Ruger 204

chipchip · February 27, 2013, 10:07 PM

Some one convince me to by a rifle in this caliber. I find it interesting. What are it's strong points. Thanks

allaroundhunter · February 27, 2013, 10:10 PM

Its strong points? Varmint hunting/control.... It is a flat shooting caliber, pretty close to a .22-250 but uses lighter bullets.

What are you possibly wanting one for?

**Brian Pfleuger** · February 27, 2013, 10:12 PM

I love the .204. Laser-flat, zero recoil, less muzzle blast than other high-speed varmint cartridges. Efficient for the handloader, charges max around 30gr. Great round. Lots of fun.

chipchip · February 27, 2013, 10:19 PM

Not sure what I'd use it for. All we got around here are coyotes. But I would think it would be to lite for that. Maybe just target shoting.

allaroundhunter · February 27, 2013, 10:23 PM

It is a good little coyote gun, great one actually. Those 30 gr bullets explode when they hit a coyote and dispatch them quickly; speed kills, and the .204 has speed. Its flat trajectory also helps because you might have one coyote at 50 yards, and then have a second out at 300; not having to think too hard into holdover is a great thing. But for target shooting there are better, more cost efficient, options.

steveNChunter · February 27, 2013, 10:27 PM

I would trust it to bring down a coyote with no trouble. Might be hard on the hyde though if that bullet hits at 4000+ fps on closer shots. I want one too

trg42wraglefragle · February 27, 2013, 10:30 PM

Shoots flat, no kick, not as loud as other guns, doesn't wear out barrels, doesn't heat barrels up as much as other rounds like a 22-250.
Bucks the wind very well, as they have a high BC for the bullet weights.
Cheap to reload for, and wont destroy cases.

As a straight out Varmint gun they are probably the best option, much better than the 17cal centerfires, less drop that a 223, and cheaper to run than a 22-250.
If you were going to try for deer, 223 might be better as you can get heavier projectiles that are designed for game, 22-250 running a 75gr bullet gives you excellent wind bucking and better energy for deer, but needs a faster twist than most factory guns come with standard.

204 with a 55gr bullet bucks the wind very well also and has about the same energy as a 223 with a 55gr bullet, but your average 204 ruger doesn't have a fast enough twist for them, and then when you can shoot them you can't shoot a 32gr bullet.

trg42wraglefragle · February 27, 2013, 10:32 PM

I'd love a 20" or 24" heavy barrel AR15 in the caliber.
And then a 16" or 20" 223 upper for it for plinking and goats/deer.

chipchip · February 27, 2013, 10:36 PM

Bring down a coyote at what range?

allaroundhunter · February 27, 2013, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Bring down a coyote at what range?

I wouldn't hesitate taking a 400 yard shot on a coyote if it was the only chance that I was going to get and if I had gotten a little practice to see what the drop would be... But it isn't too common for a coyote to stay out at 400 yards. They are either interested and close that distance pretty quickly and will get more hesitant around the 200 yard mark, or they will bolt and be gone (at least in my experience with them). If you are doing a good job with the calling, then they will come straight into your lap without stopping for much more than a breath.

alex0535 · February 27, 2013, 10:51 PM

The range at which a coyote can be killed with it will be determined more by your skill as a shooter and the conditions you are shooting in. Light bullets get pushed around by wind. I don't think it would be any problem to kill a coyote at 400 yards or farther on a calm day.

If you can hit a coyote at 400 yards with a 40 grain v-max round, it will hit hard enough to kill the coyote. Take a look at its trajectory data, it is impressive. Downrange energy at 400 yards is plenty to kill a coyote.

chipchip · February 27, 2013, 10:51 PM

Sounds pretty good. May look into a Ruger Predator in 204 if I can find one. Thanks

**Brian Pfleuger** · February 27, 2013, 11:05 PM

I would hesitate a moment to shoot a coyote at 400 yards with a .204. Not a particularly difficult shot either. 360 yards is "top edge" holdover on woodchucks. 400 on a coyote would be pretty easy.

allaroundhunter · February 27, 2013, 11:10 PM

Quote:

I would hesitate a moment to shoot a coyote at 400 yards with a .204

You would hesitate?

