.204 Ruger for Coyotes?

Brian429 · December 29, 2005, 09:34 PM

Has anyone used the new .204 for coyotes. I've been eyeing up a new rifle and I'm leaning toward the new .204 or maybe even a .220 Swift. I was wondering if the .204 has enough guts to get the job done....I'm guessing it should work just fine.

roy reali · December 29, 2005, 10:25 PM

I grew up on a small family farm. My dad raised several different farm animals. Our biggest fear was from roaming, feral dogs. Many of these dogs were as big as a typical coyote, some were much larger. My dad kept a rifle on the ready to dispatch them.

He used a Remington bolt action in .22 rimfire. He dropped several large canines with it.

If a .22LR can kill an animal of coyote size, I am sure the .204 will do.

Wild Bill Bucks · January 2, 2006, 01:59 PM

According to Chuck Hawkes the .204 has a muzzle velocity of 4225 fps with a 32 grain bullet and has 1308 ft. Lbs of energy.

At 300 yards it is still moving at 2531 fps with 469 ft. lbs of energy.

Shoots very flat out to about 222 yards.

I haven't shot one myself but do have a barrel ordered for my Encore.

I have a freind that has one and says you will see the hole in the target before you feel the recoil of the gun. (Can't wait to get mine and try that)

Should be one hell of a yote thumper.

Long Path · January 2, 2006, 09:40 PM

Sounds like fun, and sounds highly effective, but it's bound to be murderous loud, and burns a lot of powder for each shot (if you reload, and who could afford to buy such proprietary ammo, even if it were readily found?). I suppose it's a little flatter out to medium range than a .22-250, but would a yodel dog really know the difference? I bleedin' doubt it.

Sometimes the bandwagon is worth riding, because of the easier accessibility of ammo.

duck911 · January 4, 2006, 09:49 PM

IN GENERAL, the .204 is flatter and faster than the 22-250. Some 22-250 handloads may be equal or better but MOST factory loads for the .204 perform ballistically better than MOST factory loads for the 22-250. Weather, wind, bullet weight, and final target may make a difference.

The .204 actually burns LESS powder than the 22-250 or .223 so it is actually quieter than either of those two guns, and, less muzzle jump and recoil.

Think of the .204 as a 22-250, only more pleasant to shoot!!

On to coyotes! .204 out to 250 - no problem. Past that, if the wind is light and you can put a bullet in the right place, it's still acceptable. Beyond THAT, the bullet gets a little light for my tastes and I'd prefer a .243/25-06 for shots over 300 yards and/or in strong wind. Incidentally, I have the same opinion about the 22-250.

December 29, 2005, 09:34 PM	#1
Brian429 Member Join Date: December 29, 2005 Posts: 17	.204 Ruger for Coyotes? Has anyone used the new .204 for coyotes. I've been eyeing up a new rifle and I'm leaning toward the new .204 or maybe even a .220 Swift. I was wondering if the .204 has enough guts to get the job done....I'm guessing it should work just fine.

December 29, 2005, 10:25 PM	#2
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	You Bet I grew up on a small family farm. My dad raised several different farm animals. Our biggest fear was from roaming, feral dogs. Many of these dogs were as big as a typical coyote, some were much larger. My dad kept a rifle on the ready to dispatch them. He used a Remington bolt action in .22 rimfire. He dropped several large canines with it. If a .22LR can kill an animal of coyote size, I am sure the .204 will do. Last edited by roy reali; December 29, 2005 at 11:20 PM.

January 2, 2006, 09:40 PM	#4
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	Sounds like fun, and sounds highly effective, but it's bound to be murderous loud, and burns a lot of powder for each shot (if you reload, and who could afford to buy such proprietary ammo, even if it were readily found?). I suppose it's a little flatter out to medium range than a .22-250, but would a yodel dog really know the difference? I bleedin' doubt it. Sometimes the bandwagon is worth riding, because of the easier accessibility of ammo. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

January 4, 2006, 09:49 PM	#5
duck911 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 256	IN GENERAL, the .204 is flatter and faster than the 22-250. Some 22-250 handloads may be equal or better but MOST factory loads for the .204 perform ballistically better than MOST factory loads for the 22-250. Weather, wind, bullet weight, and final target may make a difference. The .204 actually burns LESS powder than the 22-250 or .223 so it is actually quieter than either of those two guns, and, less muzzle jump and recoil. Think of the .204 as a 22-250, only more pleasant to shoot!! On to coyotes! .204 out to 250 - no problem. Past that, if the wind is light and you can put a bullet in the right place, it's still acceptable. Beyond THAT, the bullet gets a little light for my tastes and I'd prefer a .243/25-06 for shots over 300 yards and/or in strong wind. Incidentally, I have the same opinion about the 22-250. __________________ --Duck911

January 2, 2006, 01:59 PM	#3
Wild Bill Bucks Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2005 Location: Southeastern Oklahoma, Next door to Sasquatch Posts: 1,266	According to Chuck Hawkes the .204 has a muzzle velocity of 4225 fps with a 32 grain bullet and has 1308 ft. Lbs of energy. At 300 yards it is still moving at 2531 fps with 469 ft. lbs of energy. Shoots very flat out to about 222 yards. I haven't shot one myself but do have a barrel ordered for my Encore. I have a freind that has one and says you will see the hole in the target before you feel the recoil of the gun. (Can't wait to get mine and try that) Should be one hell of a yote thumper.