Difference in noise: .204 vs .223?

[snake guy]

Because of a pending resolution to warranty claim (long story), I have been offered a free rifle, either in .204 Ruger or .223 Remington. Having shot mainly handgun (.357, .45) and rimfire rifles, I have little experience with centerfire rifles (the only exception is a .357 Marlin 1894c). My question is this: is there any difference in report (noise level) between these two calibers? How would their report compare with the 1894? This is important where I hunt, so if the .204 is at least somewhat less noisy then the .223, I would go in that direction. If there is no difference, I would likely go with the .223 for cheaper factory ammo and lower cost of components. The gun would be used for target punching and woodchucks.

I know I can reload the .223 (and, I would think, the .204) down to near .22 Mag levels, but my time for reloading is limited right now and I am also being offered a quantity of factory ammo as part of the settlement.

Any help from folks who can compare these rounds would be really appreciated. I have to make a decision by the end of the week.

[Scorch]

Both have about the same noise level, being very similar sized cases that operate at similar pressure. If you are not going to reload, there are more choices for ammo for the 223. However, the 204 has better ballistics beyond 300 yds, so if you plan on shooting varmints, it may be a good idea to go in that direction. Personally, I would recommend the 223, mostly because it will do anything you need to do to 300-350 yds, and good quality ammo is a lot cheaper.

[snake guy]

Most of my shooting is at ranges < 150 yards, so if there is little difference in report, I agree the .223 is likely my best choice.

Thanks for the help!

[Yithian]

The .204 Ruger is louder.

The difference is in the projectile, not the powder.

The .233 bullet is mosly around MACH 2.
The .204 is around MACH 3.8 with the 32 gr bullet.

Basically,twin sonic booms or triplets?
When somethings going that fast, it just amplifies the sound and hits ears all at once.

[Shane Tuttle]

Basically,twin sonic booms or triplets?

Ummm...there's only one sound barrier...

[prime8]

Even if it were possible to get 3 booms they would all be at different times, and all traveling the same speed. (The speed of sound) Tis craziness,,, lol
Im purty sure you can only break the sound barrier once without having to slow down to do it again....

Get the 223! The 223 can be accurate out to 500 yards. Ask the Marines what yardages they qualify at yearly...my $.02 :D

[Yithian]

Sorry guys.
Down here its easier to explain in numbers rather than amplification values.
I keep it simple so everyone gets the point.

As the two of you have expressed, some people are too smart to understand.
:D

[prime8]

just a little ribbing amongst shooters...:)

[mrawesome22]

When they invent bullets that can speed up and slow down to break the sound barrier over and over, I'll have about 6 feet of dirt on top of me LOL.

[Shane Tuttle]

just a little ribbing amongst shooters...

Yep...;)