Thinking about a .204 Ruger~CZ527 a good choice? American or Varmint?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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Hey guys~with 2 x .223s in the quiver already (and having NO need for a 3rd varmint rig) I'm thinking about buying another bolt gun. :) The .223s are both heavyweights, but for field/prone/off-a-bipod shooting it seems to make sense. Then there are days that deliver scorching temps outside and lugging anything around seems like too much effort...so there is some desire to have something lighter to carry around. Add to that..I've always liked the idea of owning a CZ American but I don't have any experience with lighter weight centerfires. Since accuracy is paramount, and more heft "seems" to steady things...am I likely to be disappointed by an American? Should I get the varmint?

For what its worth...from the time I think about a gun in this price range to the time I get it~usually a 1 year+ time frame, but with how scarce these rifles seem to be, maybe not a terrible idea to start trying to line one up/sell some scarcely-used gear, etc. Hoping to hear some accuracy stories, maybe see some pics for inspiration...that sort of thing. If you have reloading data you'd be willing to share, even better.

Thanks for taking a moment to reply,
.22LRGUY
 
The walnut varmint from CZ isn't as large a rifle as the Kevlar varmint rifles are. I had the Kev. in 223 and the walnut in 204 ruger. My load was the 39gr Sierra with 28gr of Varget, put 5 in a dime all day at 100 yards. FS
 
Find the ammo, brass and bullets first. Epp's for example, doesn't list any .204 Ruger ammo. Shooter's Choice lists Hornady bullets fairly reasonable. Otherwise, I don't think it'll make much difference which one you buy. Commercial hunting rifles are pretty much all the same except for the price.
 
Mine shoots usually around 1"" with hornady ammo at 100 yards, the problem is that i cant lol. Biggest problem i have with them is the price of ammo when a box of 223 siting next to them in the shop is half the cost. Think i saw 2 cz 527 r
ifles in at lake huron rod and gun the other day, but dont remember what chambering they were. (one of them was an o so so ###y manlicher tho)
 
I use to have a 527 Varmint in .204 Ruger. It was a very nice gun and very accurate. I sold it because I also have a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless in .204 Ruger which I liked a little better and I don't need two .204's.
 
i have been looking for a 527 american in 204 for a couple of months now,,with no success,,there are a few varmints around,,i just received a email today from the ontario disturbutor,,the next production run of the american is slated for november
 
Waat???

A varmint rifle is more likely than not going to use a big scope, which adds to the weight. I certainly would _not_ want to lug around my .223 Varmint CZ527 with the 6.5-20x44 that it has. Just the rifle alone is 7.5 lbs and it's very front heavy. The single stack magazine doesn't help either.

If you are going to carry it around, I'd recommend the American (5.9 lbs according to CZ USA site) and the 3 rds magazine; if it's for bench/bipod work, then the Varmint works too.




mad max78 said:
If you can, get the varmint one. longer barrel which is still lite enough to carry around.
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35Gr FB Match Varmint or 39Gr Sierra BKs' are the ticket on re-loads. Benchmark or XBR should be first choices powder wise myself. Can Predhunt forum has about a 1/2doz threads on different loads or you can always search .204RugerDotcom for info and pics of setups/targets.

If your looking to keep weight down if you don't go the Varmint series, a simple 3-12x40/44 would fit nicely.

*edited*
Nosler is showing a 34gr FBHP but i don't see it specifically in their lineup/offerings
 
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Definitely get one in .204Ruger. The best thing about being addicted to varmint rifles/hunting is that unlike big game hunting everything over a .22LR is basically redundant. However thats the fun of it! Loading, shooting and killing little varmints a long ways away with as many different cartridges as life permits. I'd get the Varmint model but find them both nice on the eyes, haven't shot one yet myself.

PS I own two .204Rugers and I'd buy another if I liked the rifle. Awesome cartridge that I enjoy loading for.
 
If I was looking to buy another 204 to use as a walk around varmint and predator rig I would also be looking at a new Browning. I was told by one of the site sponsors that they will be getting 3 or 4 in this fall. I had a Browning Varmint stalker that I sold to up grade to my Sako Varmint Laminate. I still have a Browning Stainless Stalker that I have no intentions of ever getting rid of. The rifle and scope combo weighs in at just 7.5lbs and easily kills coyotes out to 350yds with my 35gr Berger handloads.
 
leveractionjunkie said:
Definitely get one in .204Ruger. The best thing about being addicted to varmint rifles/hunting is that unlike big game hunting everything over a .22LR is basically redundant. However thats the fun of it! Loading, shooting and killing little varmints a long ways away with as many different cartridges as life permits. I'd get the Varmint model but find them both nice on the eyes, haven't shot one yet myself. PS I own two .204Rugers and I'd buy another if I liked the rifle. Awesome cartridge that I enjoy loading for.
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+1 for this post.

I own a CZ 527 American in left hand and .204. Love this rifle. Very lightweight, so its a pleasure to carry over difficult terrain and/or a long day hunting, I am a fan of detachable magazines, and it shoots very well. I'd certainly recommend it.

B-78 also knows the .204 very well. I would trust his advice.
 
B-78 said:
If I was looking to buy another 204 to use as a walk around varmint and predator rig I would also be looking at a new Browning. I was told by one of the site sponsors that they will be getting 3 or 4 in this fall. I had a Browning Varmint stalker that I sold to up grade to my Sako Varmint Laminate. I still have a Browning Stainless Stalker that I have no intentions of ever getting rid of. The rifle and scope combo weighs in at just 7.5lbs and easily kills coyotes out to 350yds with my 35gr Berger handloads.
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are you saying browning has a new 204 coming out,,what model
 
hunter2044 said:
are you saying browning has a new 204 coming out,,what model
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The ones I know of on order at Nechako Outdoors are a X-bolt composite stalker, X-bolt camo and blue stalker and a X-bolt stainless stalker. I will pass on buying one of these as I have a new Cooper on order which will use up the 204 budget for this year.
 
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