223 vs 204
- Thread starter Jamie
- Start date
Mystic Precision
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Summerland, BC
I can only vote for the 223 as I have never shot a 204. Plenty of ammo and bullet choices. Can go from 30ft to 1 mile using the same barrel but different bullets. Varmint ammo is readily available and signicantly cheaper. So is surplus.
Been thinking about this for next season and I will still go with the 223. The better speeds and slightly flatter trajectory of the 204 is a plus and would make a bigger splat on PDs. (the 223 still splatts PD's well.)
204 R is a light bullet moderate range varminter, no more no less. I just feel that would be a bit restrictive given my needs to push out beyond 1000yds.
I would likely consider the 20-223 variants as that would ease the cost of bulk brass. Die options are now plentiful.
Maybe a Shilen prefit in a 20 Tactical would be fun??????
Jerry
Been thinking about this for next season and I will still go with the 223. The better speeds and slightly flatter trajectory of the 204 is a plus and would make a bigger splat on PDs. (the 223 still splatts PD's well.)
204 R is a light bullet moderate range varminter, no more no less. I just feel that would be a bit restrictive given my needs to push out beyond 1000yds.
I would likely consider the 20-223 variants as that would ease the cost of bulk brass. Die options are now plentiful.
Maybe a Shilen prefit in a 20 Tactical would be fun??????
Jerry
I was going through the same dilemma for the past month. A quick google search of 204 vs 223 reveals dozens of comparisons.
The 204 shoots a bit flatter and a bit faster that the 223. A big plus to the 204's lack of recoil is that you can see the bullets impact through your scope.
Lots of people still choose the 223 though, due to cost of ammo. With the restrictions the US is putting an exporting some calibers is 223 even going to be widely available in the future?
The 204 shoots a bit flatter and a bit faster that the 223. A big plus to the 204's lack of recoil is that you can see the bullets impact through your scope.
Lots of people still choose the 223 though, due to cost of ammo. With the restrictions the US is putting an exporting some calibers is 223 even going to be widely available in the future?
For coyotes....
For coyotes I would recommend the 223, and I say this as a very satisfied 204 shooter.
I love its flat trajectory for gopher shooting. On a target with a hit zone the size of a soda can the flattest trajectory possible is a real benefit when you are not so good at distance estimation like myself. Where as a coyote has a larger kill zone, so being a little off on range estimation is not as critical.
The slightly less advantageous trajectory is outweighed by the vast bullet selection available to the 223 calibers as opposed to 204 (selection is getting better but still limited.) Plus if you don't reload, you can shoot the cheap surplus ammo if you go gopher shooting or to a range and go through well over 100 rounds in a day and not break the bank.
I'm no expert but this is exactly what i would do.
A nice sporter barrel, my 26" varmint profile is dang heavy when walking in snow to a good site. 12 lbs is nothing when at a bench in the back of a truck, but on foot in snow I nearly left it against a tree more than once on my way home.
And a reasonable magnification scope, 6-18 power is fine for gophers out to 350 yards but even down on 6x that was to much magnification when I called a coyote in very close. (seen nothing but grey hair, so took the shot and hit spine, the varmint bullet ruined the pelt) A typical 3-9 power scope would be better especially if keeping below 300 yards
For coyotes I would recommend the 223, and I say this as a very satisfied 204 shooter.
I love its flat trajectory for gopher shooting. On a target with a hit zone the size of a soda can the flattest trajectory possible is a real benefit when you are not so good at distance estimation like myself. Where as a coyote has a larger kill zone, so being a little off on range estimation is not as critical.
The slightly less advantageous trajectory is outweighed by the vast bullet selection available to the 223 calibers as opposed to 204 (selection is getting better but still limited.) Plus if you don't reload, you can shoot the cheap surplus ammo if you go gopher shooting or to a range and go through well over 100 rounds in a day and not break the bank.
I'm no expert but this is exactly what i would do.
A nice sporter barrel, my 26" varmint profile is dang heavy when walking in snow to a good site. 12 lbs is nothing when at a bench in the back of a truck, but on foot in snow I nearly left it against a tree more than once on my way home.
And a reasonable magnification scope, 6-18 power is fine for gophers out to 350 yards but even down on 6x that was to much magnification when I called a coyote in very close. (seen nothing but grey hair, so took the shot and hit spine, the varmint bullet ruined the pelt) A typical 3-9 power scope would be better especially if keeping below 300 yards
Sounds like you're looking for a CZ-527 Kevlar. I have one in .223. Cummins4x4 has the .204. Out of the box his test target is more accurate than my .223 test target.
The only real advantage to the .223 is bullet selection. It's more versatile and components are very easy to find.
coolpoolken
CGN Regular
- Location
- Cold Lake, Alberta
I bought a Savage Model 12 in .204 for gophers. Love IT!!!! Then I bought a Savage Model 12 in .223 as a donner action for a build. It shot so well I'm keeping it and bought a Stevens 200 for the donner action . I won't part with either my .204 or 223. Both great cartridges....Ken
I have an SPS Varnint in 204 and I use it for Yotes and gophers.
Aint nothing deader than DEAD RIGHT NOW. The 204 drops 'em dead and it is damned easy to aim and shoot with such a long point blank range. I can't find any fault whatsoever with a 204. My longest yote kill was 425 meters. The tiny hole from a 204 vmax is very hard to find.
My last yote kill was 325 meters (ranged) and it took the top of a yote's head off with a 32 grain bullet.
Someone give me some first hand experience why a 223 is better than a 204 and I'll start shooting them with my 223.
Aint nothing deader than DEAD RIGHT NOW. The 204 drops 'em dead and it is damned easy to aim and shoot with such a long point blank range. I can't find any fault whatsoever with a 204. My longest yote kill was 425 meters. The tiny hole from a 204 vmax is very hard to find.
My last yote kill was 325 meters (ranged) and it took the top of a yote's head off with a 32 grain bullet.
Someone give me some first hand experience why a 223 is better than a 204 and I'll start shooting them with my 223.
If you are hunting for fur I would go the .204. I hunted for fur for a couple years with a .223 and it is a little much for good pelt preservation across a wide variety of shooting conditions. Switched to the .204 and now will never go back.
Brobee
Brobee
coolpoolken
CGN Regular
- Location
- Cold Lake, Alberta
Guess my spelling need to have some improvement. How does " donor action" sound??
That's cool ...
Hi Mr. CP,
That's just fine ... after I made my little comment I started to think, "Geez, I hope this fellow has a sense of humour."
It's good to see that you do
I didn't mean to offend anybody ... it's just when that other fellow asked about the "donner action" ... well, I couldn't resist being the class clown.
Boomer
Hi Mr. CP,
That's just fine ... after I made my little comment I started to think, "Geez, I hope this fellow has a sense of humour."
It's good to see that you do
I didn't mean to offend anybody ... it's just when that other fellow asked about the "donner action" ... well, I couldn't resist being the class clown.
Boomer
coolpoolken
CGN Regular
- Location
- Cold Lake, Alberta
Hey Boomer ... I thought your coment was rather good!!....Ken
- Location
- Virden, MB
I lolled.
