing a 32 grain bullet at well over 4,200 FPS is moving right on out. Most common bullet weights range from 26 grain (Barnes) to 50 grains for this little 20 caliber hot-shot. Some people think you can neck size down a 223 case and that is what this round was made from. No, the large part of the case is longer and neck taper is different. If you wanted to try to neck down something available, I understand a .222 Rem Magnum might work. You neck it down and fireform it. But brass for the .204 is as easy to get, so why do it? This was a joint project from Ruger and Hornady, and not originally a wildcat project.

Barnes says of their 26 grain, .204″ bullets, “Barnes� Varmint Grenade� is a unique varmint bullet that delivers explosive results. Originally developed for military applications, the bullet�s copper-tin composite core is highly frangible, greatly reducing the chance of ricochets. The new flat-base, hollow-cavity bullet remains intact at ultra-high velocities, yet fragments explosively on impact. Virtually vaporizes ground squirrels and prairie dogs, even at extended range. The bullet blows up completely at high speed, creating little or no exit wounds on larger animals. Leaves coyote and bobcat pelts virtually undamaged. Delivers sniper-like accuracy for dependable long-range kills.” Regarding loads, Barnes said, “you can use other published load data from Hodgdon or Hornady and the 32gr bullet for use with the 26gr Varmint Grenade bullets. Use the minimum load data to start. Working up in 1/2 gr. increments.”

You can get brass from Hornady, Norma, Nosler, Remington & Winchester. That’s what I suggest you do. 2008 prices range from $.25 to $.50 each in 100 lots.

Loads for .204 Ruger:
(Note: Most are maximum loads, you should use 10% less to start.) But where you see a (MAX) load, the one above it is the starting load, do not go below that amount.
(See note on Powders below or read all about various Powders.) TAC is “Ramshot TAC, a versatile rifle powder that performs well in a number of different calibers. TAC has the ability to provide some of the industry’s highest velocities for 80 grain bullets in the .223 caliber while maintaining SAAMI pressure guidelines. TAC is a double-based powder providing for ease of metering and consistent charge weights.” [ ed:It’s being tested widely in the .204 ] – Jeff Quinn likes Hodgdon Varget and Accurate Arms 2460 for loads.

Bullet size is .204″ in diameter. Due to different barrel lengths, type of bullet, seating depth, primer type and other factors, you may not get near the FPS charted. It is just a guide and the reason you should start under these charges and work up.

Discussion: This 20 caliber cartridge has been around since 2004. It is especially accurate with the smaller bullets like the 32-40 grain ones.

References: Internet sites (powder and bullet companies) – Numerous magazine articles on reloading special calibers and personal loads where noted.

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Powders: RL-15, RL-7 are Accurate Arms Powder; H335, H4895, Benchmark & Varget are Hodgdon, IMR powders are also supplied by Hodgdon. X-Terminator & TAC are powders from Ramshot. Ramshot and Accurate are the same company (Western Powders Inc — Miles City � Montana) in 2008.