Why does .204 cost more than .223 ?

tpcollins · February 11, 2011, 11:28 AM

I was thinking of buying another rifle "just because" and weighing the .204 versus the .223. If I reload my own, I assume it's a moot point unles I'm missing something. But why does factory .223 ammo cost almost half of .204 ammo? Thanks.

Jim Watson · February 11, 2011, 11:35 AM

Economy of scale. The Army and every commercial manufacturer builds guns and loads ammo for .223. The .204 is limited in distribution so there is not the volume to spread costs over. Also the kewl factor lets them charge more than even that would account for.

Brian Pfleuger · February 11, 2011, 11:55 AM

^^^

Exactly. I wouldn't be surprised if there is LITERALLY a million times more .223 ammo produced annually than .204.

You're quite correct that it's a moot point if you reload. The bullets are slightly more expensive but it's marginal. Everything else is the same. I load my .204 for about $7/20.

hornetguy · February 11, 2011, 12:36 PM

this is also easily seen when you buy shotgun shells. 12ga shells hold more powder, shot, and use more raw materials in making the hulls, but cost substantially less than .410 bore shells. Volume, supply/demand.

Ted · February 11, 2011, 03:36 PM

Cause "they" kin git it!

A_Gamehog · February 11, 2011, 11:04 PM

"Military Surplus" Nato Standard

Virtually guarantees that the .223 will live forever. The 204 is never going to replace the .223.

Like Rodney Dangerfield the .204 gets no respect. The latest Alliant reloaders guide I just got in the mail, has -0- load data for the Ruger .204! it's been out for 6-8 years?

Midway has the DPMS .204 uppers for 799.00, I can get the whole gun for 850+ it makes no sense how they charge so much for the same type weapon. So I have set out to "make my own upper".

I gave up on the .204 Ruger and got the best of both worlds, a 20 Pratical, it utilizes the .223 case and with standard dies you neck it down to 20 cal and it's good to go. Rounds utilize all the standard AR-15 Parts and Magazines but it takes a 20 cal barrel.

rdmallory · February 12, 2011, 10:03 AM

Same reason 9mm is less then .380.
9mm and .223 are military rounds.

Doug

February 11, 2011, 11:28 AM	#1
tpcollins Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2009 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 558	Why does .204 cost more than .223 ? I was thinking of buying another rifle "just because" and weighing the .204 versus the .223. If I reload my own, I assume it's a moot point unles I'm missing something. But why does factory .223 ammo cost almost half of .204 ammo? Thanks. __________________ What direction did that last shot at Kennedy come from?

February 11, 2011, 11:55 AM	#3
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	^^^ Exactly. I wouldn't be surprised if there is LITERALLY a million times more .223 ammo produced annually than .204. You're quite correct that it's a moot point if you reload. The bullets are slightly more expensive but it's marginal. Everything else is the same. I load my .204 for about $7/20. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

February 11, 2011, 11:04 PM	#6
A_Gamehog Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Central Oregun Posts: 563	"Military Surplus" Nato Standard Virtually guarantees that the .223 will live forever. The 204 is never going to replace the .223. Like Rodney Dangerfield the .204 gets no respect. The latest Alliant reloaders guide I just got in the mail, has -0- load data for the Ruger .204! it's been out for 6-8 years? Midway has the DPMS .204 uppers for 799.00, I can get the whole gun for 850+ it makes no sense how they charge so much for the same type weapon. So I have set out to "make my own upper". I gave up on the .204 Ruger and got the best of both worlds, a 20 Pratical, it utilizes the .223 case and with standard dies you neck it down to 20 cal and it's good to go. Rounds utilize all the standard AR-15 Parts and Magazines but it takes a 20 cal barrel. __________________ "Happiness is knowing the Barred Owl is Eating the Spotted Owl and environmentalists are watching Nature take it's course"

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February 11, 2011, 11:35 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Economy of scale. The Army and every commercial manufacturer builds guns and loads ammo for .223. The .204 is limited in distribution so there is not the volume to spread costs over. Also the kewl factor lets them charge more than even that would account for.

February 11, 2011, 12:36 PM	#4
hornetguy Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2011 Location: on the north side of DFW Posts: 970	this is also easily seen when you buy shotgun shells. 12ga shells hold more powder, shot, and use more raw materials in making the hulls, but cost substantially less than .410 bore shells. Volume, supply/demand.

February 11, 2011, 03:36 PM	#5
Ted Member Join Date: October 9, 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 74	Cause "they" kin git it!

February 12, 2011, 10:03 AM	#7
rdmallory Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2009 Location: Deltona FL Posts: 953	Same reason 9mm is less then .380. 9mm and .223 are military rounds. Doug