**Brian Pfleuger** · February 27, 2013, 11:16 PM

No...

Stupid "spell check"... Changes perfectly valid words into what it thinks you meant...

I meant wouldn't.

Dr. A · February 28, 2013, 06:34 AM

I have the CZ American 527 in the 204. the 204 is very accurate, in this case, light, and you can easily watch the impact of your hits in the scope because of lack of recoil. The round has plenty of power for killing coyotes at longer range with the 40gr bullets I use. Its my choice over my 22-250 and 223.

cen · February 28, 2013, 07:44 AM

I see .204 ammo everywhere I look!

jrhilde · February 28, 2013, 08:54 PM

Just recently moved down here [Louisiana] from Indiana, and sold my .204 to get a rig better suited to the hogs----but in all honesty, the .204 was one of the best and most fun calibers I ever had---first one was a Browning A-bolt and the second, believe it or not, was a Ruger #1---both would cut cloverleafs at a hundred yards, so easy to shoot and enough bullet weight to drop coyotes in their tracks---as mentioned earlier, they are so fast that you can see the hit before the recoil, what little bit there is, moves the scope picture----I'd still have the #1 but really no use for it down here, not the best caliber for the pigs and not much need for the long range accuracy, but as a super ground hog and coyote gun in the midwest, can't think of another caliber that's better------- John

jrhilde · February 28, 2013, 08:57 PM

If you decide to go for the .204, show us some photos of what you get, [ I'd strongly suggest the CZ's] and let me know where you are and I'll send you a factory new box of the Hornaday's I still have in the gun cabinet------John

doceaux · March 7, 2013, 11:26 AM

Just got mine really accurate with Rem accu-tips 32.gr.

ATCDoktor · March 8, 2013, 12:14 AM

The 204 is most assuredly a killer.

Mine is a Savage Model 11 with 22 inch barrel, a package rifle that came with a Simmons 3X9X40mm scope and its killed more coyotes than Parvo, Distemper, Rabies and the Mange.

Here's a few I've killed with the Model 11 (all shot with Hornady factory 32 grain ballistic tips ):

This one was a 200 yard shot (running away from me) caught him behind the ribs (flipped him a** over tea kettle) and he was DRT.

This was a whole family that came in to about 95 yards.

At the first shot the dad went down (at 95), second shot took the mom at about 140 and the third took the son at 295 when he stopped to look back, all dead where they fell with nary a twitch.

Here's a small male that I closed out at 275 yards, note the exit wound high on the back (the 204 has plenty of a** in it's britches at distance to seal the deal)

Here's a 35 yard Bobcat I shot with the 204 (figured I'd throw him in just to round out the theme).

If you are varmint hunter, the 204 will fill the bill to distances approaching that of the 22-250 (maybe just as far),

And like most things firearms related, folks that have negative things to say about it or question it's ability/usefulness have never used it.

This rifle/scope set up is the best 300 bucks I've ever spent on a rifle (purchased at Gander Mountain with a 50 dollar off coupon in 2003).

chipchip · March 8, 2013, 02:26 AM

What grain bullet did you use.

ATCDoktor · March 8, 2013, 03:24 AM

Quote:

What grain bullet did you use.

All those animals were killed with Hornady Factory loads using 32 grain ballistic tip/Vmax bullets.

Here's a view of the other side of the mom and son of the trio in oic posted above to give you an idea of the terminal effect of the ammo:

chipchip · March 8, 2013, 01:29 PM

Pretty amazing. Didn't think a bullet that small could be so effective.

