higgsy 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Hi all. With ref to either of the above, what sort of range is this calibre good for to assure a good clean fox kill with factory 40 grain ammo? Im torn between a 204 or a 223. My preferance is with a 204 given that it will mostly be used for crows and rabbits etc at long distance (200m +) and the occasional fox. I gather from watching this forum that with the right mody it is significantly quieter than a 223. The only stumbling block being finding the right ammo. Is this round easy enough to reload? Can the factory loads be matched? Ammo availabillity doesnt seem to be a problem. I only know of one person who shoots this calibre and he has shot 200+ foxes with it so far and loves it. Pete Moore owns one and in his own words says that he "appreciates the model/ calibre more every day". Thats some endorsement! On the other hand I know many experienced shooters who wouldnt touch it with a barge pole. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!! Quote Link to post
SNAP SHOT 194 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 the .204 is an excellent calibre for long range vermin control, i've seen foxes shot at long range, and crows shot at 512 yards...... the problem is some of the rifles simply will NOT shoot the 40g ammo, as its borderline for the twist, anything below this i've seen it tack drive... 1/4 inch groups in the right hands.... the best powder to get velocity and accuracy is reloader 10, although i don't own the calibre several of my friends do.... the choice of the above 2 rifles if not on a budget i'd go for the ruger....... ATB. Snap. Quote Link to post
RicW 67 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 the .204 is an excellent calibre for long range vermin control, i've seen foxes shot at long range, and crows shot at 512 yards...... the problem is some of the rifles simply will NOT shoot the 40g ammo, as its borderline for the twist, anything below this i've seen it tack drive... 1/4 inch groups in the right hands.... the best powder to get velocity and accuracy is reloader 10, although i don't own the calibre several of my friends do.... the choice of the above 2 rifles if not on a budget i'd go for the ruger....... ATB. I'm planning to build a .204 within the next 12 months. The only question that remains for me is "twist rate"? Go for 1/11. That should stabilise everything from 32gr to 45gr. Only theory at the moment but the evidence is convincing! ATB RicW Snap. Quote Link to post
cyclonebri1 8 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 On paper the Ruger has few faults, I would love one, but only if I had an alternative gun. Check out some of the yank utube web footage, looks fine. Can't see from the info why a bigger calibre would be needed for fox?? Not advise guys just thye binference picked up from the net. ?????????Mr Logic, now I recall may have a different view???, would be interested to here it in the context of this thread Quote Link to post
jamie g 17 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 lad on the bbs thewildthing aka marcus has a 204 howa and from what i have been told. and seen from his findings on there its a super tool and very accurate. again reloader 10 and 39 grain blizkings are superb Quote Link to post
blackfox 9 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 The thing to do with the .204 is to find the correct bullet that you gun "likes" mine has a taste for the 39grn Sierra blitzkings. Im pretty new to reloading and i love it, using 27grn h322 and am starting to get some pretty good groups. Factory ammo is pretty cheap, i was paying £19 for 20 Hornady 32grns, it just didnt perform as well as it should so i started reloading and to try and reduce costs a little. The blitzking heads were £18 for 100. Speed wise im not sure but its easily fast enough and very very flat shooting. ive had plenty of foxes with this cracking little number they drop like a sack of crap out at 250yrds, also with being so low recoil you can keep the scope on the target just incase there is another or need for a follow up shot. Once there is a sensinble break in the weather i will be out to shoot some paper out to 400yrds. .204 - i would advise to get a heavy/varmint barrel, if its a 1 in 12" twist you will have to have a 26" barrel. Dont be tempted to cut it or you will lose lots ove velocity & will no-doubt affect your accuracy. Ok its a little weighty but if you doing most of your shooting from a truck or quad its no issue, its not that bad get a good sling and your off. Get a good mod and its very quiet compared to others bit of info on 204ruger.com as snap says, a .223 will probably be a little cheaper but IMHO the .204 more than makes up for it hope this helps a little Quote Link to post
higgsy 0 Posted November 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Thanks everyone for all your comments. Not sure if i can be bothered to reload though. With this in mind i may opt for 223 or even 22 250 and put up with the noise. I suppose the 22 250 is a bit overkill for vermin! Quote Link to post
Mr_Logic 5 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 You will need to reload any of those calibres if you are shooting vermin, factory ammo is very expensive to achieve the accuracy you need. 204 is a good calibre. I had a pain reloading it, but it's becoming more common now. Of the two I would get the Howa, while mine hated the 40gr bullets it shot 32s very well, and I did persuade it on the 40gr Nosler in the end, but never to the same degree of accuracy. For primarily vermin, and fox as a secondary, 204 is perfect. It's not any quieter than 223 though. Quote Link to post
CharlieT 32 Posted November 26, 2009 Report Share Posted November 26, 2009 I got my .204 when they first came out. Initially I ordered a Ruger but the importers were unable to quote a delivery date so I went with the Howa. I must say I have been pleased as punch with the howa, I can't fault it. Knowing then what I know now I would have gone straight for the Howa. I have a heavy barreled stainless one. Quote Link to post
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