jdircksen

First off, hello. I'm new here but stumbled upon hunting.net in my quest for more information on rifles. I've found lots of info already, but not even a search could bring up reviews of the 204 Ruger caliber.

Anyway, I'm looking to get a varmint rifle. This rifle would be primarily used for walking around a farm shooting groundhogs. Besides groundhogs, I'm not real sure what else I'd hunt. There is the possibility of white tail deer, racoon, and squirrel in the future, so they should be taken into consideration.

From what I've read, 204 seems to be the best for an all purpose varmint gun. Do you agree/disagree?
Would 204 be enough for deer?
Should I look for a bull barrel or will it not be worth lugging it's weight around the fields?

Also, would 204 be an appropriate choice or should I consider 223 or 243?

Virginia7

At first glance I didn't think much of the 204Ruger. I thought, ok, so it can hit over
4,000fps velocity - so can a 22-250 with the right bullets/loads. But, then I began to look into the ballistics a little more, and a friend of mine got one. Dang, but it's a tack driving SOB! Very pleasant to shoot, accurate as all get out. Heck of a varmint cartridge!
As for a walking around varmint rifle you might want to check out Remington's light weight model, available in 204Ruger. I think it's the Model 700 LVSF - synthetic stock, with stainless action, stainless fluted 22" barrel.
The 204Ruger should have no problem with any varmints, including coyotes, but I'd draw the limit there. For deer I'd want something bigger. If you insist on a so-called dual purpose rifle, then go with a 243Winchester or a 25-06.

ps: Welcome to the forum.

ColoradoElk

Hi JD:

I shoot the .204 ALOT and IMHO you should purchase a .204 if yotes are your largest quarry and you like to reload, otherwise .223 by a wide margin. If you include deer, .243, min.

Good luck,
CE

James B

In many states the 204 would not be legal for deer. In some states it may be but it is not powerful enough for deer. It may kill one but the bullet is awful light for critters that big. As a varmit round I wouldn't buy one because I already have a 223 and a 22-250. Its not on my radar at all. Maybe if I didn't have a varmit rifle yet I might check them out.

Doe Dumper

Some on here would tell you the .204 would be good for everything up to and including large bears

jdircksen

Well I don't have the components to reload, but the person I hunt with (girl friend's dad) does. I know he reloads 243, so I doubt he'd have a problem with me helping load some 204. From what I read I might have to buy some new tools that are small enough to fit the 20cal neck, but I'm willing to do that. I also like the 204 because from what I read, it is easy on the barrel and with little recoil makes it easier to hold on target after pulling the trigger.

I wish I wouldn't have bought my 22mag because buying the 204 would make an overlap of things to shoot. hmmm such a tough decision for a person on a college student budget.

bigcountry

LIke who dump?

bigcountry

I was against the caliber when first came out. But I bought my brother one, and sighted it in and all I can say is I am impressed. With a 300 dollar on sale 700adl from bass pro, that thing was a subMOA shooter, and flattest thing I seen in a while. 1.5" high at 100 was like 1.5" low at 200.

If the claims are right and it gets the barrel life of a 223 and beats a 22-250, I will have one. I am waiting for my bro to shoot it out.

Only concern right now, is brass price, and difficulty in getting new reloading things like funnels, new very thin cleaning rods and all.

ColoradoElk

I'd estimate I have about 5,000 rounds through my .204, which is a Ruger compact stainless with a 20 inch barrel. The accuracy is great and is used primarily for prairie rats. I have not noticed any degradation of accuracy, which surprises me because the barrel gets HOT. I started with 200 rounds of new ammo for cases, and they started to split pretty quickly. I bought 400 once-fired and have been going through those pretty quickly. The only cases I have tried are Hornady, and I can't wait to try some Win or Rem cases. I hope they last longer...

Mike from Texas

From what I've been reading, the gains in velocity and accuracy by reloading are slim to none. Unless you shoot a lot, it probably wouldn't be worth the investment for reloading.