New Yote Rifle - .204 or .223?

Slug870

Slug870

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So I was thinking about picking up a second yote rig, (already have a .22-250), and I find myself deciding between a .204 and a .223. I don't know much about the .204, but I have heard that it is a great caliber to play with.

I was wondering if any of you who may have experience with the .204 would like to share your opinions and maybe offer your advice between the two calibers. Let's hear some .204 talk!
 
The 204 Ruger is a good caliber with a flatter trajectory then the 223 Rem. It would shoot similarly to the 22-250. I don't own one because I already have a 223 Rem and a 22 Hornet with the next jump in calibre being to 308 Win. I had a 204 but just couldn't justify it in my collection - Everything I could shoot with the 204 I could do with the 223 and I like my hornet for the smaller stuff. That being said it is a good caliber for coyotes - I just prefer the 223 because the selection of bullets is better and I already reload 223 for my semi auto so getting another cal was a bit of a turn off especially because the 204 is not that much better then the 223.
 
The .204 is an amazing cartridge. Fastest factory loaded round made, quieter than other hot rod rifles, deadly on coyotes, and zero recoil.
Ammo is a bit expensive, but you can count on it being consistent, and that comes at a price. Mine shoots sub MOA with factory rounds, had to try all of them out there first though.
Buy it, you'll be happy that you did.
 
You'll love the 204. Once you have one you'll never git rid of it. There are 4 of them in the family and many a yote down. You won't regret getting one.Now hurry up and go get one, then come back and tell us how much you like it.
 
i got a 204 ill sell ya lol. I have owned 3 now and it was my first choice as it doesnt do the damage that the 22-250 does on pelts. It is a very consistant round for any kind of shooting. I have 2 remingtons(one for sale in EE) and they will both shoot 3/4" at 200 yrds no problem. I have had my one rem shooting closer to 1/2" or so with some tuning, but im happy with what i got. I would suggest the 204 to anyone.
 
I have a .204ruger, inside 300 yards its my favorite coyote round. Super flat shooting, bucks the wind like nothing else, and you can see your hits through the scope because of the lack of recoil.

...and don't let the haters steer you away. It's not a barrel burner.
 
Super flat shooting, bucks the wind like nothing else,
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Actually the only weakness that the 204 has is the very low BC bullets.As a result,it does not do nearly as well in the wind as many larger calibers that can use bullets with higher BCs.The 22-250,220swift and the 243win,all have less wind drift for this reason.
 
I've got "coyote guns" from .17 Rem, through .204,
.223, 22/250, 22/243 Middlested and about as many dual purpose cartridges as you could shove down a hole.
The 22/250 you already have is a better coyote round than the .204. I'd be the last guy to tell someone not to buy another gun though. My .204 is probably the most accurate rifle at short range I own, that has a lot more to do with "Gaillard" written on the barrel than the .204 written beside it.
 
http://www.6mmbr.com/20caliber.html

Speaking from experience, shooting ground squirrels at 250+ yards on a windy day. My bud with a Thumbhole Savage chambered in .223 had to hold over and compensate for wind drift. I was able to hold on target and squeeze out to 300 yards with my .204 :).

Beyond that range the heavy .22 bullets from the almighty Swift take advantage.
 
I'll vote for the .223 what the hell:D

My cheapo Stevens 200 does way more than anyone has a right to expect from a good rifle for coyotes and the ammo is cheap to buy and cheap to load for.


Hell half the fun in yote hunting is calling em real close to say 300 yrds and blam!:ar15:
 
Id choose a .22-250 over either of them. The .260 would be a fun coyote gun too.

However, to stay on track the OP asked .223 or.204 I guess I would take the .204 to try out something different.
 
I have owned both, and a 22-250. sold the 22-250 and the 204. So i guess im voting for the 223. I found the 22-250 to have a lot more bark for very little extra bite. And I didnt see any advantage at all using the 204. For what fur is worth nowdays, I think i might use my 300 Ultra for a yote gun this winter. :D
 
My first question is do you reload? If so, then either would be perfect. If not then I would go with the 223 as it is a cheaper round to purchase.
However I have asked the same question your asking a couple years ago, and settled on a 223. I really like it and don't feel like I made the wrong chioce.
 
I was torn myself between a 223 or 20 cal variation of some sort. I talked with an avid coyote hunter who has shot 223's and various 20 cal variations and his favorite still is a 223. Great brass is available in Lapua, great powder in VV133 and a greater bullet selection. I allready have and use 133 in my 6PPC's so it is a matter of just getting a few more pounds to be used in the 223.

To me the velocity is a NON issue or the flatter trajectory. One has to be realistic on how far one is shooting these small bullets as to whether or not you get a GOOD CLEAN KILL. It is one thing to wound a coyote but how many actually go after them to try and finish the job in DEEP SNOW. Lay the smack down on them with the first shot.

My personal opinion is the 20's and 17's are fur friendly but on the light side.

So what have I decided to put together? A 14 twist 223 to shot 40gr Sierra BK's. I loved that bullet in the past in my 22-250 and still love it today. Now only to find and get a 22 cal barrel and I am all set. Trued Rem 700 action, Jewell trigger, Kiff bolt, Leupold VXIII 8.5-25, and ???????? barrel. Sounds like a coyote killing winner.

CBY
 
cycbb486 said:
My personal opinion is the 20's and 17's are fur friendly but on the light side.

So what have I decided to put together? A 14 twist 223 to shot 40gr Sierra BK's. Sounds like a coyote killing winner CBY
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I don't get it? How can the 40gr BK be "on the light side" coming out of my .204, yet are a "coyote killing winner" coming out of your .223?
 
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