Author Topic: Utra Varmint .204 Who owns one? (Read 2393 times)

Night Stalker · « **on:** December 28, 2007, 04:35:18 AM »

H&R Ultra Varmint .204

Anyone have or tested one of these rifles, can't find any reviews...

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #1 on:** December 28, 2007, 06:15:34 AM »

You ain't read enough then there are many reviews on here...but I'll post mine the .204 is a very accurate and deadly cal for the NEF I've got one in the fluted version and used it on every thing from crows to coyotes my only complaint is the Prairie dogs don't quite explode as well at 350 yard as they do with the 223 but there is next to no muzzle jump so you can keep them in the scope after the shot and see them go pop still rather use the 223 for the yotes though as the 32gr bullet I use in mine is a little iffy on them but the crow feathers really fly I love mine. Kurt

Night Stalker · « **Reply #2 on:** December 28, 2007, 12:08:22 PM »

Quote from: PHATINJUN on December 28, 2007, 06:15:34 AM

You ain't read enough then there are many reviews on here...but I'll post mine the .204 is a very accurate and deadly cal for the NEF I've got one in the fluted version and used it on every thing from crows to coyotes my only complaint is the Prairie dogs don't quite explode as well at 350 yard as they do with the 223 but there is next to no muzzle jump so you can keep them in the scope after the shot and see them go pop still rather use the 223 for the yotes though as the 32gr bullet I use in mine is a little iffy on them but the crow feathers really fly I love mine. Kurt

Thanks Kurt, I was thinking of using mine as well for fox and yotes, so you would fell more comfortable shooting preds if the bullets were heavier like the 45 Hornady or the 50gr Bergers?
I am shooting mostly at night not much more than 100yds or day light 200 max..

Night Stalker · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2007, 04:22:45 PM »

Alpha68 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2007, 05:25:20 AM »

I have since used lower rings since I took this picture. Love mine, just purchased all parts needed to reload with my Dillon 650. Real tack driver with 32 gr. I can't wait to try the new Barnes 26 GR coming out in '08.

Night Stalker · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2007, 03:18:36 PM »

Quote from: Alpha68 on December 30, 2007, 05:25:20 AM

I have since used lower rings since I took this picture. Love mine, just purchased all parts needed to reload with my Dillon 650. Real tack driver with 32 gr. I can't wait to try the new Barnes 26 GR coming out in '08.

Nice looking rig...
Should i buy one i would load heavier 50 gr to try out on the dogs..

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** December 30, 2007, 03:32:56 PM »

I believe the heaviest bullet made for the .204 is .45gr.

I have the 22" barrel in a limited edition H&R stock, it shoots the 40gr Vmax with a near max load of BC-C2 very well, but I've only killed paper with it.

Tim

http://204ruger.com/

billy_56081 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2007, 03:55:47 PM »

Although they are not using handi's I have 2 friends that use 40 grain Vmaxes on Coyote out of their 204s. Thay have found them very deadly. Many people have told them their 204s are too small for coyote but the coyotes they've shot didn't know that. Only problem the one has had was he tried to drag out a wounded one without finishing it off. He got bit and had to get rabies shots till the results came back. Stupid yes, but we've all had alot of fun with it.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2007, 04:13:01 PM »

Here's s great thread at PM on the 204 for coyotes.

Tim

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

Night Stalker · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2007, 07:04:44 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on December 30, 2007, 03:32:56 PM

I believe the heaviest bullet made for the .204 is .45gr. I have the 22" barrel in a limited edition H&R stock, it shoots the 40gr Vmax with a near max load of BC-C2 very well, but I've only killed paper with it.

Tim

http://204ruger.com/

Berger Bullets make a Varmint BT 50gn match hollow point p/n 204050T

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** December 30, 2007, 07:25:07 PM »

That doesn't help us much, it requires a 1:9" twist according to Berger, the Ultra is 1:12".

Tim

http://bergerbullets.com/PRODUCTS_varmint.htm

Night Stalker · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2007, 01:05:43 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on December 30, 2007, 07:25:07 PM

That doesn't help us much, it requires a 1:9" twist according to Berger, the Ultra is 1:12".

Tim

http://bergerbullets.com/PRODUCTS_varmint.htm

Thanks Tim for pointing that out...i could not find any info on the Twist of the rifle i had listed, i guess it is the same as the model you have...

saltydog · « **Reply #12 on:** December 31, 2007, 02:33:36 AM »

Quote from: Night Stalker on December 31, 2007, 01:05:43 AM

Quote from: quickdtoo on December 30, 2007, 07:25:07 PM
That doesn't help us much, it requires a 1:9" twist according to Berger, the Ultra is 1:12".

Tim

http://bergerbullets.com/PRODUCTS_varmint.htm

Thanks Tim for pointing that out...i could not find any info on the Twist of the rifle i had listed, i guess it is the same as the model you have...

