Hey guys I just picked up a 204 in a ruger and a guy at a gun shop was telling me that it might be good for 8-900 rounds becuse 204's are barrel burners. I had read a number of articles about this cartridge, but none of them mentioned this?Thanks FS
Ruger 204 a barrel burner?
- Thread starter Fassteel
- Start date
Ahh, more valuable insight from the local gun shop ... sigh. That fellow might find this study on comparative barrel heating somewhat enlightening:
Comparative barrel heating
Some of the interesting conclusions (my interpretation, at least):
Rated from coolest to hottest(barrel heating resulting from firing 20 shots at a fifteen-second cadence):
204 w/40 gr bullets
223 w/40 gr
204 w/32 gr
22-250 w/50 gr
Rated from best to worst, relative performance, barrel heating versus trajectory
204
223
22-250
Interesting excerpts:
"While the 22-250 gives a usefully flatter trajectory than does the 223, the 22-250 also heats the barrel so much faster than the 223 that heating can create a significant problem when shooting conditions are good. Conversely, the striking advantage shown by the 20-caliber (5mm) numbers, compared to either of these popular 22s is likely something of a surprise to many readers ... The big heating difference stems from the fact that these particular 5mms both do a comparatively better job of trapping unburned propellant in the case. Consider the 223 versus the 204. In this set, the 204 has a usefully sharper and wider case shoulder – such a design will trap a far greater percentage of propellant that was not ignited by the primer within the case (primer flash only ignites propellant within about one-half inch of flash hole ... The predictable result is that the 204 will show less barrel heating because less total mass will accelerate into the bore. For the same reason, even when loaded with the same weight bullet, the 204 will generate far less "felt" recoil and sight picture disturbance."
Comparative barrel heating
Some of the interesting conclusions (my interpretation, at least):
Rated from coolest to hottest(barrel heating resulting from firing 20 shots at a fifteen-second cadence):
204 w/40 gr bullets
223 w/40 gr
204 w/32 gr
22-250 w/50 gr
Rated from best to worst, relative performance, barrel heating versus trajectory
204
223
22-250
Interesting excerpts:
"While the 22-250 gives a usefully flatter trajectory than does the 223, the 22-250 also heats the barrel so much faster than the 223 that heating can create a significant problem when shooting conditions are good. Conversely, the striking advantage shown by the 20-caliber (5mm) numbers, compared to either of these popular 22s is likely something of a surprise to many readers ... The big heating difference stems from the fact that these particular 5mms both do a comparatively better job of trapping unburned propellant in the case. Consider the 223 versus the 204. In this set, the 204 has a usefully sharper and wider case shoulder – such a design will trap a far greater percentage of propellant that was not ignited by the primer within the case (primer flash only ignites propellant within about one-half inch of flash hole ... The predictable result is that the 204 will show less barrel heating because less total mass will accelerate into the bore. For the same reason, even when loaded with the same weight bullet, the 204 will generate far less "felt" recoil and sight picture disturbance."
One thing I hate about wandering around the bigger gun stores, is when I wander by a fellow taking in a load of bs from the guy behind the desk. Buddy walks out with a huge hole in his wallet and a gun he has no need for and is more than likely gonna be unhappy with. I know, it's his money, and he can spend it how he wants. Maybe I get a little too serious about it, but it takes a looong time for me to make a purchase. Hell, I only got myself a .17 HMR this Easter, and how long have they been out?
For me, a firearm represents a big investment. I'm going to be trusting this gun to help me get an animal. So I research it. I read about it. I ask around to those who know more. I like this site because it keeps us in touch from wherever we are, and we can get a wide spectrum of input.
I'm glad you didn't just accept what the salesman told you. I hope you have good luck with your .204.
For me, a firearm represents a big investment. I'm going to be trusting this gun to help me get an animal. So I research it. I read about it. I ask around to those who know more. I like this site because it keeps us in touch from wherever we are, and we can get a wide spectrum of input.
I'm glad you didn't just accept what the salesman told you. I hope you have good luck with your .204.
Keepin my 223 but the 204 was too new when I bought. Still I am happy with my choice. Then again mebbe one day I will just have to have one. Maybe get a NEF or Savage without spending the big bucks just to have it to play with. OR I could get one for the old lady...
When I was looking up different varmint rifles, I found a few websites that mention shorter barrel life. IIRC, it was because of the velocities of 4k+, not because of heat. I wouldn't know either way, just adding some fuel to the fire, so to speak.
