204 Ruger: Little Cartridge with BIG Punch!

[@chrisaerts6489]

I have 5 rifles in .223 I always knew about the .204. Didnt know much about it. Thanks for the great explanation.

[@derekrobinson5628]

30 odd years ago we were working in the back country of the northern Hawkes Bay of New Zealand. There were two possum cullers working with us at the same time and place. Long story short, they were two of the pioneers of helicopter hunting and later on heli-live capture of feral deer in New Zealand. They both swore by the Remington 222( most deer shot by govt. cullers back in the day) the 223 Rem., one of them Graeme was a Vietnam vet, when they had their business operating he was the chopper pilot. Graeme's last culling rifle was a Rem 222.mag. He told us he used 223 ammo which would then fire form to the correct case size for reloading. Dunno if this was a true story, I think it was, but for the first time in 30 years it was neat to hear someone mention the 222 Rem Mag. Thanks Mr Spomer for your posts, I don't follow your page but certainly enjoy your content when I come across it. 🙂👍

[@josephchavez8280]

The 204 ruger has had a spot as my truck rifle for about 10-12 years. Probably shouldn’t admit this but my neighbors daughter ended up using it on her antelope hunt with great results. Very recoil sensitive shooter but made a great shot and did the job and was legal in my state.

[@lancemiller9110]

I’m with you on that note. A good friend of mine dropped a whitetail in it’s tracks with a .204

[@DavidLack-s4n]

Since they legalized all center fire rifles in my area I deer hunt with mine head shot a few does in the last few years not much head left at around 40 yards

[@justjoeoutdoors3499]

I used the .204 exclusively for a year as well, it is an awesome coyote cartridge..downfall is that in my area, finding ammunition for it is virtually impossible..also impossible to find 22-250 ammo, which I used for several years..I've bought a Savage model 10 heavy barrel chambered in .223 solely because I can actually find the ammo for it. For many people, ammunition availability is the limiting factor for what cartridge is chosen. It's challenging to find reloading supplies.. primers, powder ect, and when you do it's astronomically priced. Really hope some day that there is a big change in this.

[@sickofthebullshit1967]

I hope so too but unfortunately i dont think things are going to get better for us reloaders anytime soon. Here in Australia we cant get anything from our local ADI supplier for gun powder, and everything is imported including large rifle primers,projectiles, and brass casings. Prices on everything has sky-rocketed, and very limited stocks of everything! Im switching to benchmark powder and cci primers and hornady brass and projectiles as thats the only brands available where i live in rural country Queensland. They are making it an expensive sport/hobby on purpose because i believe the government's want to disarm the citizens. They want full control over all of us!

[@mikemcreynolds6236]

@D the 17 fireball

[@jamessaunders7762]

Love the 204, best thing is watching your hits in the scope. No recoil, problem is when shooting prairie dogs it can be expensive. Now I shoot 223 on dog towns and save the 204 for varmints. Funnier watching coyotes absorbing that 37 grain pill. Only killed 1 whitetail with it but as someone else said when you know you can hit an eyeball it’s pretty cool being able to see it in the scope it’s even better.

[@dantheman5222]

@@sickofthebullshit1967 west Aussie here ADI powered we can get but you have to order in advance so i order 2kg as for projectiles it is a worldwide shortage thanks to covid lockdowns as for projectiles i buy online projectile warehouse are great to deal with and are in SA. just another tip is i use the same gun powered for my 204 and 22-250 from what i was told about ADI was they were or still are having issues with the cutting machines hence slow release. don't want to lose your guns? then make sure you are regularly going out on farmland and property owners will vouch for a need for feral pest control on said lands once a week i go, but i agree with you and a time is coming soon that you will have to prove a need for a heap of dust collecting guns in your gun safe and paper punching hobby will never cut it as a justified need just to have a gun.

[@curtisdefore9785]

Even with high component prices it is still far cheaper to load your own and you get a better product if you have a mind to do it. Loaded factory ammunition is high as a kite right now to..

[@thegrantdanielsband]

Awesome cartridge and it is one of the most accurate as well this should be at the top of the list for it's accuracy 🙂

[@jackt6112]

