.204

[niles]

I'm thinking of getting a 204 for shooting coyotes and other varmints. I have a 243 for that now. What you guys think, a good choice or do you like something else? Im hoping it will shoot flatter out to 500 yds or so

 

[Snow Duck]

I shoot a Remington ar15 in the 223 and have not had a problem shooting 300 plus with a good brass instead of fmj rounds...204 are a bit more expensive but shoot flat also..chime in boys and give more info but thats my .02

 

[niles]

I've been researching this and if i shoot the smallest grain 243 it should be real close to the 204. I posted here before researching online, that's how much confidence i have in the knowledge of the snowestians.
Still need to know what you all think.

 

[RMK7SledHead]

I haven't looked at the specific ballistics of the .204, but if you want a fast, flat varmint round, buy/build a .22-250. The .204 is going to be pushing it's limits at 500 yds on a coyote, and is going to have a hard time bucking the wind at 500 for pdogs/squirrels/etc. 500 is still going to be pushing it for coyotes w/ the .22-250, but it's more doable...calm day 500 is easy with a .22-250 on pdogs, etc.

Do you hand load? If so, that changes a lot of variables, but it also leads to a lot more choices with custom chambers that are very well suited for what you want. Honestly, at 500 yds on a coyote, I think the .243 is a good choice...if loaded correctly.

 

[coyoteman]

I'm thinking of getting a 204 for shooting coyotes and other varmints. I have a 243 for that now. What you guys think, a good choice or do you like something else? Im hoping it will shoot flatter out to 500 yds or so

I bought one last fall and it is absolutely my favorite coyote round I have shot. The round has almost no recoil, it's quiet, it's very flat and almost never blows a big hole. My savage claimed the life of around 50 dogs last winter from 10 yards and several wide open running kills at or over 500 yards.

What I have found in my "testing" is when I first started using it I had the tendancy to shoot over the coyote. The round does not have the punch as the 22-250 and at longer ranges a second shot is sometimes needed to finish off the dog. I haven't had a hit dog run away though. Remember it is a FAST round and at closer ranges no lead is needed or you will shoot in front of the coyote. I believe my lead on the longer shots is about tip of the nose about ear height, almost all of my shots are at running dogs.

All in all I say buy one, I love that round.

 

[sledneck434]

i shoot them with a 300winmag

 

[niles]

i shoot them with a 300winmag

Now thats taking care of them. lol
The problem with that for me in my area is the population of people.
That thing can shoot 4 times farther than i can see.

 

[niles]

I may have pushed it wanting to shoot 500 yds.
From what ive been seeing almost all rounds fall flat on there face at 500.
Would be realy cool to hit a few out that far however.

 

[niles]

No i dont hand load. I just got into highpower rifles a few years ago.

 

[coyoteman]

I may have pushed it wanting to shoot 500 yds.
From what ive been seeing almost all rounds fall flat on there face at 500.
Would be realy cool to hit a few out that far however.

Don't go by the charts, I'd post pics of some of the vermin that thought 500 yards was far enough, but the last time I showed a pickup box full of dead dogs the flamers came out.

 

[coyoteman]

i shoot them with a 300winmag

I have too, but the fur buyers get pizzy.

 

[slash]

I use a slightly moded 22-250 not much just a little cases squaired up a little,flash hole opend up, bore polished pushes 55gr to 4100fps at 100 bangs them real hard at 500yds

 

[X2Freeride]

Depending on the grain of the shells many .204s can shoot close to 500 yards... I've owned 3 differnt ones and far and away the best ones is the one I have now which is a Ruger with a heavy fluted bull barrel and the bi podpn the stock. The thing is dead nuts on and flat as glass at 440 yards. After that it looses velocity and things such as wind come into play. Remember its a small jacketed round just don't exect too much from it sshooting over 450 yards at it will easily become your favorite gun. I think its 3x as fun to shoot as a 223 and a 22-250 and I've own both. Get a good one with a heavy fluted barrel and a good bi pod and you can shoot yotties all day. Just be sure to break the barrel in properly.

 

[Skogen]

The .204 imo is a great round for coyotes. Does not leave a big hole for those who skin them.

Although I shoot a mark 5 weatherby in a .257 that has a fluted barrel that I enjoy alot. Have small grain hollow point I shoot out of it for smaller game. Literally turns coyotes inside out.

Lately I have developed a bad habit... I have been shooting everything with my .340... Thank god I reload....

 

[Team Wild]

I don't shoot yotes but I love to print targets. I have a .17 now that is fun to shoot but I want to step up to something bigger for targets. I was thinking .223 but this .204 seems like a fun caliber. I dont reload so are shells expensive compared to the .223. For hunting and such I use a .308 but that isn't alot of fun after 50 rounds.

 

[coyoteman]

I don't shoot yotes but I love to print targets. I have a .17 now that is fun to shoot but I want to step up to something bigger for targets. I was thinking .223 but this .204 seems like a fun caliber. I dont reload so are shells expensive compared to the .223. For hunting and such I use a .308 but that isn't alot of fun after 50 rounds.

The last cases of hornady ammo I bought I picked up for $150 a case I believe. It's a hell of a target round.

 

[niles]

I don't shoot yotes but I love to print targets. I have a .17 now that is fun to shoot but I want to step up to something bigger for targets. I was thinking .223 but this .204 seems like a fun caliber. I dont reload so are shells expensive compared to the .223. For hunting and such I use a .308 but that isn't alot of fun after 50 rounds.

We wacked a few coyotes with .17's last year.
Extremely acurate, but they dont have any punch,
We would get a definate hit but they just keep going.
That doesnt mean its not the first gun in the truck though.

 

[snotoy]

check out the howa axiom 223 cant go wrong their i might even sell mine maybe trade but they shoot great.

 

[sledneck434]

I have too, but the fur buyers get pizzy.

ya no ****, by the time i bring them in there is nothing left lol

 

[Nate]

22-243's work good because with most ballistic reticles you can stay away from alot of doping on the scope. 6x47mm lapuas are great as well because they hold reasonable BC with good case pressure and life