**Brian Pfleuger** · March 8, 2013, 02:23 PM

Speed kills.

February 27, 2013, 10:12 PM	#3
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,515	Ruger 204 I love the .204. Laser-flat, zero recoil, less muzzle blast than other high-speed varmint cartridges. Efficient for the handloader, charges max around 30gr. Great round. Lots of fun.

February 27, 2013, 10:27 PM	#6
steveNChunter Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2012 Location: Southern Appalachian Mtns Posts: 435	I would trust it to bring down a coyote with no trouble. Might be hard on the hyde though if that bullet hits at 4000+ fps on closer shots. I want one too __________________ *I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.* -Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

February 27, 2013, 11:05 PM	#13
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,515	Ruger 204 I would hesitate a moment to shoot a coyote at 400 yards with a .204. Not a particularly difficult shot either. 360 yards is "top edge" holdover on woodchucks. 400 on a coyote would be pretty easy.

February 27, 2013, 11:16 PM	#15
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,515	Ruger 204 No... Stupid "spell check"... Changes perfectly valid words into what it thinks you meant... I meant wouldn't.

February 28, 2013, 08:54 PM	#18
jrhilde Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2011 Location: Southern Louisiana Posts: 122	Just recently moved down here [Louisiana] from Indiana, and sold my .204 to get a rig better suited to the hogs----but in all honesty, the .204 was one of the best and most fun calibers I ever had---first one was a Browning A-bolt and the second, believe it or not, was a Ruger #1---both would cut cloverleafs at a hundred yards, so easy to shoot and enough bullet weight to drop coyotes in their tracks---as mentioned earlier, they are so fast that you can see the hit before the recoil, what little bit there is, moves the scope picture----I'd still have the #1 but really no use for it down here, not the best caliber for the pigs and not much need for the long range accuracy, but as a super ground hog and coyote gun in the midwest, can't think of another caliber that's better------- John __________________ Remember, two of anything is a collection----

February 27, 2013, 10:07 PM	#1
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 139	Ruger 204 Some one convince me to by a rifle in this caliber. I find it interesting. What are it's strong points. Thanks

February 27, 2013, 10:10 PM	#2
allaroundhunter Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 920	Its strong points? Varmint hunting/control.... It is a flat shooting caliber, pretty close to a .22-250 but uses lighter bullets. What are you possibly wanting one for?

February 27, 2013, 10:19 PM	#4
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 139	Not sure what I'd use it for. All we got around here are coyotes. But I would think it would be to lite for that. Maybe just target shoting.

February 27, 2013, 10:23 PM	#5
allaroundhunter Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2012 Location: Southeast Texas Posts: 920	It is a good little coyote gun, great one actually. Those 30 gr bullets explode when they hit a coyote and dispatch them quickly; speed kills, and the .204 has speed. Its flat trajectory also helps because you might have one coyote at 50 yards, and then have a second out at 300; not having to think too hard into holdover is a great thing. But for target shooting there are better, more cost efficient, options.

February 27, 2013, 10:30 PM	#7
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 635	Shoots flat, no kick, not as loud as other guns, doesn't wear out barrels, doesn't heat barrels up as much as other rounds like a 22-250. Bucks the wind very well, as they have a high BC for the bullet weights. Cheap to reload for, and wont destroy cases. As a straight out Varmint gun they are probably the best option, much better than the 17cal centerfires, less drop that a 223, and cheaper to run than a 22-250. If you were going to try for deer, 223 might be better as you can get heavier projectiles that are designed for game, 22-250 running a 75gr bullet gives you excellent wind bucking and better energy for deer, but needs a faster twist than most factory guns come with standard. 204 with a 55gr bullet bucks the wind very well also and has about the same energy as a 223 with a 55gr bullet, but your average 204 ruger doesn't have a fast enough twist for them, and then when you can shoot them you can't shoot a 32gr bullet.

