BHW 204

[Swag]

Any body out there running a BHW 204 Barrel? I have a 204 upper already that is a 24" super bull 1:12 twist rate, it shoots fine, it just weigher's way to much to be packing around long distances. I was just told the 204 barrels that BHW will be putting out are 1:9 twist. This is not that big of deal since I reload but I would like to keep possible for the new one to shoot factory 40gr ammo. I was also thinking of shrinking it down to 20'' standard or at the max a heavy barrel. Any body out there got any experience?

[GLSHOOTER]

I'm not shooting a BWH 204 but am running a 20 Tactical set up that is the ballistic twin. Mine is not quite a bull but it does point well. A bit heavier than an H-bar but the 24" barrel is really needed IMHO to get the most out of these little screamers.

I'm shooting three bolt 204's with barrels of 24 1/2" to 26" and see about 100 FPS with the same load in the longer barrel. I think knocking 4" off to 20" would cost you around 200-300 FPS.

The 1:9 should handle those 40's well. My 20 Tac is a 1:10 and it shots them fine. I have not tried the 50's but I'm pretty certain the 1:10 won't be quite fast enough. I believe a 1:9 MIGHT do the job for the heavy weights.

I'm shooting PD's so I don't carry the guns a lot but if I were going after coyotes etc. I would consider a 20" H-bar set up but only as a calling rifle. I just like that 4000 FPS on the ticker screen!!

I am waiting on the goodies to put together one of the first 20 LBC guns. The upper arrives today and the rest later in the week. If my dies come in I hope to have a preliminary report out in the next 30 days with some representative targets and a run down on how to make the cartridge out of the 264 LBC brass and what my impression is. Interestingly enough this one is a 20" so maybe we can have a general idea of what that 4" loss does in the chrono department.

Greg

[Swag]

Thanks for the Info GLSHOOTER, I think I will keep the longer barrel & just be happy with the standard or maybe even the light barrel. This my problem with BHW they just have way to many choices & options......... Maybe I will try both? one in 20 tac & one in 204.......

[GLSHOOTER]

Jul 12, 2011 5:12:01 GMT -8 Swag said:

Thanks for the Info GLSHOOTER, I think I will keep the longer barrel & just be happy with the standard or maybe even the light barrel. This my problem with BHW they just have way to many choices & options......... Maybe I will try both? one in 20 tac & one in 204.......

My opinion? Split the difference get a 20 PRACTICAL and never look back in a medium heavy 24" barrel. Brass is FREE, velocities are as good and you can use the 223 bushing dies for loading it and have a quality set for each.

Greg

And of course there is the COOL FACTOR!!

[Swag]

Hmmmmmmmm?
Something to consider? Great! more choises... I am always up for the cool factor, can you give me an example of one of your loads?

[GLSHOOTER]

Jul 12, 2011 12:25:26 GMT -8 Swag said:

Hmmmmmmmm?
Something to consider? Great! more choises... I am always up for the cool factor, can you give me an example of one of your loads?

I'm running the Tactical because the fellow that built mine did not have a PRACTICAL reamer.

My load for 20 TAC in my AR? REMEMBER THIS IS MY RIFLE!!!!!! 20 Tacticals are individual breeds. I worked these up in my AR. Published data varies and BEWARE of magazine article loads!!

LC Case
Remington 7 1/2 primer.
Sierra 39 grain BlitzKing
25.0 RL 10
COL 2.260

ALL BULLETS ARE DANZAC COATED

Velocity 3853 out of a 1:10 Shilen 24" barrel.

I have several others but this one works for me.

Greg

[Swag]

Thanks......
Need to do some more research, but it sounds like the 20 Practical is the way to go..... You think the "20 Tacticals are individual breeds" more so than others? Or is it the normal pains of working up a load for a specific Rifle?

[GLSHOOTER]

Jul 12, 2011 12:59:59 GMT -8 Swag said:

Thanks......
Need to do some more research, but it sounds like the 20 Practical is the way to go..... You think the "20 Tacticals are individual breeds" more so than others? Or is it the normal pains of working up a load for a specific Rifle?

I believe anytime we step away from a true "factory" round we are in murky waters. Now I know that Lapua makes the brass but no one loads the ammo AFAIK.

The guys building these have the reamers they bought and slight variations do occur. I t could well be based on how good a machinist the fellow is that day. A "tight" bore, a "tight" chamber or a case not sized down quite as much can impact the results downrange and in the chamber.

All these make the "Reduce 10%" mantra so important. I load hot and shoot in 105 + temps. My loads might be a lot less wild on a cold Minnesota snow field. Some guys don't chrono much. I chrono everything. I have all sorts of stuff locked away on a hard drive that I pulled out of my last computer I need to get the data transfered over so I can access it. I save targets and print up spread sheets on my stuff. I'd send the spreadsheet to anyone that asks. I document as much as I can and try to use some common sense. That being said I can only be responsible for me and anyone that takes my stuff verbatim is a risk taker. Just like I would not take yours without some evaluation of the data. I got a bunch of mine from Accurate Arms and it was pretty good stuff. I still started low and in a few cases I was glad I did. Those primers unseating themselves is never something to look forward too!!

Greg

[Swag]

Wow.... Nice read..
I am really impressed that you collect all that data. Even more impressed that you are willing to share it.
I think I will work up to the 20 Practical, & make sure I am doing it right.... I spend October through April hunting so I don't like messing with new loads so I will start compiling the required dies & such while I wait on the a 20 practical & I really don't like the weight of my current 204 upper so I will just re barrel it. I suppose while I am at it, I have one 223 left that isn't running BHW barrel I might as well change it to.....
As far as dies I run RCBS dies for most of my calibers, & the RCBS X dies for the 223. Is there a particular type or brand of die I am going to need to get?

[GLSHOOTER]

Thanks for the compliment. I believe the hot rocks way to go is with a Redding Type-S FL sizing die that uses bushings. You can use your current 20 caliber seater.

The bushings let you set you neck tension and work the brass less. If you buy the 223 version you just pop a 20 caliber bushing in there and go to town. It can also be used to form the cases so it is a win win situation you can also use it for your 223 rounds just by doing a bushing swap.

Greg

PS: Can you also say 17/223 on the same rig!!!

[Swag]

Lol.........
I can see a addiction forming here! ;D
I will hold off on that one it seems it would be a little light for the yote, But I do see some potential here for a wicked Squirrel gun....
Based on what your telling me the only thing that would need to be changed to do a 223-17 is a bushing using the same die as far a the sizing goes?
If that is the case, as much as I like the X-Die I think I am going to have to change some dies around.......

[GLSHOOTER]

Jul 14, 2011 4:59:39 GMT -8 Swag said:

Lol.........
I can see a addiction forming here! ;D
I will hold off on that one it seems it would be a little light for the yote, But I do see some potential here for a wicked Squirrel gun....
Based on what your telling me the only thing that would need to be changed to do a 223-17 is a bushing using the same die as far a the sizing goes?
If that is the case, as much as I like the X-Die I think I am going to have to change some dies around.......

Swap bushings, load and shoot. That is about it!!

Greg

[Swag]

Nice going to order right now, Thanks...