Search Loads/Search Results

.204 Ruger (32/34 GR Using Nosler Bullets)

Warning! Notes: rifle: barrel: Pac-Nor; length: 26"; twist: 1-12"; case: Nosler; primer: Fed 205M; 34 grain Nosler FBHP bullet can be used for all 32 grain data; bullets for 32 grain: Ballistic Tip Lead Free Spitzer, Ballistic Tip Varmint Spitzer, CT Ballistic Silvertip Spitzer, Varmageddon FBHP & Varmageddon FB Tipped; OACL for all 32 GR: 2.250", 34 GR Nosler FBHP OACL: 2.220"; maximum OACL: 2.260". use maximum loads with caution.

Cartridge History

.204 Ruger: Maximizing Performance with 32- and 34-Grain Nosler Bullets

The .204 Ruger, developed jointly by Hornady and Ruger in 2004, has established itself as a premier small-bore cartridge for varminting and precision shooting. When paired with Nosler’s 32- and 34-grain projectiles, it becomes an exceptionally versatile performer, offering explosive terminal effects on small game, flat trajectories for long-range shooting, and sub-MOA precision that satisfies even the most demanding marksmen.

Nosler’s 32- and 34-grain bullets are particularly well-suited for the .204 Ruger’s capabilities. These lightweight projectiles can be driven at speeds exceeding 4,100 feet per second, creating minimal bullet drop and exceptional downrange accuracy. Their thin jackets and advanced design produce devastating terminal performance on small pests, making them ideal for varmint hunters who need clean, reliable results at extended ranges.

In addition to their field effectiveness, these bullets complement the .204 Ruger’s natural strengths—low recoil, efficient powder burn, and excellent barrel life. When combined, they deliver a cartridge that is comfortable to shoot in high-volume sessions while maintaining remarkable consistency. This makes them popular for prairie dog towns, groundhog hunts, and other situations where precision and follow-up speed are equally important.

Handloaders working with the .204 Ruger and Nosler’s 32- and 34-grain bullets benefit from a wide selection of compatible powders and components. The cartridge’s forgiving design allows for easy load development, while the quality and consistency of Nosler projectiles help produce tight groups with minimal variation. This combination gives reloaders the tools needed to fine-tune loads for specific rifles and applications.

In the field, this pairing offers one of the best blends of velocity, accuracy, and terminal performance in the small-bore category. It delivers outstanding results on small game at distances where other cartridges may struggle, all while maintaining the shooter-friendly characteristics that have made the .204 Ruger so popular.

Overall, loading the .204 Ruger with Nosler’s 32- and 34-grain bullets unlocks the cartridge’s full potential. Whether for precision shooting or dedicated varminting, this combination offers explosive performance and unmatched consistency in one of the most capable small-bore cartridges available.

Source: Wolfe Publishing

Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
32	Nosler	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3812
Remarks: max
32	Nosler	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3688
Remarks: most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3554
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3863
Remarks: max
32	Nosler	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3800
Remarks: most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3737
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3930
Remarks: max; most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3809
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3702
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	3996
Remarks: max; most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	3825
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	3682
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3998
Remarks: max
32	Nosler	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3852
Remarks: most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3710
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	4043
Remarks: max; compressed
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3921
Remarks: most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3811
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	H-335	Subscribe	4056
Remarks: max; most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	H-335	Subscribe	3915
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	H-335	Subscribe	3823
Remarks:
32	Nosler	IMR	IMR-4198	Subscribe	4060
Remarks: max; most accurate powder tested
32	Nosler	IMR	IMR-4198	Subscribe	3909
Remarks: most accurate powder tested
32	Nosler	IMR	IMR-4198	Subscribe	3760
Remarks: most accurate load tested; most accurate powder tested
32	Nosler	Alliant	Power Pro Varmint	Subscribe	4087
Remarks: max; most accurate load tested
32	Nosler	Alliant	Power Pro Varmint	Subscribe	3887
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Alliant	Power Pro Varmint	Subscribe	3688
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	4158
Remarks: max; compressed
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3994
Remarks:
32	Nosler	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3830
Remarks: most accurate load tested