When I first got my 204 (model 700 sps 24" sporter weight) I was looking for a 223. SO I came accross the hornady 45 gr softpoint and they shoot fantastic but I dont feel they open up enough they just kinda punch right on through I have had to many runners at close range. I know I knonw shot placement is everything.

So I have been thinking about getting a 243 but I know that this 204 will do what I want it to do I just gotta find a better bullet. I f I know I am gunna have opportunity for longer range dogs I will get the 25.06 out and no need for a 243 as the 25.06 is better in my opinion.

I dont want the Vmax hear to many splash stories. and teh 40s didnt shoot that great

I am thinking a berger HP or the calhoon double hp I also thought about the dogtown 34 gr but I think I need to stay closer to 40 grs if I can. But I guess it wouldnt hurt to try a few.

What do you use?

35 Berger

40 Berger

40 Ballistic

All I'd recommend in that order...

I load the Sierra 39 gr Blitz in my 204 AR

What he said.

+1 on the 35gn Berger. I have used it in my 20VarTarg to take goats with good results.

Von Gruff.

+2 on the 35gr Berger.

I was leaning towrds trying the 40 but from the sound of things I need to try the 35s

Double that. The bergers put them down with authority. With the ballistic tips, the noslers would be my first choice as they are the least "frangible" as compared to the sierra bk's and the V-max.

Gube's right on too! The poly-tipped bullets will pole axe them on many shots but eventually you'll have a splash. (Big entance hole but not enough penetration to get into the vitals.)

Concur...

yeah.... i LOVE teh .204. VMAX (40) shoots GREAT out of it, but splashes happen when going that fast. Berger seems to be the bullet of choice in this thread and others. Just wish they were made by more manufactors!!!!! For us non-reloaders.

Sounds like you need to reload...grin...

You'd pay for the savings pretty quickly...

I hear Benchmark and H4895 are pretty good places to start....grin..

anyone tried the 32 gr ballistics (nosler) yet ?

should be constructed nigh identical to the 40 gr......

They'd be Number 4 most likely on the pecking order in my opinion for a coyote suitable bullet. More sturdy than a 32 Vmax...

Never warmed up to the 45 Hornady offering...

40VMAX works.
Don't know yet but; Could Bergers be the shnizzle ??

If all you guys have 204's that will twist the 40's I have about a 180 Hornady factory rounds that my gun would never stabilize if anyone is interested. My model 7 Predator would never stabilize em.

With a 12 twist the 39 grain sierra and 40 grain nosler stablize ok, the 40 VMAX is the main question, it's longer than the others by a noticeable margin. My first PacNor 1-12" twist barrel wouldn't shoot that bullet, the new one does.

A .204 that only shoots the 40 grain nosler (or 39 grain sierra) and a 32 grain VMAX still covers most of what a .204 is good for. The 40 grain VMAX is gravy IMHO.