This is topic 204 ruger in forum Firearms forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by albert (Member # 98) on May 05, 2005, 10:46 PM:
Anybody here have any expierence with the 204 ruger? good? bad? what bullets?
Lots of talk looking for some qualitive data.
thanks
albert
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 06, 2005, 12:01 PM:
What's your application, Albert? (as if I didn't know) Fur hunting large predators?
You know it will take a real good bullet, not many choices, at this stage.
I don't know? Hope some member has a little input for ya!
Man! I'm really seriously considering paying you a visit this year. How would I get a wolf pelt back home with me? Easy, hard, impossible?
Good hunting. LB
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on May 06, 2005, 01:21 PM:
Bought one a few months ago.Very flat shooting,VERY accurate(1/2 inch groups all day long)light recoil.I love the way it shoots.Bullet to use? [35 Grain Berger Match] no question.If you can find them. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
The B.C isn't the best (.191) but it will shoot good out to 250 to 300 yards or so. It will be my primary calling rifle now. ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
I am going to put it through an extensive test next year so I will let you know how it turns out.All and all though it is a fun little rifle to shoot.GOOD HUNTING C.O
P.S I heard Nosler is supposed to be coming out with a bullet or bullets with a high B.C. (high .200's)FWIW
[ May 06, 2005, 01:32 PM: Message edited by: UTcaller ]
Posted by Curt2u (Member # 74) on May 07, 2005, 08:33 AM:
Try this link albert http://www.rugerhunting.com/ There is some ok info over there. Not as many field reports on coyotes as I was hoping but some good info about the .204 cal. Some groundhog reports too.
I just bought a .204 a month ago. Rem 700 SPS. Shot it for the first time last weekend. Like UTcaller said, it was accurate and recoil was very light. I'm going to give it a try on coyotes this fall. Heard mixed reports on how it performs on them. That is one reason I bought a .204 so I could see for myself how it does. The things written leave a fella pretty confused. I think it's effectiveness is going to revolve around the development of some good bullets like Leonard said. When I bought my .204 I was actually shopping for a .220 Swift. There were only a couple available. Found a bunch of .204s though so I decided to try one. Takes a bit of tooling up to get going. Unlike the .220 Swift that I already had brass, bullets, and everything for, a guy has to start from scratch with the .204. New brass (which was a chore to acquire) , bullets (limited selection), new cleaning rod, dies, case trimming pilot, etc. Would have been much cheaper for me to get the Swift. Now that it is all done I'm looking forward to giving it a try though. Fun to try new things out. I figure it will make a good groundhog gun for the kids if it doesn't excel as a predator rifle.
Good hunting
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on May 07, 2005, 12:37 PM:
I'm with Curt,I heard all the hype both positive and negative about the .204 so I thought I better try it for myself.It's funny how alot of people will form a hardcore opinion with out even trying it first.Some people on some of the boards are positive it is not close to enough gun for coyotes(you are guaranteed to get lots of runners) ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Then on the black board they say it is way to much gun for coyotes(you'll blow huge holes in them) So I will give it a try and see for myself.I've even seen a few people shoot a FEW coyotes and had a couple runners and give up.I plan on using mine for atleast all of next year.Try afew different bullets to see how it will work out.Then Like Curt said I will base an Opinion and either use it or not.GOOD HUNTING C.O
[ May 07, 2005, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: UTcaller ]
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on May 07, 2005, 12:56 PM:
Good deal, Chad. Then I may (quite possibly) pick one up used, and find out for myself.
Well, here's the thing. It is a light fast bullet. What don't we know about light fast bullets?
Will it find a nitch? Probably fit in a range between squirrels to possibly moderate range coyotes...........................with the correct bullet?
I'm just pulling your leg, buddy. I hope it works out for ya!
