204 Ruger - CZ 527 or TC Venture Predator?

srr5008

srr5008

New member
Long time lurker, first time poster here. I was hoping to pick the brains of some of the people on here concerning a couple different rifle options.

I have had my heart set on buying a gun chambered in 204 Ruger for quite some time. After stopping in my local gun shop and finding 2 different models in stock, I've decided it's time to take the plunge.

I can get my hands on a T/C Venture Predator that is brand new, or a lightly used CZ 527 American (in pristine condition) for the same price. I am aware of the backwards safety of the CZ, along with the need for higher scope rings to clear the bolt (unless you buy one of the new modified bolt handles). I have also read several accounts where people complained about bumping the safety into the "fire" position when chambering a round with the TC.

I'd be interested in shooting 32 & 40 grain bullets, and I do not handload. I was hoping to hear people comment on their experiences, and to see if anyone has noticed and plus or minuses to the difference in barrels twists (1:12 for the CZ and 1:10 for the TC).

Lastly, I hear people talking about these being primarily hunting rifles, due to their lighter weight barrels. Apparently the 204 round really heats up lighter barrels quick when shooting a lot. While I do not anticipate spending all day shooting, I would like to have the ability to target shoot a little and throw a box of rounds downrange. Can anyone comment on how much shooting it takes to heat up lighter barrels with this round?
 
My vote is the CZ. I have an american in 204 and it's my go to rifle if I'm going to be walking the Sandhills. I have a nikon prostaff 5 in 2.5-10 on mine in factory rings with an unmodded bolt and it clears just fine. It shoots the 40 gr bullets pretty well, with my groups being around .75 -.9. The 32 gr shoots better coming in at about .5, and both f those are factory hornady loads. The backwards safety is a non issue, you catch on to it quickly. The trigger is nice and crisp, the set trigger sits a little too far forward for comfort for me, but mans does it break like glass. I've never been around the TC predators much but had considered them until I got my CZ. Oh yeah and the 204 is a fun little lazer of a round. Good luck!
 
I vote for T/C Venture.
While not in your caliber, I had a CZ in 223 that was a tack driver, but didn't care for the two step set trigger.
It was an extra step in making an accurate shot that never became a habit for me.
You need to try the CZ trigger, over & over & see if it fits your style.
Had a chance at a 22-250 Venture for a really good price that basically replaced the CZ.
The Venture is also a tack driver, trigger not as good as the CZ soft set trigger, but worlds better than the non-set CZ trigger.
And as a bonus, T/C is already camo.
 
+1 for cz527. On the 3 I own, never had problem with bolt/scope. Yes the safety is backwards but you just need to think when using it. I like the set trigger but don't always see the need to use it as the regular trigger is fine. My 204 is a cz527 varmint model so it doesn't heat up as fast as an American would.
 
You don't need any special rings for a CZ. That's an old rumor about an extinct problem. Good luck with your new rifle, you'll love the CZ.

If you don't like the set trigger, order a Timney CZ 550 trigger. It's actually the same thing and will work great.
 
have cz's but not in 204. do have a venture in 204. it is a very very accurate rifle. never had a feed or ejection problem. trigger was good but I did a simple trigger spring change and now it is fantastic. can not imagine any other rifle straight out of the box that will shoot better than this venture.
 
Welcome aboard. The 204 brought me here too. I dont have one of these rifles but love the 204. I run a remmy 700vls. What rifle to buy is a good problem to have.
 
From what I've heard about the TC's in .204 that is the say I would go. But I have a .204 in a savage M12 and it is very accurate too.
 
My first choice would be in the Ruger 77 VT for a varmint rifle using the 32 grn. Sierra or the 39 grn. With Reloader 10X or TAC powder. Second choice would be an AR-15 with a stainless 24" barell. Same powder and bullets. I know this combination works. I'm still working on loads for the 204 and there may be better combinations for my particular rifle. We know heavy barrels heat up slower than light barrels but I am not a fast shooter. I have no opinion on the two rifles you named or experience with either. Both have a pretty good reputation. TKG
 
I have 2 TC Ventures 25-06 and 270, they will both shoot honest 1/2" groups with my reloads. My next one will be either 204,223 or 22-250. I love them.

Heard good things about CZ rifles to. They just cost a little more.
 
Have a T/C Venture .204 is a nice rifle , accurate and even though the barrel is light it doesn't heat up much as you may expect the fluting seems to do a good job. Actually may be needing to sell it, things came up that just can't really keep it right now, if you decide on a T/C and would like a slightly used one let me know!
 
I have a CZ American, dead on right from the box with Hornady 32gr, all my CZ rifles have pretty much been the same, never had a problem with mounts, some of my rifles came with mounts others didn't, the ones that didn't I used the Leupolds.
 
Thank you for all of the comments and advice. It really does sound like I can't go wrong with either option, and that it will all boil down to personal preferences. I will going back to the gun shop this weekend to handle each rifle again before parting with my $$.

Tentatively I am leaning towards the T/C. I am familiar with the brand, the 1:10 twist peaks my interest, and the CZ's backwards safety doesn't exactly excite me. Not to mention, T/C has a $75 rebate right now, making this rifle even more affordable.
 
Don't let the backwards safety get you. It bothered me a bit for awhile also, until someone here said to act like you are cocking your pistol when you see a coyote that's coming in. That did it for me. I just remember to "cock the gun" when I take the safety off.

I only had one time when the safety bothered me and that's when my decoy dog ran off a nice bobcat. I was trying to work the dog collar remote and take the safety off at the same time and tried to push it forward instead of "cocking" it.

I love my 527 Varmint. I shoot the 40 grain Hornadys and it has flat wrecked many a coyote.
 
I have to add my vote to get the 204 of your choice. I love the round and am embarrassed to say I had never heard of it 6 months ago! But, luckily I did find out about it and found a very nice bolt action chambered in 204. My biggest problem has been deciding which round is most accurate and they all, 32 hornet, 40 hornet, and several others all shoot well. Depending on MY shooting sometimes it's one and sometimes its the other, all sub MOA, that shoots best. I love the round. I really think it is a winner. Good Luck and have Fun!!
 
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