204 1st outing

[CNY Yote Hunter]

Well, finally got a chance to take a break from work and get out to the fields. Picked up this Savage 12 Varmint Low Profile in 204 and got a Pulsar Thermion 2 xp50 pro to put on top of her. Was able to score some brass from mid south shooters supply and some 32 vmax and 40 vmax from midway. Haven't shot any 40 grain yet cause the 1st load I tried for the 32 grain was spot on. Load is listed in Nosler book…
Brass- Nosler
Primer- Federal 205M AR
Powder IMR 4198- 21grains
Seating depth as listed in book, anyways this load consistently put up great groups. Picture shown measured .304 and it does that or better consistently. So I got out to one of our favorite spots and 30 minutes in had a fox out in the field. This is my first time using a thermal scope, I still may prefer the IR to an extent but we will see. Ranged dog at 380 yards, don't remember the exact number but it was 380 something. Held center chest and let the 32 vmax rip. That it did, saw splatter on impact and dog dropped right there. Nothing else came out after a bit so went and retrieved the fox. Gorgeous male, 15.54lbs of it. Shot hit center chest and went all the way through the dog and exited right quarters taking the rear leg about completely off. So this may be a great gun for coyotes, to later be determined but fox not so friendly on the pelts. Softball size exit easy…. Going to give the 40 grain a try, also have some 32 Barnes Varminator and looking for 35 Berger as I've heard great things about them. Just curious what others have found with this caliber to be more fur friendly if any, if not no worries cause every dog down is better in my opinion!!
Also, foil on target was so thermal could see it, don't know why this works but it does in case anyone is wondering….

 

[ridge86]

Nice!

 

[comfisherman]

That's a mess for 380 but with the long tube it was probably a scooting load. The siren song of fox pelts causes us to live with all the downside of 17s.... physically they are light carcas like a cat more than dog and it becomes apparent when a bullet grenades in one.

 

[jjmp]

Congrats on your setup,very nice indeed,your ready for takeoff,smoke them yots

 

[CNY Yote Hunter]

That's a mess for 380 but with the long tube it was probably a scooting load. The siren song of fox pelts causes us to live with all the downside of 17s.... physically they are light carcas like a cat more than dog and it becomes apparent when a bullet grenades in one.

Agreed!! I have a 17 hornet I use frequently but they discontinued the 25hp's and that's all I really liked to use in it for pelts. The 25 vmax and 20 vmax would splash if I hit bone and leave about the same size hole as the 204 did. I still have a bunch of the 25 hp's but was trying new things for the inevitable day I run out of them lol

 

[L.Sherm]

The 35 Berger will be your friend on fur.
If your barrel is factory its probably a 1-12 twist which alot dont stabilize the 40 gr bullets. The 39BK seem to do better in 12 twists but there pretty much none existent, I would stick with the 35's for fur.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Aww the wittle guy is sweepin..... lol

Nice shooting and a good looking gun!

 

[Hugnot]

I shoot a .204R using CFE223 or IMR8208, CCI 41 primers, 40 VMax. My rifle has a 26", 1-11 twist barrel. Velocities range from 3675 to 3750 depending on powder used. IMR 8208 on hot days like 90 deg or about. Not fur friendly but good for up to 400. Plan to switch to AA2230, RS Exterminator or AA2460 when supplies of IMR8208 run out. AA LT32 should be a good fit.

Some Sg info - 12 twist - 40 VMax, 32 VMax, 35 Berger, 39 Sierra

Looks like the 32 VMax & 35 Berger are the best fit for a 12 twist. Minor velocity differences make for negligible Sg variations, so this should fit for Sg estimates for most use. Temperature differences make for much greater Sg variations.