Good hunting. LB
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on May 08, 2005, 12:22 PM:
Leonard,I here what you're saying.Only time will tell.I have shot a 22-250 for alot of years,and it has been a real leap of faith to try something new(different).But I really think this caliber is for real.Especially if Nosler steps up and puts out a couple good bullets in .20 cal.With a B.C in the .285-.290 range.I think it would be a great gun for coyotes from 0-400 yards.I also believe it will be very effective for coyotes 0-250 yards with the 35 grain Berger Match(B.C .191)Like I said only time and trial and error will tell.I will definitely keep everyone informed on how it is performing.With an honest report and no unfactual hype.GOOD HUNTING C.O
Posted by Curt2u (Member # 74) on May 08, 2005, 04:42 PM:
I had a chance to get out and shoot a few groundhogs with the .204 yesterday. I was impressed. The little 40gr. bullets were opening up the hogs much like my 22-250. The place I was shooting at was not very user friendly for shots much farther than 150 yards unfortunately. I know this is no indication of how it will perform on coyotes. I really like the new rifle though. Can't wait to try it for calling.
Good hunting
Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on May 08, 2005, 07:15 PM:
I've not shot the rifle myself, but I've called a few in to be shot by others with a .204 I can't remember any of them getting more than just a couple of feet from the point of impact, and no fur damage at all.
Posted by albert (Member # 98) on May 16, 2005, 09:24 PM:
Thanks for the replies. I imagine that I will have a 204 by next winter. One fellow that I have become acquainted with bought a 700 vls in 204 last January claims to of killed 72 coyotes with it by the end of Feb. Used to shoot a swift says that he will never go back. Used Factory 32 grain Hornady v-max.
A benefit that he claims is that he killed more doubles with it. Why? Possibly because it is quieter? Says that he doesn’t get the bang flop like the swift quite often it’s a yelp flop, or they are more likely to go into a spin. Possibly the second one stops and takes a second look? Ideas?
Leonard if you are serious about coming drop me an e-mail.
Posted by Yoteboy (Member # 534) on May 18, 2005, 03:20 AM:
Albert,
Did the guy who killed the 72 with the 204 happen to mention what kind of damage was done to the fur with those little bullets. Did they even exit? I know it would depend on how close he shot them at, but did he have any big holes in the pelts? I guess I'm wondering if he thought it was a fur friendly gun?
Posted by albert (Member # 98) on May 18, 2005, 11:17 AM:
This fellow thought that is was very fur friendly. To quote him “ I’m not scared to shoot them twice if I have to, there still won’t be any holes in them.” Longest shot claimed was 394 steps, majority shot much closer. Interesting enough this fellow had tried the .17 rem. and had written it off as a proper coyote gun.
Posted by Yoteboy (Member # 534) on May 18, 2005, 08:16 PM:
Any idea why he also shot them with the smaller bullets? He obviously did well, just wondering why.
Posted by albert (Member # 98) on May 19, 2005, 11:45 AM:
Probably because that was all that was available when he bought the gun. liked them so he stuck with them.
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on May 19, 2005, 08:38 PM:
I sure like the way the 32 grain vmax factory ammo shoots(1/2 inch and under groups).I was very impressed when I first shot them.I am planning on trying them a little on coyotes this fall.Along with some 35 grain berger reloads.GOOD HUNTING C.O
Posted by coyotekid (Member # 656) on May 21, 2005, 08:23 AM:
is the 204 good in the wind and can u shoot very far wiht it i live in kansas and in is pretty windy i was thinking about getting a 223 but some ppl said that the 204 would be better because of the wind what would be beter? a 223 204 22-250
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on May 21, 2005, 11:46 AM:
I definitely think the 204(40 grain) will be superior to the 223 and on par with the 22-250,as far as wind drift and flat shooting trajectory goes.As far as energy the 22-250 at 3600fps with a 55 grain bullet has(1590lbs at muzzle) will hold the edge to the 204.The 204 however with it's(1360lbs at muzzle) has more energy than a 223 even with a 55 grain bullet(1282 lbs at muzzle).So it all depends on what you're looking for in a rifle.I have shot a 22-250 for coyotes for the last 18 or so years and it has been a hellava gun and a damn good coyote killer.The verdict is still out with me and my new .204,time will tell. I plan on shooting the hell out of it this fall for coyotes. FWIW GOOD HUNTING C.O
Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on May 21, 2005, 01:11 PM:
Silverfox posted some ballastic charts comparing the .204 with .223 .22/250 and .223 WSSM over at PM several months back and the .204 sure looked good on paper. Like UTcaller said, with the 40 grain bullet the .204 performed better than the .223. When compared to a .22/250 using a 55 gr V-max The .204 using a 40 V-max had a full two inches less drop at 400 yards and 3 inches less wind drift. The .22/250 did have 50ft-lbs more energy at 400 yards.
