Author Topic: Handi 204 & 223  (Read 902 times)

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Offline Willie496

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Handi 204 & 223
« on: January 27, 2008, 07:14:32 AM »
I have been pondering purchasing a handi in the 204 caliber. The handi will be my primary stalk and shoot sniper for coyotes and fox. Can you give me any insight on accuracy with the handi?
I would think a 2-7 X 33 scope will fit the package very well any thoughts would be great.
I just sit and watch key areas and take a shots @125 to 200 yards. 

Thanks, Willie

Offline darat100

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2008, 07:26:24 AM »
My 204 is extremely accurate.  I love it.  Shoot it WAY more than any of the others.  Some will tell you it is too small for coyotes.  I disagree, but to each his own.  At the ranges you are talking about, there is plenty of energy to lay the doggies down humanely.  If you don't handload, it can get quite expensive to shoot though.  Good luck.

Offline McLernon

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2008, 07:29:14 AM »
My personal choice is the 204 ;)

Mc ;D

Offline McLernon

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2008, 07:32:34 AM »
Hi darat:

I have read the same on this forum before but I think those folks don't realize that the 204 is a necked -down 222 Magnum---------lots of power!!

Mc

Offline ken2222

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #4 on: January 27, 2008, 07:44:13 AM »
I had a pair of .204 's and sold them in favor of 25-06 but for a different purpose. I wish I had 'em back. It's just a cool caliber to shoot. 200 yrds and in should be ok on Coyote. The fun factor of watching your target blow-up in your glass is worth the cost ! You should get one!  ;D  Mine were both clover liefers but I'm sure with a little more bore polishing they could have been one holers.

Ken

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #5 on: January 27, 2008, 07:51:07 AM »
The 204 is a necked down 222 Rem Mag as Mc stated, but the shoulder is also pushed forward, the 204 has a case capacity of 32gr water, the 222 mag holds 31grs water. The PM link below is a current discussion on the 204 Ruger for coyotes. ;)

Tim

http://ammoguide.com/cgi-bin/aicompare.cgi?sn=VWeVEtIeWS&loadset=15&xxglbl=1

http://ammoguide.com/?catid=270

http://ammoguide.com/?catid=133

http://www.predatormastersforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=5&Number=52704803&page=0&fpart=all
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Offline McLernon

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #6 on: January 27, 2008, 08:07:28 AM »
Great post Tim. I guess I'll just have to try the 40 gr Vmax's for myself.

Mc

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #7 on: January 27, 2008, 08:32:14 AM »
The 40gr Berger seems to work very good for coyotes from what I've read, bullet selection seems to be very critical for the 204 on em as far as extended range terminal performance.  ;)

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Fred M

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2008, 09:20:17 AM »
How about a 6mm 50gr BT at 3550 ??? from the same 222Rem Mag case.
Now you are cooking the coyotes.
Fred M.
From Alberta Canada.

Offline dw06

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #9 on: January 27, 2008, 09:35:41 AM »
1st time I'd seen the ammoguide.com good site! Thanks Tim
If you find yourself in a hole,the first thing to do is stop digging-Will Rogers

Offline McLernon

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #10 on: January 27, 2008, 09:46:46 AM »
I have no source for Berger bullets. Fred, do know where I can get some in Canada?

Mc

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #11 on: January 27, 2008, 10:04:27 AM »
There are 10 stocking dealers listed in Canada on the Berger website.  ;)

Tim

http://bergerbullets.com/

RPS International 90 Woodside Spruce Gr., Alberta Canada T7X3E6 780-962-3395   
A and R Gunsmithing 250 Rue Principale Nijadoo N.B. Canada E8K353 506-783-3909   
Corlane Sporting Goods, Ltd 1140 102nd Avenue Dawnson Creek, British Columbia Canada VIG2C1 250-782-2111   
Grandlund Firearms Box 946 Campbell River BC Canada V9W6Y4 250-286-1998   
Jo Brook Firearms 909 24th Street Brandon, MBN Canada R7B1Y5 204-727-3552   
Paul Reibin Range Sport 854 Pleasant Street Kamloops, BC Canada V2C 385 250-372-7030   
Vernon’s Outdoor Store 2709A – 43rd Avenue Vernon, British Columbia Canada V1T 3L2 250-558-1523   
William’s. Arms P.O. Box 718 Port Perry, Ontario Canada L9L-1H6 905-985-8884   
Prairie Sporting Goods PO Box 245 Avonlea, Saskatchewan Canada  306-868-2037   
Omineca 2445 Burrard Ave Vanderhoof, BC Canada  250-567-2464
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Offline Fred M

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #12 on: January 27, 2008, 11:17:51 AM »
MC
RPS International (Joe Ponto) in Spruce Grove used to bring some in but
mostly for BR shooters in 6mm. Very few BR shooters use the Berger's
anymore since Walt Berger sold the business. I always use Fowlers for BR shooting, alas Jef Fowler is no more he died last year, but I still have a good supply in both 6mm and 25.

For varmint hunting the BT's and the Hornady V-max are the ones I use.
The Bergers are more money, don't know if they are any better?
There is not a wkole lot of choice in 204 and the 1-12" twist will barely
stabilize the 40 gr bullets. They seem to shoot in some guns and not in others.
Fred M.
From Alberta Canada.

Offline Willie496

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #13 on: January 27, 2008, 12:24:45 PM »
How about a 6mm 50gr BT at 3550 ??? from the same 222Rem Mag case.
Now you are cooking the coyotes.

I am real new to the rifle lingo and all the calibers. Will the 6mm recoil like the .243?
I would like to see the action in my scope. LOL
Thanks,Willie.

Offline McLernon

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #14 on: January 27, 2008, 01:02:52 PM »
I'll have to get in touch with the guy in Port Perry'

Thks

Mc

Offline poncaguy

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #15 on: January 27, 2008, 01:13:22 PM »
I have the fluted Varmit 204, real accurate, 1/2"--3/4" groups.............

Offline Willie496

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #16 on: January 27, 2008, 01:27:30 PM »
I have the fluted Varmit 204, real accurate, 1/2"--3/4" groups.............

My son has the .243 Ultra Varmint with the fluted. What scope are you using on the 204?

Offline poncaguy

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #17 on: January 27, 2008, 01:51:39 PM »
Simmons Whitetail Classic ..........6.5x20x50.............around $100 most of the time..............very clear....excellent scope for the money.

Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Handi 204 & 223
« Reply #18 on: January 27, 2008, 02:18:05 PM »
I have a Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50 on one of my .223's, and excellent scope for the money. I heard they are discontinued and the ones for sale now are from the old company, the good ones....<><....:)
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