.204 Ruger....Let's start a discussion!

[ALCOAR]

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[Littlelebowski]

In Wyoming; land of the long shots, plains, and high winds, rounds like these and the 22-250 rule the day. 200+ yard shots are the standard on coyotes, prairie dogs, and whatnot. The 22-250 is so popular in Wyoming that there is a t-shirt being sold that reads "22-250: the Coyote Widowmaker."

We have both on our family ranch. The 22-250 adds heavier bullets, easier to find ammo (this is changing), and maybe 50-75 yards but a bit of that may be due to shooter confidence with the de facto standard. The .204 uses much less material (powder) to do almost the same thing and kicks much less, allowing you to track your shot's impact, something varmint shooters prize. The recoil on the 22-250 is not even worthy mentioning except that as I said, the 204's is even less, allowing to track your shots. The 22-250 will definitely deliver more energy down range if your concern is doing more than punching paper. The 22-250 has less barrel life as well.

The calibers are tied on so many levels that the .204 makes a ton of sense since it uses less powder and is easier on barrel life.

I have never noticed the .204 bucking the wind better than the 22-250, especially with the heavier bullets I was using in the 22-250. I have a 22-250 that has killed a lot of animals and won me several bets. Were I to do it over, I'd probably get a .204. That being said, this rifle is so ridiculously accurate that I will not ever part from it.

[Littlelebowski]

The most experienced hunter I know (professional hunting guide in Wyoming) eschews both of these and packs a .220 Swift that has burnt out many barrels. You can tell him about efficiency, barrel life, cost, etc all day but in the end when you're actually doing something with your rifle, the hit on the target counts the most

[Littlelebowski]

So, what does this caliber do for you? I believe you live in the South, where shorter distances and heavy scrub favor heavier rounds. The .204 isn't really suited for that.

[OMD]

I agree that the 204 is an ideal long range varmint caliber in the AR-15. My fav persopnal varminter is a 22-250 700, but if I had to choose one platform to do both it would be the 204 upper. Can't go wrong there. As above, if you're short range (under 200-250), no need to go bigger than 223.

[ALCOAR]

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[Littlelebowski]

Given what you'll be using it for, I wouldn't buy it. You'll get more out of hand loading the high BC .224 (5.56) offerings and you will save more.

If you lived on the plains sure, get the .204. And I'd get a friendly competition going on with my beloved 22-250

Invest the money in a hand loading setup and/or glass.

[famous187]

I just took ownership of a RRA 24" SS .204 Ruger Upper yesterday. It was my fathers and he never fired it. I have never fired a .204 Ruger so I'll be interested to see what it can do. This is my first precision rig, all my other AR's are 5.56mm & 9mm carbines. I already have a Dillon 550B so I will be purchasing some dies so I can feed it. I will mainly be using this as a range toy and to play around with some reloads but, wouldn't mind trying it out on a Coyote or groundhog. First thing is to get some glass on it!

Really glad you started this thread because I haven't been finding too much on the .204Ruger with regards to AR's on the web. Looking forward to more information..

[ALCOAR]

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[Littlelebowski]

It's an easy sub .5 MOA shooter. 26" barrel.

I took a bunch of bench rest shooters out to the ranch to shoot prairie dogs. They were convinced that .223s with heavy bullets were the ticket.

I won a lot of bragging rights with that 22-250.....