I did notice several .204's in the classifieds at PM recently. Most had hardly been shot from the sounds of it. I wonder why guys are already selling them?
Posted by UTcaller (Member # 8) on May 21, 2005, 01:55 PM:
The 32 grain vmax bullets in the .204 ruger are alittle closer to the .223 ballistics(50 grain vmax) as far as energy.32 grain vmax(1268 lbs muzzle)and 50 grain vmax(1209 lbs muzzle).As far as trajectory there is really no contest.The .204 eats up the .223.The .204's trajectorys are as follows 0.6" high at 100 yards,0.7" high at 150 yards,0.0" at 200 yards,-1.5" low at 250 yards,-4.1 low at 300 yards,-13.2 low at 400 yards.The .223's trajectorys are 1.2" high at 100 yards,1.3" high at 150 yards,0.0" at 200 yards,-2.6" low at 250 yards,-6.9" low at 300 yards,and finally -21.2" low at 400 yards.So I think the 204 is for real and is here to stay.When the supply catches up to the demand of this new caliber then people will truly see all the advantages there are to the 204.FWIW GOOD HUNTING C.O
[ May 21, 2005, 02:02 PM: Message edited by: UTcaller ]
Posted by Dogleg (Member # 662) on June 02, 2005, 09:45 AM:
Albert,
Is Rob still going ahead with the .204/250 Ackley project? I had kind of thought you were involved with that one? BTW, we have a call maker, barrel maker and friend in common.Strange that we have never met.Perhaps someday.
Dogleg
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 02, 2005, 09:51 AM:
Welcome to the Nerw Huntmasters, dogleg. Glad to have you on board. Albert knows his stuff.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Dogleg (Member # 662) on June 02, 2005, 01:37 PM:
Leonard,
Thanks for the welcome, I have been lurking for months and thought I should come on in.Albert and his partner Rob definitely know their stuff. I have known the second for years, and have been hearing "Albert stories" about as long. They are good alright.
Knowledgeable hunters seem to congregate on this site,which is appealing. My own experience pales by comparison, but I did manage to break 100 this year for the first time. More by persistance than talent though. Thanks again for the welcome!
Dogleg
Posted by albert (Member # 98) on June 02, 2005, 06:13 PM:
Dogleg, I think I know who you are and I have been hearing "Mike" stories for as nearly as long. You are modest. I am quite sure we will meet sooner than later. The problem right now is that I don't have the $ or time to run in your crowd. Time = $.
To be accepted here, all you have to is state the facts. There is too much experience here to bullshit. Don’t try to tell people what you have experienced is the absolute. Just tell what you have seen and they will interpret on their own. Questions are more than welcome.
Personally I have come full circle on some of the ideas that I have felt to be truths. Thank goodness that there is a lot of thick skin on this board.
There are more than a few people on this board that have been kicked off of other BBS, because they felt that the truth was more important than personal gain. Personally I have seen a lot of their expertise in action. Far as I am concerned the rest of the BBS are a joke. i.e. “I feel that a my 17 hum zinger is the best coyote cartridge out there. I shot a coyote and killed it. Proof that it is absolutely the best”. Statements like that won’t get you to far on this board.
PS. As far as I’m concerned if the story is worth telling, it’s worth telling your real name, only adds to the value.
PSS
except for Bomba
[ June 02, 2005, 06:38 PM: Message edited by: albert ]
Posted by albert (Member # 98) on June 02, 2005, 06:43 PM:
Dogleg to answer the 20/250 ackley question I'm sure that it will happen, just don't think that it will be this year.
Posted by Dogleg (Member # 662) on June 02, 2005, 07:45 PM:
Albert,
You have surmised correctly, course my email address is my name so that isn't real hard. There are a few members on this board who know me as Dogleg, so I think that I may let that ride for a bit.There's always the chance to sign on at the bottom.
I'm not sure what crowd I run in, but regretably have some experience with running in circles LOL. $ sure aren't mandatory, experience and enthusiasm are the only currencies worth having anyway. Nobody has enough time.These things have a way of ebbing and flowing, you will back on your game soon enough!
