I see a quite a few fellows shooting the .204 at range I belong to.They shoot some quite amazing groups at 100 yards. I have notice when they shoot out at 300 yards there groups seem to open much more than the 223 with 69 to 80gr bullets, The wind really affects accuracy. I could be wrong as some other shooter watching flags, and know wind might do well with the .204
Pro's and Con's or .204?
- Thread starter saskboy
- Start date
Not dissatisfied, but still open to my own observations and not buying into the hype. Like, my .204 doesn't hammer coyotes the same way a 22/250 does. That perhaps the ability to spot hits with a 35-40 grain .204 bullet but somehow not be able to with a 40 grain .223 might just be over-stated.That maybe it doesn't flip a gopher more than .223, and one heck of a lot less than a 250.
I like my .204 a lot, but there's nothing magic about the caliber. Nothing much wrong with it either. It is what it is.
- Location
- Southern MB
I'm not sure I have either. Lack of reloading components for a while there was one thing.
Now everybody lacks reloading components.
But does a 22-250 not push a heavier bullet, just as fast as the .204? That pretty much sums it up for me..
204saskman
Regular
- Location
- East Central Saskatchewan
I got a 204 ruger in a savage model 25. It is a high foul rifle, but it takes like 300 rounds to get bad. I really like the versatitly of the rifle alot. I just started to reload and i figured out that it costs me about 1/3 of what it costs to buy factory loads. I shoot with my neighbour alot and he shoots a 22-250 and i like it but it fouls just as bad as mine. I think the biggest difference is the punch the 22-250 packs over 600 yrds. I find my 204 is good at stoppin yotes up to about 500 yrds. I think its all personall opinion. I got a 204, 223, 243. I like the the 223 for cost, the 204 for accuracy and the 243 for punch. I think if really want a good versitile gun, look more into the 257 weatherby. Shoots just under 4000 fps and is a good deer/ yote rifle too. Thats is gonna be my next one after my custom 204.
204saskman
Regular
- Location
- East Central Saskatchewan
Not quiet, thee 22.250 is a bit slower with the heavier bullets. There 45-55 is just as fast as the 204 45-50 gr. Plus everything is in a lack of reloading suppy. I have had no problems finding reloading components for my 204. But for the neighbours 22-250, thats another story. No large rifle primers,no bullets,lots of brass, no power,etc. I think it will be your own choice.
That's the one thing I notice with my dad's 204 vs. my brother's 223. the 204 is LOUD. It also heats the barrel up quite fast -very warm within 2 or 3 shots- so it's not something that you can fire all day at the range without it cooking the rifling out.
That being said, it's not that hard to reload for it. Varget and most powders used in the 223 can be used and bullets don't cost much more than .223 bullets.
That being said, it's not that hard to reload for it. Varget and most powders used in the 223 can be used and bullets don't cost much more than .223 bullets.
204saskman
Regular
- Location
- East Central Saskatchewan
Ya but my 223 is just as hot after 5 rounds. You got to remember that its only a little bullet with alot of power. I think the 204 is a good choice, but thats being kinda bias on my part as i own a 204 and 223 so i cant compare to a 22.250 since i dont own one. It your money and your choice, but i have put close to 800 rounds through mine(put 100 alone yesterday and today). I really like the rifle and if a guy has the time to tune with loads, i know guys groupin .75" @ 300 yrds with there 204.
Love my 204, have 2 223's and the 204 is my goto rifle until it gets hot, then shoot the 223's for a while. Have shot a few amazing groups with it with handloads and best shot on a gopher was lasered at 395 yds, took 2 shots to get the drift right but its easy when you can see the impact in your scope. Never had a 22-250, if I am going to burn that much powder I will be shooting .257s. The idea of a 7" twist 22-250 shooting the really heavy bullets is intriguing though.
204saskman
Regular
- Location
- East Central Saskatchewan
Ill ask my buddy if he still got the targets. Ya it was pretty cool man. I think he was shooting that with his custom 204. Theyn were 5 shot loads and he could pretty much clover leaf at 200 and dam near same hole at 100. It is a crazy acrurate rifle. Sure puts anything i got to same.
