204 Ruger or another 223?

[JeffG]

Hey all, looking to buy another rifle, not sure of the brand yet, Savage or Remington.  Heavy barrel for critters and 'yotes.  I am looking for input...would you buy another 223 bolt gun(I have one and an AR) or a 204?  Why(either way)??  Thanks for the help!!  JeffG

[woodchukhntr]

I think that you have already answered your question by asking it.  You have a bolt .223, why bother getting another.  What will you use it for?  I have a .204 barrel for my COntender carbine and, although I haven't worked up any loads, the one I tried shoots very well.  I am trying to limit myself to Contender Carbine and Encore rifle barrels here on GBO instead of buying complete rifles.  It is cheaper this way, and I lose a lot less buying and selling barrels, not to mention not having to do FFL to FFL transfers.

[kansasj]

I have a Handi .204 with a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5 x 14 and it really puts the hurt on yotes.  I live in Kansas and have shot two this fall over 375 yds.
the Hornady 32gr v-max seems to be what it likes.  The .204 is a little lazer and you can watch the bullet hit when doing paper.

[mcwoodduck]

I have 4 223 rifles.
AR
Rem 700 SPS in a Kevlar stock with a 6-18X42 Weaver scope with 6"sun shade.
CZ-527 M1 American with a 3-8X38 scope
16.25" contender Carbine kit.  With a 2.5-7X32 scope.

Depending on what I am doing is what I grab.
Two weeks ago I was in AZ with the CZ-527 for Javilina.
Of the rifles I like the Remington 700 but if I could do it again I think I would have gone with the CZ 527 Varmint Kevlar. and added the same scope.  I like the ease of loading the detachable mags and have a few on hand from the 3 round to the 5's  the 3 fits flush.
But the 700 being a short action rifle I need to load the round and then slide it in the mag to line up so they feed.  Pain in the butt reloading when wearing gloves.  But once it is loaded I can take the tops off soda bottles at 200 yards with it from the bench.  It is almost no fun to shoot as you hit what ever you lay the cross hairs on out to 200 yards. (far as the range goes)
OH why you should get another 223.  While not the laser that the 204 is.  Ammo is availabe amlost every where, you can share the same ammo as your AR.  I sighted in my AR with 55 grain FMJ red box boat tails from Federal (American Eagle) but I also have adjustments for the 45 grain JHP Remington (UMC) bulk I use in the Remington and the Contender also have a 14" pistol barrel that use the same rounds and the 50 grain Remington HP I used for the Javilina to 0 them with the AR on a sheet of paper in the butt stock.  OH the 4X handle mounted scope is sighted in for the NO lead stuff for the last trip to the Tajone for Coyote and other varmints.

[Catfish]

I can tell you that the .204 with 32 gr. Sierra bullets is no go for coyote. For coyote your AR is an excellant choice. That is what I carry most of the time. When expecting long shots, 300 yrds. and out, I like the .22-6mm. The guy I hunt with also uses an AR for up close and personal, but he switches around for long shots. He may have a .22-250, a 7mm mag, or a 300 WSSM. I did pick up a .204 upper and may give it a try on coyotes as you just keep shooting as long as their moveing with the AR, and even less chance of a rickochet.

[JeffG]

OK, thanks guys!  The 204 is new to me, and it seems people really like it.  What would be the best all-round bullet weight?  Favorite factory round??  Thanks

[kansasj]

My .204 shoots 1/2 MOA @ 200yds with Hornady 32gr v-max.  I would probably stay away from the 40gr as some .204 shooters report keyholing with the 1-12 twist.

[JeffG]

Hornady 32gr v-max

Looks like this is the one to go with... Thanks!!

[dieselman]

I have a 204 Handi and it will drive tacs, the 32gr and 40gr v-max are the way to go, although if you reload Mid South has the bulk 34gr hps (500 bullet) boxes at a good price last I checked. With 223 bullets hard to get at times I have not had the problem with the .204, if you do reload the powders and primers can be used for both. I've taken crows at over 300yds with my 204, coons, and yotes no problems ever.