For a while it seemed like everyone I met or talked to was asking if I knew you. Ted Gaillard, Robb and Bill amoung others. Did Ted ever finish that 6 BR for you? He's got my STW now for a pipe and .312 neck.A Jewel trigger awaits too.
I will probably pick up a SPS in .204 for the fur season, it's a cheap way to try the caliber for the price of an action.My boy will need something soon anyway. BTW, did Rob ever give you any of that copper juice? If not we'll get that fixed up asap.
Truth and the pursuit of knowledge do tend to go together, don't they? ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Sorry for hi-jacking your thread.
Mike (aka Dogleg)
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 02, 2005, 10:37 PM:
Not to worry about hijacking. Staying on topic has never been a requirement on Huntmasters. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Bomba (Member # 71) on June 03, 2005, 12:21 PM:
Bomba see name brought up by albert. Bomba not have 204 yet so cannot comment. Bomba do like what Injunjoe say though.
quote:
Stop it. Kill it. Not shoot it. Track it.
Posted by bob_ryan95 (Member # 668) on June 09, 2005, 02:50 PM:
i just bought the new .204 ruger and im very impessed with it i drilled a ground hog out at 400 yards with the factory hornady load and had pretty good wind there was no need for a second shot bullet placement was right where i aimed
Posted by bob_ryan95 (Member # 668) on June 09, 2005, 02:52 PM:
any info i can get on diffrent varmint loads and coyotes killed by this round and how far someone has made a clean kill would be appreciated ,,,thanks
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 09, 2005, 04:53 PM:
Welcome to the New Huntmasters, Bob. Glad to have you on board.
Good hunting. LB
Posted by Utahcaller (Member # 671) on June 10, 2005, 11:55 AM:
bob ryan95,I haven't shot at any coyotes yet with mine,but it does a number on rabbits,praire dogs and rockchucks.I have been using factory 32 grain vmax for them.I bought a box of Berger 40 grain boatails(match grade)to reload for coyotes.They have a pretty high B.C (.250)Hoping to get 3700-3800 fps(muzzle)That SHOULD do a good job on the coyotes this fall.Only time will tell though.GOOD HUNTING C.O
Posted by S.Frame (Member # 89) on June 11, 2005, 08:00 AM:
Albert, Bob_R, I suppose I am the person that Tim Behle was referring to back at the beginning of this thread. We hunted together as he gave me some mouth-calling lessons this past January when I was down in Arizona.
I took along a little CZ-527 in .204 to see what it would do. It was late in the fur season when I got it, so I didn’t get a chance to use it much, but I did manage to shoot 4 coyotes with it using the 32 grain V-max factory loads. 4 shots, 4 very dead coyotes. None managed more than a spin or two before expiring where they stood.
The farthest shot was facing me dead on at 170 yards. The bullet entered the center of the chest, penetrated into the chest cavity, and disintegrated as it hashed the lungs and heart. Pinprick entrance, no exit.
The other three were broadside shots from 30 to 75 yards, with the bullet placed just behind the shoulder. Two of these were textbook shots slipping in behind the scapula and leg bones. Teeny little pinprick entrance, pureed cardiovascular system, no exit. Perfect pelt, “gagless skinning” performance.
The third was a large male that came in on a dead run from behind me (on that desert hardpan it sounded like a damn horse galloping up) and I shot it as it angled to my right at about 40 yards. The bullet hit farther forward than I intended, shattering the leg bone, but still wreaked havoc in the chest cavity and that coyote died on the spot as well. The bullet did not exit either but did splash a 2” entrance as it hit the bone.
Four of anything is a pitifully small sample on which to draw conclusions, so this little example may not mean anything in the long term, but as they say, so far so good.
It reminds me very much of a hot .17 with a bit more ass.
[ June 11, 2005, 08:01 AM: Message edited by: S.Frame ]
Posted by The Outdoor Tripp (Member # 619) on June 11, 2005, 08:47 AM:
Pardon my ignorance, but how old is the .204 Ruger caliber? Pretty new on the market?
Posted by Greenside (Member # 10) on June 11, 2005, 09:54 AM:
Shaun, You should stop more often.
Posted by bob_ryan95 (Member # 668) on June 16, 2005, 09:34 AM:
thanks guys for the info u have gave me i wanted an idea of this guns capabilities and so far havent been dissapointed
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