Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints Is the .204 Ruger optimal?

For those here knowledgable with the full array of cartridges, does the .204 span the entire range of varmint hunting? From gophs to pd's and an occasional yote?

I don't have a 'full array' anymore. Sold the swift and '250, because, for just the use you stated, the 204 just plain rocks.

Yes, easily.

Only time I had "problems" with coyotes, was early on in the 204's life. That particular brand of bullets isn't/wasn't ideal. I use Varmint Nightmares from Midsouth for EVERYTHING, and it is my "go to" yote cartridge.

204 will do it all

Yes...... I with don, Im going away from other cals as the 204 is the best all around varmit to coyote round I have found. I
Hunt mainly coyotes with mine but it is the only rifle I grab for everything. Just plain fun to shoot.

For coyotes the 40 gr bullets from Berger, Hornady or Nosler make it a giant killer.

I still have bigger and badder calibers but I don't feel under gunned with my little 204.

204 with 39 gr Sierra BK

I would say yes -

Thanks fellas for your thoughts, much appreciated.

Heck, if Nosler made a 40 grain Partition, you could probably shoot antelope and deer with the 204!

Aint no 'probably' about it

Bigwhoop: Indeed the 204 Ruger is "optimal" (I had to look that word up for clarification - and my Websters paperback dictionary did not show it so I went to Wikipedia and their definition is: "The best, most favourable or desirable, especially under some restriction".
And with that in mind the 204 Ruger is indeed "optimal" for the "entire range of Varmint Hunting" like you inquire about!
With the possible exception of the minute (tiny) fraction of ultra-long range Varmint Hunters the 204 Ruger WILL do every thing a Varmint Hunter needs done, and do it in spades.
Incredible accuracy, incredible lethality, flat trajectory, very mild recoil, slow to heat a barrel and very good wind bucking ability (don't let anyone tell you this cartridge does not do well in the wind - IT DOES, I know, I done it!) and it has some other admirable qualities that makes this a (THE?) top choice for the all around Varminter!
I have two friends here in Montana that use this Rifle on Deer - I don't recommend that but with carefully placed shots in the "boiler-room" venison will be in the bag.
If you are considering one I highly recommend it.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Yes and it does it well. Fast, flat, small powder useage and have had great results on Prairie dogs, Coyotes and Fox with 32 grain bullets. The heavier bullets are great too, but I am amazed how the 32s have done.

I'll post photos when I put the Sako Varmint together. Waiting on the talley steel base/ring set.

Pretty much...

Is there anything that compares or is better than the 204 in the 20 caliber family? Like the 20 Vartarg?

The Sako is certainly optimal..........

I built a 20 Practical, just the .223 necked down to 20 cal. It runs within 100-200 fps of the 204 and does everything the 204 can do. I run a 32g bullet at 3923fps & it just pops p-dogs like a pimple and drops coyotes as hrad as my 6x45/.223 & 6x6,8 rigs, but without a exit hole so far.