Shall I turn my 204 into a 22-250?

[Mr_Logic 5]

Right then folks, I am having a nightmare time trying to decide whether to turn my 204 into a 22-250 or not.

 

Initially as I posted, I had lots of problems with it, not shooting factory Remington. Then it came back complete with new stock and a recrown (a month to do this!) and still didn't shoot them.

 

I tried some reloads, and the best group I got was .9", which wasn't exactly awesome.

 

I then got yet more powder and yet more bullet heads, and found that:

 

It shoots the 32 sierras very nicely (apart from the odd flyer, .3")

It can just about shoot a 40gr Nosler given some reloader15 behind it

It doesn't stabilise a 40 gr Hornady

 

We also found that the 32 grain Nosler, which has the thickest jacket of the 32s AFAIK, blew up on a rabbit's shoulder. This does not inspire confidence for a fox shot tbh, there appears a definite risk of a splash, and I don't much fancy that.

 

Equally, I think that the only risk is up close - on the longer shots it was extremely lethal but did penetrate sufficiently well on rabbits to suggest it would work on charlie.

 

I have had issues with the brass from the factory Remington - it is far too long, and I've got nothing to trim it with so I've had to bin it.

 

Therefore, before I spend yet more money making this thing work (spent more on components than the gun cost already), I thought I'd stop and see about going to a 22-250.

 

Like it because:

 

a. Not going to splash on a fox

b. availability of components much better (didn't anticipate problems with 204 but they're certainly there)

c. Can also shoot muntjac, of which I see quite a few

d. Chances are, the rifle in question (T3 or a Savage) will shoot more bullets than this 204!

 

What do you think? like I said, tricky decision knowing whether to persevere or jump ship! Cheers muchly

[SportingShooter 0]

Have you exhausted all the bullet heads of 40gr and over by now then Mr L?

 

Its easy to why it could be tempting to go back to an ordinary, proven calibre when the current one isn't working out for you, but if it were me, I'd be tempted to stick at it

 

If the availability of a bullet head that you find you like and shoots well becomes hard or impossible, then i'd switch back.

[jamie g 17]

as what as been said on bbs mate. the 204 is a cracking caliber. and very flat and fast but the 22/250 with 50 grain heads can be drove at 3800 to 3900 fps with super accuracy. and when it hits its gooing to hit much harder then the 204.

 

i havent had the chance to shoot that many foxes with my 22/250 yet as i havent been out as much. but now i have my reloading stuff 50 grain 52 grain and 55 grain will be tryed through it.

 

at 300 yards the 55 grains will still hit a hox at 799 ftlb ! alot more then 204.

 

i would go back to 22/250 if i where you and now you have the reloading gear your be fine the cost wont be as bad.

if i was picking a 22/250 again and didnt want to spend sako oney then the savage is the one i would have.

[Mr_Logic 5]

It's the most infuriating rifle ever.

 

I worked a night last night so I've had the day today, got out with the 204 again. It shot good groups with 40 grain Noslers and good groups with the 32 grain Nosler also.

 

Need to back off a touch with the 32gr Sierras as the primers died big style (but at least they went bang this time!).

 

Tbh, before these loads I would definitely have got rid but it seems to be pretty good - need to measure these groups but they look about right.

 

Given the cost to change I expect I will at least shoot off the components I currently hold first, and see how it goes. Assuming of course things continue to work for now!

[Deker 3,478]

Get the Black & Decker out and pop down the market to get one of those really long drill bits...shouldn't cost too much to bore that barrel out to 22-250

[woz 260]

not teaching granny to suck eggs or anything.........how many brands of primer have you used?? it makes a diference...from shot gun groups to clover leaf........

a case trimmer will cost you £30 ish..pm me if you want one iv probably got a s/h one knocking about......how many different powders have you tried?? try backing off the amount of powder....have you set your reloading dies up properly?? concentrisity does make a reasonable diference?? bullet depth also..push it more off the lands..

i would say if you havnt played about with primers go that route..as for 22-250 i love mine its great BUT if you have come this far it will be a shame not to get the bitch shooting??......

