I've talked to a few guys who own them and shoot them and they had mentioned having accuracy issues in the wind, that's where my opinion is based from. After looking at what little energy it offers downrange compared to the 250 I've completely dismissed the round as a coyote cartridge beyond 223 ranges. Last I checked, I'm allowed to have an opinion, aren't I?
coyote caliber
- Thread starter taz1977
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I've talked to a few guys who own them and shoot them and they had mentioned having accuracy issues in the wind, that's where my opinion is based from. After looking at what little energy it offers downrange compared to the 250 I've completely dismissed the round as a coyote cartridge beyond 223 ranges. Last I checked, I'm allowed to have an opinion, aren't I?
Math and I get along just fine. Likewise rifles. It's people and their agendas that I distrust. I remember the article that chart is pulled from. It doesn't stike you as odd that the .204 is featured with one of its very highest BC
bullets and the 22/250 amoung it's worst? I know that my .204 is no match for my 22/250 on coyotes, and I have no reason to hamstring one to make the other look better.
bullets and the 22/250 amoung it's worst? I know that my .204 is no match for my 22/250 on coyotes, and I have no reason to hamstring one to make the other look better.
Nope, it didn't strike me that way at all. As I said, the 22-250 bullet featured in the chart was 40 gr, the same as the 204 Ruger bullet. Another poster put up a 55 gr comparison for the 22-250. The difference between them remained minimal. There are also better BC bullets for the 204. I would not get hung up on conspiracy theories that one cartridge is "out to get" another.
For predators, I shoot 204, 223, and 22-250. If the law permitted, I'd probably also shoot 243 or a cartridge in 6.5mm, both of which leave 22-250 far behind if we want to get absorbed in ballistics.
But I enjoy 204, and it performs just fine within its limits (amazingly, like every cartridge ever invented). There were fellows on the old Predator Hunt Canada forums from Sask and Alberta who used the 20 very effectively on coyotes, and called and took far more of them than I will ever see.
As I have said many times, they all have their idiosyncrasies. And I certainly don't think I have to make one cartridge look better by denigrating another.
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Using 300 ft-lbs as the terminal performance yardstick (which you will find pretty common), the 204 Ruger offers sufficient energy out to at least 450 yards. Certainly B-78 isn't having huge problems, and having seen his results, I trust his judgment.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I am unlikely to be seeing coyotes at that distance, given the terrain around here, let alone trying to hit them.
Trimmer 905
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
X2. .243Win Federal Premium 70gr ballsitic tip............bang,twitch,dead.
Please tell me more about Saskatchewan, it'll save me the trouble of looking out the window.
We even kill the odd coyote now and then.
The odd one gets .204ed
But obviously they are at least 30% less dead than those that get '250ed.
Please tell me more about Saskatchewan, it'll save me the trouble of looking out the window.
Sask was mentioned due to your plethora of calm (no wind) days.
You should have been on the old PHC forums. Lots of good stories and photos of coyote hunts were there, including plenty of .20 cal holes. Its a real shame its gone. There are a few members who also hang out here on CGN.Compare the wind drift of the .204" 39gr Blitzking launched at 3900fps to any load that will shoot accurately out of a twist rate of 1 in 14" , which is pretty much standard for the 22-250. Now if you have a 22-250 with a faster rate of twist, it will compare more favorably.
Yep. The 39 gr Sierra Blitz King is probably one of the more best (ballistically) performing bullets in the 204. (Though I consider it a better varminting bullet than a coyote bullet. I think the Bergers are better performers in that department).
I'm not going to get into a argument on a forum board over which cartridge works best for coyotes. All I can tell you is I have 5 rifles I usually consider using when going out for coyotes. I have 3 Sako varmint laminates, a 22-250, a 223 with 8 twist and a 204. I also have a Cooper model 21 in 6mm Rem and a model 51 in 204. When the fur is prime like it is at this time of the year I take a 204 with me every time. All these 5 rifles have been bought and paid for over the past few years with the fur cheque I get from selling the hides so I have shot and skinned a few coyotes over the last few years. Nothing wrong with a 22-250 but I find I get a lot less damage with the 204 and I never find myself saying I wish I had my 22-250 instead of my 204. The 6mm however does kill coyotes very good and dead but again I hate sewing holes and if you have sold any coyotes over the years you know it doesn't take a lot of damage to down grade a hide and cut the price for it less than half.
Yes the 39gr Blitzking is a great varmint bullet, and the coyote is a varmint,
The 39gr Blitking is my chosen bullet for coyote, when using my 20 Tactical.
1 in 9 twist 220 Swift AI, the king of varmint rounds and bucking wind. For windy situations I'll stick with a 22 cal myself, but I bet that 204 would be a lot of fun in dog town!!
Everyone done beating their chest yet? Lol
Everyone done beating their chest yet? Lol
Yes the 39gr Blitzking is a great varmint bullet, and the coyote is a varmint,
Heh, fair enough. I wouldn't pass up a shot with a 39 gr SBK either.
I'd like to have a Swift. In fact, I'd like to have at least one of everything.
canadaman30
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The .220 swift ....... The speed of it !!!!!
I ve owned all the varmint rounds and for the best balance of killing power, flat shooting and fur friendliness the .204 has been my favorite hands down. Nothing worse then seeing a heavy prime pelt wrecked from a huge exit you cant sew. If you aren't worried about fur a .243 is an excellent choice.
35 gr. Berger is the "fur" bullet for the .204 in my experience, Id recommend against any polymer tipped bullet in the .204. they work but you will get more splashes and wreck pelts.
Cheers!!
35 gr. Berger is the "fur" bullet for the .204 in my experience, Id recommend against any polymer tipped bullet in the .204. they work but you will get more splashes and wreck pelts.
Cheers!!
