I shoot a TC Encore 26" HB in the .204 Ruger and mainly use the 32 grn V-Max rounds that supposedly shoot 4225 fps. So far, the best I can get out of my gun at 15' from the muzzle is 3975 +/- 15 fps. But that isn't my problem I'm here for today. I would like to find a source for either solid copper bullets or Jacketed w/steel core...something that doesn't explode on impact. Some of you might know what I mean if you've ever used any of these extremely frangible pills in other calibres. I've had the same results with my 17 HMR and Mach 2 rounds, but that's another story. Foolishly, I've tried this round on squirrels (head shots only) with disasterous results. And I took a late season turkey with it this year...even after aiming at what I felt was a reasonable spot high on its breast...where the neck connects, I savaged one breast and the thighs. So does anyone have a lead as to where I can pick up some solids or steel cored bullets

3G's

I don't spot any. This cartridge is really geared toward varmint shooting, where becoming a member of the Red Mist Club is valued over meat retention. Until the cartridge has been around longer, I doubt other uses will get much attention.

Even if solid bullets were available, at 4000 fps you would find the tendency for those little bullets to turn and tumble in flesh and do significant damage. If you want to hunt with it, get heavier and slower in the bullet department. Try the 40 grain V-max and load down to maybe 2500 fps. 8 grains of Unique or Universal would be about right. See how that does? You will still have twice the velocity and four times the muzzle energy of a 40 grain .22 L.R., which kills squirrels and turkeys just fine.

I see Berger makes a 50 grain bullet. You could try that at the same velocity and be able to gain 20% on energy. It is, however, recommended for a 9" twist, and I don't know what you've got or whether you could stabilize it at that velocity? Berger recommends a 12" twist for 40 grain bullets and a 14" twist for 30 grain bullets.

Were I in your shoes, I would consider picking up a .222 Barrel. That somewhat dated little round once ruled the bench rest world, and is a tack driver. You can get any kind of bullet you want in .224.

Nick

I shoot a TC Encore 26" HB in the .204 Ruger and mainly use the 32 grn V-Max rounds that supposedly shoot 4225 fps. So far, the best I can get out of my gun at 15' from the muzzle is 3975 +/- 15 fps. But that isn't my problem I'm here for today. I would like to find a source for either solid copper bullets or Jacketed w/steel core...something that doesn't explode on impact. Some of you might know what I mean if you've ever used any of these extremely frangible pills in other calibres. I've had the same results with my 17 HMR and Mach 2 rounds, but that's another story. Foolishly, I've tried this round on squirrels (head shots only) with disasterous results. And I took a late season turkey with it this year...even after aiming at what I felt was a reasonable spot high on its breast...where the neck connects, I savaged one breast and the thighs. So does anyone have a lead as to where I can pick up some solids or steel cored bullets

3G's

Welcome to the forum. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

Nick is right this is not the gun for shooting anything you plan to eat. Bullets for this calibre are designed to litterly explode as are many varmit bullets. This was done to make things in the background safer. When the bullet hits an animal or the ground it does not bounce, not even like a 22 long rifle. This makes it much safer to shoot.

If your planning on hunting small edible game you might want to consider a good bolt action 22 rifle.

I shoot a TC Encore 26" HB in the .204 Ruger and mainly use the 32 grn V-Max rounds that supposedly shoot 4225 fps. So far, the best I can get out of my gun at 15' from the muzzle is 3975 +/- 15 fps. But that isn't my problem I'm here for today. I would like to find a source for either solid copper bullets or Jacketed w/steel core...something that doesn't explode on impact. Some of you might know what I mean if you've ever used any of these extremely frangible pills in other calibres. I've had the same results with my 17 HMR and Mach 2 rounds, but that's another story. Foolishly, I've tried this round on squirrels (head shots only) with disasterous results. And I took a late season turkey with it this year...even after aiming at what I felt was a reasonable spot high on its breast...where the neck connects, I savaged one breast and the thighs. So does anyone have a lead as to where I can pick up some solids or steel cored bullets

3G's

What was the temperature you chrony'd the loads? I chrony'd mine out of a Ruger #1 w/26" barrel and it was right around 4230 at about 10 feet. BUT it was summer and the temperature was 80's. I've chrony'd the same loads in my 270 with the temp in the 80's and then again when it was in the 50's and I've noticed about 70-80 fps difference with only a 30 degree temp difference. Something to keep in mind if you develop a max load in cooler weather.

My recommendation is leave the 204 at home if you plan on eating it, it was designed primarily as a varmint round. Currently there are no solid bullets for the 204, all are very frangible and will cause a lot of damage.

I think your going to be hard pressed to find a solid core bullet for the .204 any time soon. Your best bet is to put the brakes to your current loads and put them down in the 2000-3000 FPS range where youll damage MUCH less meat.