Comparison between 22-250, 204, and 223.

[upnorthbacon]

I recently purchased a 270 handi and absolutely love it.  I'm now looking for a coyote only gun.  I'm going to buy a synthetic and most likely put a 6-18x scope.  My question is this; I like the fact that .223's seem to be a little quieter and less muzzle blast than a 22-250.  But I like the idea of the flatter shooting 22-250.  Where does the 204 fit in the mix with regards to muzzle blast and recoil?  Most shots will be within 200 yards however I sometimes have shots around 300.  I realize the .223 is more than capable but I'd like to do with less holdover.

[poncaguy]

I wish I could help...........I own all three!. 223 most economical, 22-250, the all time great, and the 204 is just plain fun.204 and 22-250 have the longest range.You can't go wrong between those 2. A Great scope for $99.95 at Midway is the Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5X20. And the Fluted Varmits are super rifles and very accurate.

[aulrich]

I am with poncaguy all three are good options. So you will have to split hairs for me I own a 204 when I bought it I only had a choise of 223 or 204 the single biggest reason was that the 204 came with a mechanical extractor not a spring ejector (I had a 243 that stuck cases alot) soon all will be extractors but for now only the 204 and 22-250.  Secondary reasons were performance and fur friendlyness.

Performance has been fabulous and I have 35 grain bergers waiting to test fur friendlyness (I used the previouly mention 243 last winter definetly not fur friendly). I love handi's for calling predators, and as a truck gun nothing gets the first shot off faster.

For me ammo and components have been a problem to get, but that has more to do with being Canadian than actual supply chain. South of the border supply does not seem to be much of a problem any more.

[quickdtoo]

From what I've read on other forums, the .204 Ruger is real fur friendly, too, if you're into selling hides. Remington has a nice 3 caliber ballistics comparitor to do a side by side comparo of the 3 rounds, the 204 will out do the .22-250 at long range due to the high BC of the .204" bullets. The closest comparison is the 40gr 204" and the 45gr .22-250, but even comparing the 40gr .204" to the 50gr .22-250", the balllistic advantage still goes to the .204 as it shoots flatter and the energy difference is moot!!

http://www.remington.com/ammo/ballistics/ballistics.htm

[upnorthbacon]

Well after hearing the replies and tinkering with the ballistics calculator I think I'm going to try the .204.  Thanks for all the info.

[mitchell]

Well after hearing the replies and tinkering with the ballistics calculator I think I'm going to try the .204.  Thanks for all the info.

i see the gods are with you good choice