Another .204 vs 22-250

[Bison Butt]

What is the feeling of the board about the .204 vs 22-250. I have a Buff Classic and am thinking adding a new 22" bull barrel in one of those calibers. I'll top it with a 6x18 or so. Factory ammo only for coyotes and pasture poodles.
I know the .204 will have 56% less recoil, and there are more selection of bullets with the 22-250.

What would you select?  A savage ? Har!

BB

[darat100]

If you are going to shoot coyotes, go for the 22-250.  I haven't tried my 204 on something that big, but i think the 22-250 or 223 are about as small as you should morally go on a coyote.  Just my opinion.  Not that it won't kill, but a misplaced shot will take a while.  I think we owe it to our game animals to kill as quickly as possible.

[quickdtoo]

The .204 is an excellent coyote round, specially for long range, it's shoots flatter and has pretty much the same energy as the .22-250, and is very hide friendly with the right bullet selection.

Tim

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=52406084&page=&fpart=all&vc=1

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=52379569&page=&fpart=all&vc=1

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=52332844&page=&fpart=all&vc=1

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=52400563&page=&fpart=all&vc=1

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=52281460&page=&fpart=all&vc=1

[jb22-250]

I haven't shot a 204 myself, but I have been with a friend last year that had coyotes run after being hit at over 300 yards with his ruger 204 bolt.  I have not shot any coyotes yet with my current 22-250 ultra but I have killed a few long range with my 22-250 savage bolt, they did not run!!!  We also noticed alot of bullet drift with the 204 on slightly windy day's compared to the heavier .22 bullets. It probably depends alot on the type of shots you plan on taking.

[acloco]

Might opt for a little longer barrel for either round...if possible.

[quickdtoo]

.204 optimum barrel length is 23", so either would work fine.

Tim

http://www.bullberry.com/204Rugerdata.html

[safetysheriff]

the .22-250 will have projectiles that have had more time spent on their development.   you won't need any special cleaning rod like i'd guess you do for a .204.   you'll be able to take deer and antelope with the excellent hornady 60 gr' spire points out of the .22-250 if that ever will matter to you (where legal....).   

the .22-250 is a 400 yd' coyote cartridge from what many people claim.  i never tried one at that distance; but its reputation is 'pristine' with the right bullets under the right wind conditions.

good luck,

ss' 

[McLernon]

The 22-250 has been around a long time and its reputation is firmly established. It's a great round but in a lighter rifle recoil is enough to effect accuracy potential for many shooters. I think that the .204 is a good choice based on energy considerations but as has been pointed out the bullet selection is not as great as that of th .22----yet!! If you are shooting yotes at 300 yards you probably will have time to set up your shots and hit the vitals. Closer shots I have to believe there is plenty of energy in the bullet to penetrate and give good expansion. In time I believe bullet selection can only get better as I beleive that the .204 is here to stay.

My $.02 worth

McLernon

[Dave Allen]

you know that's a tough one ?? sorry i don't have a 204 & cannot give you a report...one thing i do in my travel's is when i'm out in the boondock's & stop at the smaller country store's ect...i always check to see what they stock for ammo..before i started reloading that was important to me...nothing worse than having to hunt down ammo...that also tell's me what the local's shoot...as mentioned above the 204 is here to stay & i'm sure factory ammo will be more readily available...if you have a good sporting good's store in your hometown it may not be a problem...good luck...

[jack19512]

I would choose the 22-250 myself.  But I do have a friend that uses a CZ .204 for coyotes.  He has taken a lot of them and I haven't heard of the .204 having any problems doing the job.

[darat100]

Well, after hearing some of these thoughts, maybe I have underestimated my little 204.  Sounds like a good excuse for a saturday hunt!

[myarmor]

I haven't shot a 22-250 in a Handi, and for some reason not too many report with theirs, maybe they aren't selling as many 22-250's as most other calibers When I finally get one, I will for sure. It's a great round, and lots of reloading options.
However I can testify to the accuracy of the lil 204. It's a real performer, and probably the main competition for the 223's as being one of the most accurate rounds offered in a Handi IMO.
But as with both of these, factory ammo is a little expensive, and I would highly reccomend reloading.

-Aaron

[Bison Butt]

Thanks for all the great information.

Quickdtoo, the site were helpful,...thanks.

I have always been satisfied with the .223, but the mind wanders.

Thanks again,

BB

[poncaguy]

I have both a 204 and a 22-250, both are very accurate and pleasant to shoot. I wouldn't sell either, would get rid of my 223 first, though I like all the cheap ammo in 223.