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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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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?
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,930 Likes: 15 |
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.
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Dec 2008
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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? Yes, easily.
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 378
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 378 |
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.
Last edited by Darkker; 04/18/15.
I'm a firm believer in the theory of " If it bleeds, I can kill it".
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
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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.
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 10,170 |
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.
Last edited by TWR; 04/18/15.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2002
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204 with 39 gr Sierra BK
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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Thanks fellas for your thoughts, much appreciated.
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 32,214 |
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? Heck, if Nosler made a 40 grain Partition, you could probably shoot antelope and deer with the 204!
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Campfire Oracle
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Campfire Oracle
Joined: Dec 2008
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Aint no 'probably' about it
"...the left considers you vermin, and they'll kill you given the chance..." Bristoe
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,036 Likes: 6 |
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
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 88 |
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.
A man only learns in two ways, one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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I'll post photos when I put the Sako Varmint together. Waiting on the talley steel base/ring set.
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
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Is there anything that compares or is better than the 204 in the 20 caliber family? Like the 20 Vartarg?
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
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The Sako is certainly optimal..........
My home is the "sanctuary residence" for my firearms.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
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Is there anything that compares or is better than the 204 in the 20 caliber family? Like the 20 Vartarg? 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.
Did I make you cry......boooo hooo, life goes on.
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