What's the difference in the bullet, size, peformance, etc??

[goose7856]

This is kind of an odd ?, but I am new to the small calibers, and need to start somewhere.......i was thinking about just buying a .22lr and "be done with it", but I really like what the small bore centerfire's offer!!

I just dont know the difference b/t them!! From my outlook, it seems like the .204 Ruger is the best gun b/c it uses a similar weight bullet, and has ALOT more fps, while still maintaining the energy......I have compared it to a .221 Fireball, .220 Swift, .204 Ruger, .222, .223, 22-250, and a .17 hmr........but i just cant decide on which one is the best.........like i said the .204 ruger looks to be the best, and I dont want a high weighted grain bullet, probably no more than a 50 grain AT MOST, and the .204 comes in a 32 and 40 grain......any opinions?? (the gun will be used for hunting only, probably long shots on rabbits, and anything else that scurry's out!!)

[oso45-70]

Goose,
I just got through setting up a 204 Ruger and i'm impressed with the little gun. The trigger was ( AWFULL ) but we got around that with a moyer trigger, a pain in the butt to put in. But to answer your question any of the small bore centerfire rifles are great from the 17Rem to the 22-250. It just depends on what you are going to do with it. If you was just going to shoot wabbits the 17 hummer might be your ticket, It depends on what you want to do. Good luck.......Joe...........

[goose7856]

well thats the thing i do not know about small bore guns.......what can they be used for?? I am thinking the main usage will be any coyote, or fox, and small pig, armadillos (just b/c they are everywhere and they are aggrivating :grin: ), raccoons, and some rabbits.......i dont think there is any thing else these can be used for?? (maybe a deer at very close range).......ive been comparing FPS and FPE and the 22-250 seems to be the best choice.......with the 204 ruger and the 220 Swift right behind....!!

I really want a long range gun........the only usage for me will be to bring when i go deer hunting, and have a very steady rest......one thing i am wooried about is.......HOW LOUD IS THE "BANG"?? I dont want it to be extremely loud, but i know what i can expect.........how does the ruger 204 sound??

Thanx for the help!! and keep it coming!!

(also, which manufactourer would you recommend?? I have really narrowed it down to CZ and Tikka, but if I dont have the Budget, probably a Rem. or Savage??.......any opinions??)

[7magWoodsman]

If you don't have a .22LR get one, preferably one that will also chamber .22 Shorts. I prefer the .22LR for woods hunting over ANY caliber for less than deer size game....I have killed more fox, raccoon, rabbit, groundhog, and tree rats with a .22 Rimfire than I have with any thing.

When it comes to small bore center fire I use a .222 Rem. but my personal favorite is the .17 Rem.

I have contemplated time after time of getting a .204 but have not done so, but I have a feeling I will.

The 22-250 is king of the common .22 center fires.

If I was you, and already had a good rimfire I would get a Remington 700 ADL in .223 Rem. just for the simple fact that you can get ammo ANY WHERE not to mention CHEAP.

what can they be used for??

A lot.
 

[warf73]

The 204, 223 and 22-250 are all great rounds. The others are great rounds so I've been told. (never owned the others)

As of right now I shot my 204 and love it. It will do everything you are asking it to do BUT I don't know about the small pigs and deer?

The 204 BANG is no more than my 12ga. shotgun.

The only hold back as of now, the 204 isn’t avalible in the stores only mail order.

The 22-250 and 223 can be bought at Wal-Mart Kmart and about any were ammo is sold.

My 204 is in the Ruger Target Grey® M77 Mark II Target supper accurate rifle.

Savage makes all three of the calibers above in some very nice rifles.

Don't know if any of this will help but that's my experiences with the above 3.

Warf

[Coyote Hunter]

goose --

One BIG difference between them is the cost of ammo!  I suggest that as part of your evaluation you take a serious look at ammo costs and how it will affect your ability to shoot as much as you want to.  I don't care for .22LR ammo for anything larger than squirrels and rabbits or head shots on game the size of coons, but you can shoot all day and not spend a lot of money.  They say everyone should have a .22, and I agree.

Smallbore centerfires offer a very significant step up in power, but at a cost.  Perhaps the most economical to shoot is a .223, simply because there is a world of inexpensive ammo available for it.  I shoot a .22-250, but if I didn't handload it would be a .223 instead.

If you plan to stay with rabbit-sized game, the new .17's by hornady have a lot to offer.

[Lawdog]

goose7856,

the only usage for me will be to bring when i go deer hunting, and have a very steady rest

(maybe a deer at very close range)

Is it you plan on using it for deer hunting?  I suggest you check the local game laws to see if any of the cartridges(.221 Fireball, .220 Swift, .204 Ruger, .222, .223, 22-250, and a .17 hmr) you posted are legal.  The .17 HMR is a rimfire and in most states against the law for use on big game.  As far as I am concerned none of the cartridges you listed make it as a big game cartridge.  Lawdog
 

[goose7856]

nvm.....ive decided that my next gun will be a .22lr........thanx for all the posts........and Lawdog, no I would have used my 30-06 for the deer :grin: