204 Ruger
Velocity Tests
For these tests I chose a T/C Contender in 24" length as
a starting point. Like our previous data on the 17 HMR, I shot
5 rounds thru our Oehler Skyscreen II Chronograph, recorded the
results, then cut 1 inch from the barrel and recrowned to repeat
the velocity test.
It was my intention to go all the way to a 10" barrel. But
. . . at about 18" length I started getting frequent "error"
readings – from muzzle blast. I firmed up my Sky Screens
to prevent movement and got good results until about 16"
length. At this point I had to move back about 20 feet from my
screens and tie down everything in the immediate area of my shop.
I was pulling objects off shelves 30 feet away. At 14" it
was impossible to get five dependable readings – because
of this extreme blast – so my test was terminated at this
length.
For my test I'd be forced to say that 23" is the optimum
length. Those of you who know me, realize that I was hoping to
find highest velocity at 20". But my chronograph won't lie
just because I'm a fan of shorter barrels.
I have no answer for the fact that my test showed a high velocity
of 200 fps slower than advertised – probably just a difference
in testing procedure. Here's hoping this data is of interest and
may help our shooters in making ideal decisions in length for
their needs.
Good shooting!
-Fred Smith
Bullberry/Woodsmith
So on to the performance velocities:
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