204 Ruger or what for Coyotes/Bobcats

F

firstshot

New member
I currently have a 7mm-08 that could be used as a dual purpose deer & coyote/bobcat rifle, but no doubt it would be extremely fur destructive. I'm not that concerned about coyote fur but wouldn't want to destroy the possibility of a good bobcat mount by blowing it into pieces. So....I've have been thinking seriously about picking up a dedicated rifle for these two preditors. I'm hunting NW Arkansas & SW Missouri where shots could be anywhere from up close & personal out to 300/350 Yds or so. None of the western varments (Pdog etc.) around here so we're primarilly talking about coyotes & bobcat.

I'm open to the 223, 22-250, 220 Swift and between these would probably be leaning a little closer to the 223; however, I've been reading a lot of good reports on the 204 Ruger. Most of these reports have related to accuracy, ballistics, etc. with not really that many reporting on actual "on-game" field performance (especially on coyotes/bobcats). I can easily see the 204 as an excellent performer on the smaller varments, but I'm just a little bit concerned about the 204's performance on the bigger critters like coyotes.

Does anyone have any firsthand experience with the 204 Ruger on Coyotes and/or bobcats? If so, could you please share load/ammo used, shot distances, shot placement and how they performed. How many drop dead vs get up and run off?

If NOT the 204, then which caliber do you see at the top of the list for the hunting situation I've described and why?

Edit: PS, I do reload.

Thanks

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!
 
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The .223 and .204 are both great rounds...you can't go wrong either way. I have both...I use the .223 when the possibility of a 150 yard or less shot (dictated by terrain/cover)is greater. I bring the .204 when I know I'll be shooting well in excess of 150 yards. The .204 shines where the .223 leaves off (about 300 yds), just like the .22-250 shines where the .204 leaves off (about 400 yds). Solution? OWN ALL 3!! IF you don't own .223, well, that's a great place to start...it is the workhorse of predator hunting rifles.
 
I like the .22-250 for its versatility and ammo availability. The .223 is a fine round as well and you cant go wrong with it either. From everything I hear about the .204 it is a great round with fantastic potential. At this stage of the game you would be a tad bit more limited on your availability for ammo than with the .22-250 or the .223. Also, for killing Coyotes, Fox and Bobcats, dont overlook the very fur friendly and effective .17 Remington. Dont confuse the .17 Remington with the .17 hmr because there is a world of difference between the two rounds. The .17 Remington is a deadly little pill and someday I would like to have one.
 
As far as coyotes go a 40 grain V-MAX SLAYS THEM OUT OF A .204. Some guys are slaying them with 32 grnrs. Depends on range, wind, size coyote and of course, shot placement.
 
well a 22-250 and a swift will both tear up bobcats pretty bad, they aren't too tough skinned. a .204 would probably be your best bet, flatter than a .223 and i think more fun.
 
if you are into Bobcats on a regular basis I'd get a 17HMR, the 204 might tear up a cat but will drop a coyote in its tracks for a long long ways, I like the 35 grain Hollow Point Bergers.
 
Shot two big Kansas coyotes this morning with a .204 CZ.

First one in the chest at 100, couple spins and went about 5 ft.

Second one trotting broadside and got hit in the lower jaw (saw me and wouldn't stop). Anchored him on the spot, but needed a mercy to give up the ghost.

Was using 32 V Max's. Will be rolling them with 35 Bergers from here on out.

I was impressed with the .204, but might do some damage to cats.

First yote had about a 4" size exit in the belly.

Bruce
 
I have used the 7mm-08 with 120gr prohunter with a reduced powder load shooting about 2400 fps. I have used this load several times in NW AR on bobcats with little damage. Accurate load and works well on both bobcats and coyotes.
 
If you go with the .204,definitely reload and use the 35 grain Bergers as howler mentioned.I would leave the vmax/blitzkings alone for coyotes and bobcats.
 
This is an exit hole from a 39gr Sierra BlitzKing /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
365869.jpg




Shot with a Tac 20. Closest thing to a 204 Ruger I own. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
I does seem official Sierra's are not fur freindly !! But they are accurate(at least in my gun) so for me they would be for vermin.
 
Thanks to all for your replies!!!!

ARdugger
Where are you in Arkansas? I'm in bentonville. I also have a 7mm-08 and have given some thought to just downloading and using a harder bullet. Is the 2400FPS with the 120 Sierra a chronographed velocity? The reason I ask is the Sierra manual shows 2,600 FPS as the minimum velocity for the 120's.
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Rattler / txagyotebuster
Right now I'm thinking it's probably going to come down to either the 223 or the 204. I'm not that concerned about trajectory as I will definitely be using a bullet drop compensating scope. Currently have a Burris Ballistic Plex on my 7mm-08 and love it.
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howler / 8xmidge / Utahcaller / aulrich
I've read a number of post where folks are starting to use the 35 grain Bergers for the 204. where coyotes are concerned. How do you think they would perform on Bobcats?
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Remington Shooter
Holly smoke, that's about the same amount of damage my 50 cal Endore did at about 25 Yds. Hate to see what it would do to a Bobcat!! How far away was the yote when you shot him? Looks like another example justifying a switch to 35 Burgers.
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Is anyone out there using an AR type rifle for preditors/varments? Even though I do reload, there are a gazillion cheep 223 factory loads for plinking/practice and seems like having a quick follow-up available could come in handy at times. Seems to me that most AR type rifles are a bit heavy though. I also saw where there was a 204 upper availabe; however, it was quite expensive.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!
 
