Alucard
Well-Known Member
I just returned home from the range. I was testing out a Savage model 12 Varmint in .204 Ruger. The rifle has a 26" fluted stainless barrel, with the varmint style wide front end laminent stock. The rifle has the AccuTrigger as well.
I was shooting 39gr Seirra Blitzkings, with 25.7 gr of Hodgeon Benchmark powder. The primer was a Federal 205 Small Rifle Match. Cartridge overall length is 2.400".
Well, I must say that this is one accurate factory rifle. At 100 yards with this load I put 5 shots into a 1/16" group.
I haven't tried these bullets on gophers yet, but I did try some of the 32gr V-Max bullets and some 40 gr V-mAx bullets. I was a little disappointed in the expansion. I was comparing the .204 to a .223 Rem using 50 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and a .220 Swift using 50 gr V-Maxs. Shot ranges were from 247 yards to 42 yards - used a laser range finder.
I would have to rate the explosive impacts still highest to the .220 Swift - no surprise there, followed by the .223 Rem. Perhapse it was just the bullets I had just weren't performing as they were supposed to, but I was disappointed in the expasion of the 20 cal bullets.
I would definately recommend the Savage rifles to anyone. They are nice to shoot, and shoot like a dream. Comments about the expansion tests welcome.
I was shooting 39gr Seirra Blitzkings, with 25.7 gr of Hodgeon Benchmark powder. The primer was a Federal 205 Small Rifle Match. Cartridge overall length is 2.400".
Well, I must say that this is one accurate factory rifle. At 100 yards with this load I put 5 shots into a 1/16" group.
I haven't tried these bullets on gophers yet, but I did try some of the 32gr V-Max bullets and some 40 gr V-mAx bullets. I was a little disappointed in the expansion. I was comparing the .204 to a .223 Rem using 50 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips and a .220 Swift using 50 gr V-Maxs. Shot ranges were from 247 yards to 42 yards - used a laser range finder.
I would have to rate the explosive impacts still highest to the .220 Swift - no surprise there, followed by the .223 Rem. Perhapse it was just the bullets I had just weren't performing as they were supposed to, but I was disappointed in the expasion of the 20 cal bullets.
I would definately recommend the Savage rifles to anyone. They are nice to shoot, and shoot like a dream. Comments about the expansion tests welcome.