204RUGER

Pistol

Ballistics (Typical Factory Load)

3,950
Muzzle Velocity
fps
1,300
Muzzle Energy
ft-lbs
40
Typical Bullet
grains
5.2
Bullet Diameter
mm
0.275
Ballistic Coeff.
G1 BC
58,000
Max Pressure
PSI
46.7
Case Length
mm

Handloading Data

Reference load data for experienced reloaders. Always start at the start charge and work up. Consult official manuals before loading.

Bullet Powder Start Max Velocity COAL Source
32 gr (2.1 g) V-Max Hodgdon H4895 26.0 gr
1.68 g
28.5 gr
1.85 g
3,900 fps 2.260 Hodgdon
32 gr (2.1 g) V-Max IMR 8208 XBR 26.0 gr
1.68 g
28.5 gr
1.85 g
3,900 fps 2.260 IMR
32 gr (2.1 g) V-Max Alliant Reloder 10X 25.5 gr
1.65 g
28.0 gr
1.81 g
3,850 fps 2.260 Alliant
39 gr (2.5 g) BlitzKing Hodgdon H4895 24.5 gr
1.59 g
27.0 gr
1.75 g
3,700 fps 2.260 Hodgdon
40 gr (2.6 g) V-Max Hodgdon Benchmark 25.0 gr
1.62 g
27.5 gr
1.78 g
3,650 fps 2.260 Hodgdon
40 gr (2.6 g) V-Max Alliant Reloder 10X 24.5 gr
1.59 g
27.0 gr
1.75 g
3,650 fps 2.260 Alliant

Measurement Guide for Reloaders

Powder Charge

Measured in grains (1 grain ≈ 0.065 grams) using precision digital or mechanical scales. Maintaining strict powder weight is crucial for safety and velocity consistency.

Cartridge Overall Length (COAL)

Total length from case base to bullet tip. Checked with digital calipers. Must be within manufacturer's specified range to fit and feed from your firearm's magazine.

Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO)

Precision shooters measure to the ogive — the curved part of the bullet that first contacts the rifling — for more accurate bullet seating depth and consistency.

Case Length & Headspace

Brass stretches with firing. Measure case length to know when to trim. Use headspace comparators to check shoulder bump-back during sizing.

Neck Tension

The grip the brass has on the bullet. Measured with ball micrometers by comparing neck wall thickness before and after bullet seating.

Pressure Signs

Inspect fired brass for over-pressure: flattened primers, ejector marks, case head expansion. If unsure, reduce charge and consult your load manual.

Always consult established reloading manuals (Hodgdon, Hornady, Lyman) for your specific bullet and powder combinations. For experienced reloaders only.

Loading your own? Handloading data for every cartridge we cover

Technical Specifications

Bullet Diameter5.2 mm
Case Length46.7 mm
Max Chamber Pressure58,000 PSI
TypePistol

Compatible Firearms (7)