February 27, 2013, 10:32 PM	#8
trg42wraglefragle Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2008 Location: new zealand Posts: 635	I'd love a 20" or 24" heavy barrel AR15 in the caliber. And then a 16" or 20" 223 upper for it for plinking and goats/deer.

February 27, 2013, 10:36 PM	#9
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 139	Bring down a coyote at what range?

February 27, 2013, 10:51 PM	#11
alex0535 Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2012 Location: Georgia Posts: 617	The range at which a coyote can be killed with it will be determined more by your skill as a shooter and the conditions you are shooting in. Light bullets get pushed around by wind. I don't think it would be any problem to kill a coyote at 400 yards or farther on a calm day. If you can hit a coyote at 400 yards with a 40 grain v-max round, it will hit hard enough to kill the coyote. Take a look at its trajectory data, it is impressive. Downrange energy at 400 yards is plenty to kill a coyote.

February 28, 2013, 06:34 AM	#16
Dr. A Senior Member Join Date: July 17, 2007 Location: Salina, KS. Posts: 174	I have the CZ American 527 in the 204. the 204 is very accurate, in this case, light, and you can easily watch the impact of your hits in the scope because of lack of recoil. The round has plenty of power for killing coyotes at longer range with the 40gr bullets I use. Its my choice over my 22-250 and 223.

February 28, 2013, 07:44 AM	#17
cen Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2005 Posts: 126	I see .204 ammo everywhere I look!

February 28, 2013, 08:57 PM	#19
jrhilde Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2011 Location: Southern Louisiana Posts: 122	If you decide to go for the .204, show us some photos of what you get, [ I'd strongly suggest the CZ's] and let me know where you are and I'll send you a factory new box of the Hornaday's I still have in the gun cabinet------John __________________ Remember, two of anything is a collection----

March 7, 2013, 11:26 AM	#20
doceaux Member Join Date: September 7, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 87	Rem. 700 SPS SS 204 Just got mine really accurate with Rem accu-tips 32.gr.

March 8, 2013, 12:14 AM	#21
ATCDoktor Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 51	The 204 is most assuredly a killer. Mine is a Savage Model 11 with 22 inch barrel, a package rifle that came with a Simmons 3X9X40mm scope and its killed more coyotes than Parvo, Distemper, Rabies and the Mange. Here's a few I've killed with the Model 11 (all shot with Hornady factory 32 grain ballistic tips ): This one was a 200 yard shot (running away from me) caught him behind the ribs (flipped him a over tea kettle) and he was DRT. This was a whole family that came in to about 95 yards. At the first shot the dad went down (at 95), second shot took the mom at about 140 and the third took the son at 295 when he stopped to look back, all dead where they fell with nary a twitch. Here's a small male that I closed out at 275 yards, note the exit wound high on the back (the 204 has plenty of a in it's britches at distance to seal the deal) Here's a 35 yard Bobcat I shot with the 204 (figured I'd throw him in just to round out the theme). If you are varmint hunter, the 204 will fill the bill to distances approaching that of the 22-250 (maybe just as far), And like most things firearms related, folks that have negative things to say about it or question it's ability/usefulness have never used it. This rifle/scope set up is the best 300 bucks I've ever spent on a rifle (purchased at Gander Mountain with a 50 dollar off coupon in 2003).

March 8, 2013, 02:26 AM	#22
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 139	What grain bullet did you use.

March 8, 2013, 01:29 PM	#24
chipchip Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2005 Posts: 139	Pretty amazing. Didn't think a bullet that small could be so effective.

March 8, 2013, 02:23 PM	#25
Brian Pfleuger Staff Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Central, Southern NY, USA Posts: 14,515	Speed kills. __________________ Still happily answering to the call-sign Peetza. --- You do not HAVE a soul. You ARE a soul. You HAVE a body. -C.S. Lewis He is no fool who gives what he can not keep to gain what he can not lose. -Jim Eliott, paraphrasing Philip Henry.