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.204 Ruger (Using Hornady Bullets)

Warning! Notes: This data was shot by Brian Pearce, Wolfe Publishing Company. Gun: CZ Model 527; barrel length: 22 inches; case: Winchester; primer: Remington 7 1/2; bullet diameter: .204"; 24 GR Hornady NTX COAL: 2.230", 32 GR Hornady V-Max COAL: 2.245", 40 GR Hornady V-Max COAL: 2.245", 45 GR Hornady SP COAL: 2.245"; maximum COAL: 2.260"; maximum case length: 1.850"; trim to length: 1.840".

To view the special notes click here.

Cartridge History

.204 Ruger: Maximizing Performance with Hornady Bullets

The .204 Ruger, co-developed by Hornady and Ruger in 2004, remains one of the most successful small-bore cartridges of the modern era. When paired with Hornady’s cutting-edge projectiles, it delivers the performance its creators intended—blistering speed, superb accuracy, and devastating terminal effects that make it a top-tier choice for varmint hunters and precision shooters alike.

Hornady’s bullet lineup for the .204 Ruger includes their renowned V-MAX and other purpose-built varmint projectiles, designed to provide explosive expansion and reliable performance at the extreme velocities this cartridge generates. Lightweight 32-grain V-MAX bullets can exceed 4,000 feet per second, offering flat trajectories and minimal wind drift, while 39- to 40-grain options provide increased ballistic coefficients for greater stability and energy retention at long range.

This pairing is particularly effective for varminting applications. The rapid expansion of Hornady bullets ensures clean, ethical kills on small game, while their match-grade accuracy allows shooters to confidently engage targets at distances where precision matters most. Whether targeting prairie dogs at long range or coyotes in open-country environments, the .204 Ruger with Hornady bullets provides dependable results.

For handloaders, Hornady’s detailed data and consistent component quality make load development straightforward. The combination of high-quality projectiles, reliable brass, and a wide range of compatible powders allows reloaders to craft customized ammunition that balances speed, accuracy, and barrel life. Hornady bullets, known for their uniformity, contribute to exceptional shot-to-shot consistency and sub-MOA potential in most rifles.

In practical use, this pairing excels both in the field and on the bench. The .204 Ruger’s low recoil makes it comfortable for long shooting sessions, while Hornady’s projectiles maximize its accuracy and terminal effectiveness. This combination offers a flexible, high-performance setup for shooters who demand the best from their small-bore rifles.

Overall, the .204 Ruger loaded with Hornady bullets represents the cartridge at its finest. It blends speed, precision, and devastating terminal performance in a system designed by the same company that helped bring the cartridge to life—making it a natural choice for anyone seeking optimal results from this modern small-caliber powerhouse.

Source: Wolfe Publishing

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

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	2878
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3050
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3231
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3421
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3620
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2015	Subscribe	3781
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	3565
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	3659
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	3758
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	3862
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	3971
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	4059
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	3868
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	3921
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	3984
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	4047
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	4098
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	3290
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	3457
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	3660
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	3863
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	4029
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2230	Subscribe	3783
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2230	Subscribe	3813
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2230	Subscribe	3849
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2230	Subscribe	3885
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Accurate	AAC-2230	Subscribe	3914
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3431
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3566
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3708
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3857
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	4013
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	4143
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Ramshot	X-Terminator	Subscribe	3858
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Ramshot	X-Terminator	Subscribe	3953
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Ramshot	X-Terminator	Subscribe	4054
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Ramshot	X-Terminator	Subscribe	4158
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Ramshot	X-Terminator	Subscribe	4263
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Ramshot	X-Terminator	Subscribe	4362
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Ramshot	X-Terminator	Subscribe	4457
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3429
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3555
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3706
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3835
Remarks: maximum load
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-760	Subscribe	3217
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-760	Subscribe	3312
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-760	Subscribe	3437
Remarks:
24	Hornady NTX	Winchester	W-760	Subscribe	3532
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3625
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3688
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3765
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3842
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3906
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3652
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3724
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3810
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3896
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3966
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3347
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3473
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3625
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3777
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3901
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3415
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3514
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3618
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3727
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3841
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3934
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3511
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3634
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3796
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	IMR	IMR-4064	Subscribe	3919
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3384
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3493
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3626
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3759
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3868
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3544
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3634
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3744
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3853
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3945
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3606
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3697
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3806
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3916
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	4005
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3447
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3557
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3703
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3814
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3681
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3779
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3897
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	4015
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	4112
Remarks: maximum load
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3776
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3866
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3976
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	4085
Remarks:
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	4175
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3283
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3355
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3451
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3523
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3413
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3445
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3488
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3519
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3362
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3408
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3464
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3520
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3565
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3297
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3361
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3439
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3517
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3580
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3228
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3296
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3378
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3460
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3528
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3293
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3384
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3495
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3606
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N540	Subscribe	3697
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3454
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3510
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3569
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3631
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3696
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3750
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3221
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3328
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3468
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3576
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3435
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3530
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3631
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3735
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3844
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3937
Remarks: maximum load
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3515
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3587
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3675
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3763
Remarks:
40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	CFE 223	Subscribe	3836
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	2785
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	2896
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3031
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3166
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3275
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	2758
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	2884
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3038
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3192
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Ramshot	TAC	Subscribe	3319
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	2614
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	2745
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	2882
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3025
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3174
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Alliant	RL-15	Subscribe	3299
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	2870
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	2966
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3092
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Vihtavuori	VV-N140	Subscribe	3188
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	2771
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	2881
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	2998
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3119
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3246
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3352
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	2919
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3030
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3145
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3267
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3394
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Winchester	W-748	Subscribe	3499
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	IMR	IMR-4320	Subscribe	2932
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	IMR	IMR-4320	Subscribe	2996
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	IMR	IMR-4320	Subscribe	3074
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	IMR	IMR-4320	Subscribe	3152
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	IMR	IMR-4320	Subscribe	3217
Remarks: maximum load
45	Hornady SP	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3157
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3238
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3335
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3432
Remarks:
45	Hornady SP	Accurate	AAC-2520	Subscribe	3513
Remarks: maximum load