Night Stalker - the 204 you are looking at is a fine rifle for small game hunitng and paper punching. The information you are seeking on twist rates is listed on the H&R website - http://www.hr1871.com/Support/faq.aspx. The 204 has been discussed in numerous magazine articles, websites and on this forum extensively in the past year. With regard to the effectiveness of the 204 on Coyote size game - most users agreeing the 204 can work but it is marginal and certainly pushing the ethical issue. Just thinking about the lack of energy of the 204 caliber at longer ranges gives one pause for thought. billybob - The comment about moving wounded game without humanely finishing it raised my concern level - it is not only a stupid - it is most likely illegal in your state. It certainly is not funny.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2007, 07:50:31 AM »

Coyote in MN not a game animal, my name is Billy Ray not Billy Bob. And we all had a great many laughs out of it. But you are right was definitly stupid.

Night Stalker · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2007, 04:17:58 PM »

Quote from: saltydog on December 31, 2007, 02:33:36 AM

Quote from: Night Stalker on December 31, 2007, 01:05:43 AM
Quote from: quickdtoo on December 30, 2007, 07:25:07 PM
That doesn't help us much, it requires a 1:9" twist according to Berger, the Ultra is 1:12".

Tim

http://bergerbullets.com/PRODUCTS_varmint.htm

Thanks Tim for pointing that out...i could not find any info on the Twist of the rifle i had listed, i guess it is the same as the model you have...

Night Stalker - the 204 you are looking at is a fine rifle for small game hunitng and paper punching. The information you are seeking on twist rates is listed on the H&R website - http://www.hr1871.com/Support/faq.aspx. The 204 has been discussed in numerous magazine articles, websites and on this forum extensively in the past year. With regard to the effectiveness of the 204 on Coyote size game - most users agreeing the 204 can work but it is marginal and certainly pushing the ethical issue. Just thinking about the lack of energy of the 204 caliber at longer ranges gives one pause for thought. billybob - The comment about moving wounded game without humanely finishing it raised my concern level - it is not only a stupid - it is most likely illegal in your state. It certainly is not funny.

Thanks for the input! I really like the looks of this rifle for night hunting, what i think i will do....Use this for Fox and then change to my Win 88 243 for Yotes.

poncaguy · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2007, 04:35:38 PM »

I have one, shoots less than an inch..........a real fun gun!

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #16 on:** January 01, 2008, 04:37:22 PM »

I killed a bunch of Groundhogs this past summer with the Hornady 32 grain VMax factory ammo. Yes I was shooting The H&R 204 Varmint. Dale

Devy55 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 02, 2008, 04:23:32 PM »

I've got a .204 ultra varmint. Nice round and nice rifle. I don't reload so I rely on factory rounds. Been very impressed with the performance though.

I think there is more potential in the rifle than it's giving me, so I'm toying with making adjustments to the forearm to see if that helps.

Good gun. Wouldin't trade it for the world.

But then again..........................?

JustShootin · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2008, 03:42:49 AM »

Billy
What part of southern MN are you located? I am from SE MN in the Wabasha area.
Thanks
Grant

billy_56081 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 04, 2008, 12:39:31 PM »

South Central, St. James

Nightstalker6117 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 05, 2008, 04:57:06 AM »

Dont know anything about the 204 but had to chime in and say nice name LOL.......

Night Stalker · « **Reply #21 on:** January 15, 2008, 03:53:52 PM »

Quote from: Devy55 on January 02, 2008, 04:23:32 PM

I've got a .204 ultra varmint. Nice round and nice rifle. I don't reload so I rely on factory rounds. Been very impressed with the performance though.

I think there is more potential in the rifle than it's giving me, so I'm toying with making adjustments to the forearm to see if that helps.

Good gun. Wouldin't trade it for the world.

But then again..........................?

Got the .204 last week, Gathered up brass,bullets and powder waiting on the dies, should be in this week. then off to my bench.

Mean while i mounted a NF scope and Light Force flood, now i am locating the light switch in the grip.

Can hardly wait till the shoot and the hunt for the real test...

astrix · « **Reply #22 on:** January 17, 2008, 02:41:01 AM »

I shoot 30 gr. Bergers out of mine over benchmark and the coyotes
go right down with a small entrance and no exit.Seven now with exact
same results,no hide damage and insides turned to jelly.Not at all marginal
and certainly nothing unethical about it.
gary

Fred M · « **Reply #23 on:** January 17, 2008, 08:29:09 AM »

From its inception I never got very exited about the 204. I kept comparing it with the 22-250. I had one when it was called the 22 Varminter in the later 1950tees. I decided on a 223 Handi, but it was a poor shooter, a swap barrel was no better perhaps worse to called a varmint rifle.

So I rebored the 223 to 6mm and made it into an all time tested one hole
shooter the 6x47. With a 1-12" twist it handles bullets for deer.

But with 50gr BT it is deadly on coyotes out as far as I can hit them about 350yrds. MV is 3500 ft. not pushing it in a Handi rifle.

With all what I read about the 204 I think the 22-250 is a better choice, and my 6x47 is close behind it. The 6x47 uses the same parent case as the 204
but uses a substantially heavier bullet. Of course it is a wildcat, so what, its accuracy of less than 1/2moa qualifies it for a genuine varminter.