Author Topic: .204 or .223 for new Varmint Barrel for Contender??? (Read 877 times)

Lawful Larry · « **on:** June 16, 2005, 05:44:08 AM »

I have been thinking of getting a new barrel for varmint shooting. I have heard a lot of the .204 round. I have experience with the .223 and enjoy shooting my different guns in that caliber.

Has anyone had any experiences with this new caliber? Or suggestions?

Catfish · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2005, 06:00:38 AM »

I like the .204 in rifles, it it would be my choice for long barrels. For short barrels I like the .222 Rem., but the .223 is just alittle more. The reasons for my choices, 1. The .204 will shoot flatter and farther in a rifle. 2. In a short barrel the .204 has more muzzle blast and the .22`s will shoot about as far as you can get off an accurate shot. 3. .222 or .223 handgun barrels are plentyful and you can pick up a good used one pretty reasonable at a gunshow., and I`ve never seen a .222 or a .223 barrel that was shot-out.

Special Ed · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2005, 06:19:34 AM »

I agree with Catfish on this one.
I recently sighted-in a 204 Encore rifle for a friend. Extremely accurate but the muzzle blast really suprised me. I don't think I would want it in a 14" barrel.
I'll stick to my .223.

dammyankee · « **Reply #3 on:** June 16, 2005, 06:49:02 AM »

:grin: Stick with the 223 it will serve you better in the shorter barrel.

Bullseye · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2005, 07:39:42 AM »

I was going to buy one a while back when Midway had them so cheap. I did some research and found a test on Bullberrys website where Fred started with a 23" barrel and cut an inch off of it at a time. When he got to 16" he had trouble getting a chronograph reading and below 16" he gave up because of the muzzle blast. i think he also made mention of things hanging on the wall moving from the muzzle blast. Decided that the 204 in a short barrel was not for me.

I have a 223 that is very accurate and will kill anything I want to at a distance I want to shoot at. I will just stick with it.

Lawful Larry · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2005, 05:31:57 AM »

Thanks for this valuable info. I had not heard of the serious muzzle blast of the 204 on short barrels. I will go with the .223 and enjoy myself. :wink:

timothy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2005, 09:11:58 AM »

Good choice the barrel will last longer and you can find good ammo anywhere. Let me recomend Winchester USA2232 it performs wonderfully on rabitts is cheap and can be found in any walmart.

MnMike · « **Reply #7 on:** July 10, 2005, 05:26:40 PM »

For factory ammo, timothy is right. It shoots good in my contender (3/4" @ 100 yds) and is cheap. It is the best factory ammo I have tried. When I am in the mood for good groups, I do handload and have got the size down to 3/8 " @ 100 yds - on a good day.

mike