I use a Bushmaster M4 A3 in 223. I shot two bobcats with a factory load of 55 grain soft point PMP (Purchaed from Natchez Shooter Supply in Tennessee). Would be a great Coyote load if fur is not of importance, but don't use it for bobcats if you want a decent mount. Too much damage. I've been trying to find a load for the Bushmaster that will anchor a bobcat (they can sometimes be difficult to put down) and not blow a hole big enough to drive my Silverado through. If anyone has suggestions, I'd be very glad to know what works for you.

Good hunting.

Bushmaster7.jpg
 
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Remington Shooter
Holly smoke, that's about the same amount of damage my 50 cal Endore did at about 25 Yds. Hate to see what it would do to a Bobcat!! How far away was the yote when you shot him? Looks like another example justifying a switch to 35 Burgers.
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25 - 30 yards. Went into the front of chest and exited the ribs. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
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6mm06
I use a Bushmaster M4 A3 in 223. Would be a great Coyote load if fur is not of importance, but don't use it for bobcats if you want a decent mount. Too much damage. I've been trying to find a load for the Bushmaster that will anchor a bobcat (they can sometimes be difficult to put down) and not blow a hole big enough to drive my Silverado through. If anyone has suggestions, I'd be very glad to know what works for you.



6mm06
I'm seriously considering getting an AR type rifle as a dedicated coyote/bobcat rifle but am a little concerned about the weight. How much does your A3 rig weigh, including scope and fully loaded?

Exactly which Bushmaster model do you have? Did it come with flat top or did you have to convert? What is the barrel length (looks like 20 or 24")? Does that front sight interfere with your view through the scope? Just looks like it would.

There are several manufacturers that are now offering 204 Ruger chambering as either complete rifles or full uppers. Tromix, AR15 Barrels.com, White Oak Armament, to name a few.

Here is a pic of the Tromix Tackhammer in 204Ruger:
Tromix204Tackhammer.jpg


I'm thinking an AR flattop model in 204 Ruger would be a great coyote/bobcat rig as long as it wasn't too heavy.

firstshot
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Make your fist shot count!
 
Firstshot,

I don't have any firsthand experience with the 35 Bergers yet, but did load some up last night. Hopefully I'll be able to get you a performance update shortly!

That AR in .204 looks sweet, but I bet that bady is heavy if you cover alot of ground while calling.

Bruce
 
I would vote the .223 best round I have found. i am getting pretty fond of the .204, but the 223 is cheap to shoot, accurate and can kill out to 400+ yards. I have been shooting 55 grain soft points out of mine for 2 years now over 30 yoes dead 2 bob cats and a lion all killed with this round. So far largest exit hole was about the size of a quarter.

You will not be sorry with either one. If you are packing the gun a lot and hiking like I do you will like a lighter gun. Mine is the Rugger Mark II Synthetic Stock. There are time like this past weekend where I hiked several miles for bob cats, Man am I glad i had a light rifle.
 
FirstShot, I really don't know the weight of my gun, but it's not very heavy compared to the varmint barreled models. Mine is a 16", thin barrel model XM15-E2S. It shoots decent groups at 100 yards with a variety of bullets from 40 grains to 65 grains (usually 1"-1 1/2") and half that at 50 yards. Where I hunt, the terrain is mountainous and generally thick and brushy. 50 yard shots and under are the norm. I do have opportunities for longer shots but normally I don't, so the 16" works fine for me.

I personally think if you are looking for an AR for longer range, you will probably want to go with a varmint model and longer barrel - at least 20". Like elks said, if you plan on packing the rifle very far, it might get a bit heavy. It just depends on the type of hunting you plan to do. You could get a fluted barrel which will cut down some on weight (mabye 1/2 #) but not very much.

For me, at least, I carried a Remington Sendero 7mmSTW in Wyoming for mule deer. It was heavy but it didn't bother me that much. If I had to climb mountains however, it might be a different story.

My AR came with a detachable handle. It is a flat top and I mounted the scope with Warne rings that are ultra high, specifically designed for the AR. The front sight does not get in the way at all - I have never noticed it even on 2.8X. I like the Warne rings. They quickly detach and return to zero.

The picture of the AR you posted looks nice, but probably a little heavy. If you aren't walking very far and have a good rest, I imagine you would enjoy the accuracy of it.

I too have noticed the 204 uppers available. I like the idea of having another upper myself to get better accuracy, but I haven't decided just yet on which one.

Does anyone have experience with the 6mmX45 cartridge? I think that is basically a 223 necked up to 6mm if I am right. I kind-of like the idea of that one but don't know much about it. I especially like the 6mm cartridge. Any advice will be appreciated.

Good shooting / hunting to all.
 
8xmidge

I'm looking forward to hearing your results with the 35 Burgers.


8xmidge/elks/6mm06
The AR 204 Ruger pictured is the 24" barrel version and will probably weigh in like some of the bolt varmint rifles. I don't know that weight will be that much of an issue as where I hunt, in NW AR / SW MO, most farms are in the 200-300 acre range so there wouldn't be near as much walking involved as compared say to somewhere out west. Around here you might get a couple of set ups in (maybe three) and then have to drive to a different farm.


elks
The 223 is definitely in the running. It's a proven round, tons of very resonably priced loaded ammo, a gazilion different bullets available for reloading and it looks like reloading components are very inexpensive.


6mm06

Another question about the AR's. I noticed in your first post that you are using factory loads. Just wondering if you know if the AR's have to be "downloaded" (compared to a bolt) to compensate for port pressure limitations? For example, the Sierra 5th edition has two sections for the 223 Remington. The one for ARs shows loads about 200 FPS lower than the section for Bolt rifles.

I don't know that 200 FPS would make that much difference in the field, but it's something that I might want to take into consideration.

Thanks

firstshot
-------------------------------
Make your first shot count!
 


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