[coltdog]

I already have a .243, and I know that I can shoot the lower grain bullets (55 grain), but what can I say? I'm a gun nut and want to add something in the "22" family. I have heard a lot of great things about the new .204 ruger, but I really like the idea of the availability of the .223 ammo.

Opinions?

 

[mattsbox99]

I have them both, I like the .204 Ruger much better. No drop out to 400 yards, plus it turns gophers inside out and you get to watch through the scope since recoil is so low. Very fun to shoot. I have a Rem 700 ADL.

 

[Country]

The 204 Ruger drops between 13 and 17 inch at 400 yards with a 200 zero.
The 204 is a great little round for sure but it is not more capable than a 223.
Shoots marginaly flatter trajectory that's all , but the 223 is using heavier bullets.
The 223 can do everthing the 204 can do with light bullets and also throw 65 grain bullets in standard twists and heavier in tight twist barrels.
Stay with the 223 it is way more useful in my view .

 

[jodum]

Both are excellent rounds. The 204 is flatter shooting with less recoil than the 223 if you can even say the 223 has any recoil. 223 ammo is much more affordable due to the amount of military surplus ammo on the market. Reloading the 223 will be cheaper due to the amount of surplus components on the market. I shoot several 223s and like it. I would also like a 204 but right now the 223 does what I need in that range. Buy what you want, you're paying the bill.

 

[TRAVIS 204]

I don't own a 223 so I can't compare but I do own a Savage 204 with a Nikon Monarch scope. I use it for groundhogs and coyote. Its great to shoot - no recoil - dead on at 200yds with Hornady 40gr VMax HP. I'm very happy with it, the only down side is I found that it only likes Hornady ammo. JMHO.

 

[GMFWoodchuck]

The first question is, do you reload? If not go with the 223. If you do...Well...That's something you need to answer for yourself. I'd go with the 204.

 

[MontyF]

I faced the same question several years ago and decided on the .223. Primary considerations for me was a free supply of military brass (over 5,000 pieces) a larger selection of bullet weights and being somewhat less expensive in bulk. In a nutshell the free brass is what made my mind up and still no complaints on the decision.

 

[mattsbox99]

The 204 Ruger drops between 13 and 17 inch at 400 yards with a 200 zero.
The 204 is a great little round for sure but it is not more capable than a 223.
Shoots marginaly flatter trajectory that's all , but the 223 is using heavier bullets.
The 223 can do everthing the 204 can do with light bullets and also throw 65 grain bullets in standard twists and heavier in tight twist barrels.
Stay with the 223 it is way more useful in my view .

It doesn't need to be more capable to do the job.

Reloading costs are the same, about $.30/ea with Nosler bullets. I don't shoot mil surp junk in my guns.

What can you honestly do with the .223 that you can not do with the .204 Ruger?

 

[shane256]

What can you honestly do with the .223 that you can not do with the .204 Ruger?

Well... some states require .22cal or larger centerfire rifles as a minimum for deer hunting. That's about all I can think of

 

[coltdog]

Thanks for the reply guys..... and no, I got out of reloading many years ago - just do not have the time anymore. I do understand the availability of .223 ammo and the cheaper price....decisions, decisions.

 

[mr_tw]

It doesn't need to be more capable to do the job.


What can you honestly do with the .223 that you can not do with the .204 Ruger?

Heavier bullets give you more options, I believe if you hand load you can go up to 80 or even 90 grain, possibly more?

on the other hand I would gather if he needs a bigger gun, he could easily move up to the .243 that he already owns, so I would suggest the .204, for 2 reasons, flatter shooting (I believe a 26 grain varmint grenade can be hand loaded to over 4200 fps) and you get to see the hit in your scope, recoil is akin to a .22lr (none)

 

[mattsbox99]

More options for what? Target work, yes, but thats it. You need a custom built gun to shoot those super heavy bullets.

I've shot a deer with my .204, so I know it can be done. Some states do have that .22 caliber requirement, but the OP certainly doesn't sound like he's trying to choose between the two for deer hunting.

If you're shooting paper targets at ranges beyond 500 yards, the .223 really shines. For anything else its a toss up, they are both good.

 

[MothJR]

I have .204 Ruger encore that I used for a Montana p-dog hunt this year. I could not have been more pleased. I was able to score consistently at 300-400 yds (when the wind was down) with only slight adjustments in aim. Bullet drop was noticeably less on my .204 compared to my Dad's .223. This factor definitely made shooting the .204 easier and a little more fun. Quality factory ammo for the .223 is still cheaper than comparable .204 ammo but not so much that you'll break the bank. My vote is for the .204.
I would definitely recommend purchasing a .17 hmr to accompany your centerfire if you are planning a p-dog hunt. We had a fantastic time walking through the dog fields (that we had not shot up with the centerfires) with the quieter rimfire. 50-100 yard shots were the norm during these walks.

Regardless of my vote, you'll be very happy with either caliber.

 

[TMan]

As I've never owned a .204, I only have half an opinion.

My CZ 527 shoots extremely well with bullets in the 50-63gr range, not so great with lower weights for the attempts I've made. It could be used for deer in a pinch, but I'd have a hard time justifying it with six other rifles from .243-.35 Whelen.

As you don't handload, the .223 might have an important edge. Ammo is far more available, and the stuff from almost everyone is often hard to beat with good handloads.

 

[Mush from PA.]

One thing to consider...Rifle twist in choice

204 Ruger CZ Varnmit- love mine. Most rifles have the same twist for the small range of bullet selections (32 to 40gn) . It doesnt matter, mine loves Serra 39 gn Blitz Kings so I only need one weight bullet. And you need to buy 20 caliber cleaning equipment. Most common rods are for 22 cal. and up.

223 - rifle (most common) twists are 1 in 12 (for 40 to 62gn bullet), 1 in 9 something up to 75gn, and 1 in 7 for long range shooting. More choices depending what you plan to use it for. If you want a walking rifle look at the sporter. If you want a bench rifle look at the varmint barrel.

I reload for accuracy and my hobby. You might try it again...