The Spirit of the .204

Originally Posted By: 2muchgunThe 204 shoots just as flat as the 22-250 out to 1000yds. But, it is much more susceptible to wind drift and carries a lot less energy. It just doesn't hit as hard. It can't.


All the comparison data I have seen shows less wind drift for a 204 over a 22 cal bullet.. But this thread is really about the 204 isn't it??
 
Ok 2muchgun, I will say it ONE more time, this post was initially started to compare the .204 to the .223. BUT you keep bringing up the 22-250. So, fine I looked up the numbers and here they are, and SURPRISE, the .204 outperforms the 22.250 in 'almost' every category. Keep in mind, it would take 20 pages to compare every bullet/powder combo, so I stuck with the MANUFACTURERS specs. Double check the numbers if you doubt. I chose the 40gr bullet for the 22-250 because I believe it is the flattest shooting 22-250 round, and is closest to the 32gr sierra in .204. Trying to compare apples to apples, although I have a feeling that you are going to say that I picked the wrong bullet and this info won't be good enough. Regardless, here it is, straight from the manufacturers info.

.204 at the muzzle: 4225 FPS
.22-250 at muzzle: 4150 FPS

.204 @ 400 yards: 2272 FPS
22-250 @ 400: 2148 FPS

200 yard zero:
.204 @ 300 yards: -4.1 inches
.22-250 @ 300: -4.5 inches

.204 @ 500 yards: -29 inches
.22-250 @ 500: -31.7 inches

The 22-250 40 grain bullet will probably kill better on a 400 yard coyote compared to a .32 gr .204 (410 Ft/Lbs vs 367 Ft/Lbs), so I give the long range killing power edge to the 22-250.

So what's the final outcome here?

204 shoots flatter than the 22-250
--.204 shoots faster than a 22-250
--.204 has less drop at 100, 200, 300, 400 yards than a 22-250
--.204 has less muzzle flip than a 22-250
--.204 bucks the wind better than the 22-250.
--.204 burns less powder than the 22-250, and results in longer barrel life

I know you will still choose the 22-250 and I don't blame you, you like them so stick with em. Personally, now that I have a .204 I have no need for a 22-250 or a .223 anymore.

Would rather be talking about this stuff over a beer but this works I guess.
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Smile 2muchgun this is supposed to be fun!
 
The .224's have a better selection of bullets to choose from. The 223 and the 204 both work for my needs. I like the 204 being more fur friendly.

However, I only use the 35gr Bergers for coyotes out of my 204. IMO, it is the best bullet for that cartridge for coyotes. I rarely shoot coyotes past 150 yards anyways.

My 22-250AI and 6 XC are great too. They do put the smack attack on coyotes, and I love the sound of the Meat Report when that 6mm hits 'em.
 
Neat thing about living in the good ole US of A is I don't have to ask anyone what to shoot or what bullet to use. I can go hunt (within the law of the state I'm in)with what rifle and ammo I want to. Pretty simple and easy.
 
Originally Posted By: catwhackerNeat thing about living in the good ole US of A is I don't have to ask anyone what to shoot or what bullet to use. I can go hunt (within the law of the state I'm in)with what rifle and ammo I want to. Pretty simple and easy.

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Thanks guys for the Sunday morning chuckle. I agree with the "spirit", I purchased my Encore 204 because of the factory numbers. So far it has dropped 12 yotes, with only 1 runner. That was due to being surprised and had to make a quick shot at 50 yds. Longest was 325. Granted, I would not do this on a regular basis, a friend killed a pig a few years back with his 204. OK, a small pig(100 lbs).
At least in Oregon it is illegal to hunt deer with a 204, but we didn't buy it for deer. We bought it for varmints/predators, so that removes that part of the "discussion". In the end it is an awesome little round and I would not hesitate to pull the trigger on a "target" at any distance in comparison with the 22's.
 
Mr6pt5, well put.. I can make the assumption that 'most' people, (not all), that argue against the .204 have not shot one enough, or even own one to make an educated judgment. Looking at the ballistics charts is fun no doubt, but getting out and putting a rifle to use is really the only way you will ever know.
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Originally Posted By: braddsnMr6pt5, well put.. I can make the assumption that 'most' people, (not all), that argue against the .204 have not shot one enough, or even own one to make an educated judgment. Looking at the ballistics charts is fun no doubt, but getting out and putting a rifle to use is really the only way you will ever know.
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LOL !

I'll let you guess if I've had one , some or none .
 
If i feel like sewing holes I take my 22-250.If not i take my 204.(sometimes it will put a nice hole if a big bone is hit).I love both guns.Sometimes I just flip a coin and take the winner.:)
 
Originally Posted By: braddsnZilla your data is correct. .204 bucks wind better than the .22 cals.

That has not been my field observation. Then again, I have only wore out one .204 barrel.......I also don't shoot the light weight bullets in my .223 Rem or .22-250 barrels.
John
 
Tim, that is why I made sure and said (not all). I am just saying generally, a lot of guys that argue against the .204 have no experience with one. I have no dog in this fight.. I have nothing to gain by talking anyone in to the .204. I just hope that if someone is on the fence about trying this caliber out, this post might nudge them a little. The .204 is just plain fun! I have only owned a .204 for 2 years or so. I have owned .223's since I was 15 years old. I had a Ruger M77 Mark 2, stainless, laminated stock, heavy barrel .223 that I was VERY proud of.. and it was a heck of a shooter! I shot it for 6 years or so. Then had a Rem 700 .223 for a while, and on top of that shot thousands of .223 rounds out of an M16-A2 in the Army. I know exactly what the .223 is all about. I will always have a place in my heart for the .223, because it was my first "real" rifle. But I don't have a place in my gun safe for one anymore now that the .204 is here! That's all I'm sayin'!
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Originally Posted By: braddsnZilla your data is correct. .204 bucks wind better than the .22 cals.

Are we talking same weight vs. same weight here? Well then of course it does. You could open a reloading manual and skip all the 12 pages of BS here right now and find that out in 10 seconds.

You kids carry on....
 
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