[arveyboy 0]

i'd say that if youve come this far with a set-up then try and stick with it for as long as possible because it would all be worth it once you could get it shooting

[monte 0]

bin the 204 get a 17 rem

[Mr_Logic 5]

not teaching granny to suck eggs or anything.........how many brands of primer have you used?? it makes a diference...from shot gun groups to clover leaf........

a case trimmer will cost you £30 ish..pm me if you want one iv probably got a s/h one knocking about......how many different powders have you tried?? try backing off the amount of powder....have you set your reloading dies up properly?? concentrisity does make a reasonable diference?? bullet depth also..push it more off the lands..

i would say if you havnt played about with primers go that route..as for 22-250 i love mine its great BUT if you have come this far it will be a shame not to get the bitch shooting??......

I have just changed the primer from S & B to CCI, and gone from seating on or near the lands to the standard 2.25" COL, and it has definitely improved.

 

Still think that, given the availability of all things .22, I might switch.

 

Certainly, groups were good enough today that it's shooting sufficiently well, but I've done so much thinking about this I am almost convinced of 22-250 anyway. But like I said, I suspect I'll give it a bit yet, too much in the way of 204 bits to use first. But at least the powders for 204 seem to work well in 22-250 (alliant stuff anyway)

[woz 260]

not teaching granny to suck eggs or anything.........how many brands of primer have you used?? it makes a diference...from shot gun groups to clover leaf........

a case trimmer will cost you £30 ish..pm me if you want one iv probably got a s/h one knocking about......how many different powders have you tried?? try backing off the amount of powder....have you set your reloading dies up properly?? concentrisity does make a reasonable diference?? bullet depth also..push it more off the lands..

i would say if you havnt played about with primers go that route..as for 22-250 i love mine its great BUT if you have come this far it will be a shame not to get the bitch shooting??......

I have just changed the primer from S & B to CCI, and gone from seating on or near the lands to the standard 2.25" COL, and it has definitely improved.

 

Still think that, given the availability of all things .22, I might switch.

 

Certainly, groups were good enough today that it's shooting sufficiently well, but I've done so much thinking about this I am almost convinced of 22-250 anyway. But like I said, I suspect I'll give it a bit yet, too much in the way of 204 bits to use first. But at least the powders for 204 seem to work well in 22-250 (alliant stuff anyway)

 

all calibre's are just big boys toys really anyway..my first centre fire was 223 and now iv ended up with 22-250 and i think should i have gone for 243,it never ends.should i shouldnt i sort of thing......i can on a good day get 4" group at 550 yards and 12" hold over zeroed at 50 yards with my 22-250 and it punch's hole's in 4mm steel plate at that range...i dont shoot deer (there aint any near me) so 22-250 is perfect for my sort of shooting.......

[cbw 4]

Cut your losses and trade it all in!!

 

Nothing hacks me off more than spending money 'hand over fist' and still not achieving what I wanted, your going to end up with a hybrid rifle thats never going to be quite what you wanted.

 

Out it and start again.

 

CBW

[jamie g 17]

you cant rebarrel the 204 for 22/250 anyway so i would trade it in and get a savage mr l

[Mr_Logic 5]

Well,I called shops, they all said no to that Howa, apart from one low part ex offer, so I'm stuck with it for the time being...

[jamie g 17]

Well,I called shops, they all said no to that Howa, apart from one low part ex offer, so I'm stuck with it for the time being...

 

where did you get it from mate ? cant you have a word with them and get it swapped ? i no there is a lad on the bbs called the wildthing he as a 204 and he gets good groups with his. maybe have a word with him and try some different loads

[varminter 10]

Sorry to hear you are having problems with the 204!!!

I noticed that say that want to use it on Deer as well as Foxs / small game!!! , well if money is a bit tight mate why not try and sell the 204 and ( just like someone else mentioned ) get yourself a 243!!!

A cracking caliber , you can load the 58 V-max for a devastating Fox and small game load , then load up to 85 - 100 grainers for a nice deer load!!!!

I ran the 243 ackley and was very impressed with its performance!!

Also i am running the 58 V-max in my 6PPC - a awesome load on Fox / bunnies / crows and magpies!!!

All the best...............

RAY........................................

Edited April 8, 2009 by varminter