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.204 Ruger (IMR Data)

Warning! Notes: Loads were fired from a 24-inch barrel with a one-in-12-inch twist. Trim length was 1.840 inches. Hornady brass and Federal 205M primers (unless otherwise specified in remarks). (Handloader Issue #230 - August, 2004)

Source: Handloader Issue #230 - August, 2004

Cartridge History

.204 Ruger: Consistent Performance with IMR Powders

Since its introduction in 2004, the .204 Ruger has maintained its place as one of the most effective small-bore cartridges for varminting and precision shooting. When paired with IMR powders, this cartridge offers a blend of reliable ignition, predictable pressure curves, and consistent velocities—qualities that appeal to handloaders who demand repeatable accuracy across varied shooting conditions.

IMR powders have a long-standing reputation for dependable performance, and their use in the .204 Ruger highlights the cartridge’s natural strengths. With lightweight projectiles in the 32- to 34-grain range, handloaders can achieve blistering velocities exceeding 4,000 feet per second. Heavier bullets in the 39- to 40-grain range maintain excellent stability and downrange energy, making them ideal for extended-range shooting and tougher varmint applications.

The pairing of IMR powders with the .204 Ruger simplifies load development for shooters who prioritize both accuracy and consistency. These propellants are known for their temperature stability and clean-burning characteristics, helping preserve barrel life and maintain performance over long shooting sessions—an important consideration for high-volume varmint hunters.

Handloading the .204 Ruger with IMR data is a straightforward process. The cartridge’s efficient case design works well with a broad selection of IMR propellants, giving reloaders the flexibility to fine-tune loads for specific rifles and applications. Whether optimizing for speed, accuracy, or balanced performance, this combination offers an adaptable platform for custom load development.

In practical use, the .204 Ruger loaded with IMR powders delivers the precision needed for bench shooting and the explosive terminal performance required for ethical and effective varmint control. Its low recoil and flat-shooting ballistics make it an excellent choice for shooters who want a cartridge that performs consistently in both controlled and real-world environments.

Overall, the .204 Ruger paired with IMR powders provides handloaders and hunters with a proven combination of speed, accuracy, and reliability. This setup keeps the cartridge at the forefront of small-bore performance, making it an enduring favorite for both precision target shooting and serious varminting.

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

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3627
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 40,500 psi
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3949
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 51,900 psi
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4198	Subscribe	3725
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 42,700 psi
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4198	Subscribe	4006
Remarks: max load; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 55,400 psi
35	Berger hollowpoint	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3444
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.240"; 40,000 psi
35	Berger hollowpoint	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3728
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.240"; 51,000 psi
35	Berger hollowpoint	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3550
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.240"; 43,300 psi
35	Berger hollowpoint	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3864
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.240"; 55,500 psi
35	Berger hollowpoint	IMR	IMR-3031	Subscribe	3602
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.240"; 44,400 psi
35	Berger hollowpoint	IMR	IMR-3031	Subscribe	3793
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.240"; 52,800 psi
40	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3379
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 43,600 psi
40	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3616
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 52,000 psi
40	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3415
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 44,700 psi
40	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3695
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 56,000 psi
40	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-3031	Subscribe	3456
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 46,300 psi
40	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-3031	Subscribe	3694
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.250"; 56,600 psi
50	Berger hollowpoint boat-tail	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3079
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.300"; 44,900 psi
50	Berger hollowpoint boat-tail	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3330
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.300"; 55,800 psi
50	Berger hollowpoint boat-tail	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3092
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.300"; 45,400 psi
50	Berger hollowpoint boat-tail	IMR	IMR-4895	Subscribe	3344
Remarks: max load; compressed; overall loaded length: 2.300"; 56,000 psi
50	Berger hollowpoint boat-tail	IMR	IMR-3031	Subscribe	3046
Remarks: start load; overall loaded length: 2.300"; 44,500 psi
50	Berger hollowpoint boat-tail	IMR	IMR-3031	Subscribe	3284
Remarks: max load; overall loaded length: 2.300"; 55,100 psi