I was a highly successful bench rest shooter with the 222x35 (the new kid on the block then) which also uses the 222 Mag brass. (A little too successful. Nobody wants to shoot with you when that happens because it's no fun for them.) It was a Brown fiberglass stock, Hart barrel, 40X action with Model 70 extractor, Leupold 24x, smithed by Fred Sinclair when he was a one-man band working out of his home workshop. I was in my early 20s and flew my plane down there and spent some hours in his shop when I picked up my gun. He made up my reloading stuff on the lathe, bought a micrometer measure, and cleaning stuff (and said to me if anyone asks you where you got it tell them you found it on the side of the road). He must have had some awfully understanding neighbors put up with him or they couldn't hear anymore because before I left, a little before midnight, he fire formed some cases for me in his back yard in order to teach me how and how to use the tools. I never had to resize, so after a few cycles the cases stop growing and the bullets seated perfectly and evenly. 20 to 40 pieces of brass will easily out-shoot any barrel that way too. He gave me some ideas of what powders and bullets to determine what the gun liked. I used all of the typical bench rest powders of the day and cheap to fancy bullets. I started out weighing loads, bullets, and weighing and matching brass. It made absolutely zero difference, so I just set the measure, and seated bullets. It also didn't work to push them fast though. What made the gun shoot the best Reloader #7, and the cheap Sierra 55gr. hollow points shot as good or better than the Hart match boat tails. It could hold between .160 and .280 at a 100 all day long, but was happiest @~2200. If I pushed it faster with Reloader #7 or hotter powders, the accuracy fell off. I used it for varmint too, but with no safety and a 2 oz. trigger, I didn't chamber a round until I was ready to shoot. I used a golf range finder and an arrow with a paddle and scale to track the wind that I could read through the scope. A guy had a .220 Swift where used to shoot. It wasn't a bench rest gun but the groups were not that good, and those ran @4100 at that time. I wondered how useful a fast gun is for small varmint like ground hogs, prairie dogs, crows, and long-range coyotes if it can only shoot a silver dollar group @100. After this, I went to the academy and flew military after that, and with a family and no time, I regrettably sold my airplane and guns, maintaining only the family heirlooms. So as you can tell, I've been out of it forever. I'd never heard of a 20 cal. anything before now, but at @4500, I'm curious as to what its typical group is at @100. PS: 4,500 fps isn't hypersonic, but it is mach 4. Fortunately it only maintains that for a fraction of a second or it would surely melt.

[@rocar716]

I shoot a contender with a 204 barrel an shoot ragged holes at a hundy but so does my ol 222

[@ronnieskata9002]

Thanks for good info on the .204 ruger! As we speak Im waiting for a barrelblank to arrive so I will get my own .204 up and running!

[@jamesbradshaw474]

I’ve got the 204 Ruger in a Thompson Center with the 14” barrel. Because of the twist rate I have to muse the lighter bullets. The .32 gr. bullet works great. Over 36 gr. the bullet will tumble. Got a Weaver 3x8 pistol scope on it. Very clear and bright little scope. I have a lot of fun with it. I’ve never hunted with it. Just shot a lot of paper.

[@davidespinoza1545]

I had requested you do a write up on the .204 a while back. Thanks Ron for following through! Some may not agree, but I use this caliber to cull deer and hogs with a bullet to the neck or ear drops them right there. My shots are usually inside of 150yds though. Fun to watch them hit the ground through the scope!! My wife hunts with me and a few weeks ago it was a little foggy in the morning and she heard me shoot ~ she said it sounded like "Boom, ssssssssssss, Pow!".. Doe DRT!

[@gradyhernandez4699]

I like my 26-06 ! Also a 7mm -08

[@Robert-fs1pb]

I would prefer my 257 lazzarroni.scramjet even for bull elk out to 400 to 500 yards.

[@erichk1674]

I’ve got a 204 . Used it for prairie dogs and it worked well at 300 plus yards .

[@thecamocowboyoutdoors5693]

I bought a 204 Remington 700 SPS back in 2014. The very first animal I dumped with it was a big Male Timber Wolf up here in Saskatchewan. 32 grain bullet. Handled him pretty easy. I love the cartridge.

[@randallthomas5207]

I bought a Ruger No1, chambered in 204Ruger the fall of 2005. The state of Idaho opened wolf season for the first time that year. I was active on a forum dedicated to the 204Ruger, and I started a highly agitated thread, discussing the suitability of the 40-GR V-Max for hunting wolves. The thread ran for about three months, before a guy from Canada, who hunted wolves with one weighed in, and confirmed my stance that it was a great wolf cartridge. Clean kills with no pelt damage. Still haven’t seen a wolf at less than 800-yds.

[@thecamocowboyoutdoors5693]

@@randallthomas5207 I've shot quite a few wolves with my 22-250. It handled them well so when I got the new 204 I really wanted to try it. I wasn't disappointed.

[@paddlesmcbean2366]

A mate of mine has one and I’ve shot it. We shoot mostly at night and target foxes in Australia. He reloads and has dropped the powder load a little so it doesn’t burn as much but is a sweet spot in the mid 3500s. Very good out to 200m for night shooting, light and no recoil. Easy shooting and a pleasure to use.

[@remoman]

What grain pill? I’m guessing 39gn at 3500?

[@ShootingAndReloading]

Great cartridge! I've had one since the early days and it never fails to perform. On barrel life, I'd say it is significantly longer than you indicated. Mine has had close to 3,000 through it and still holding 0.5 MOA with my handloads.

[@bryanduchane2371]

What rifle are you using to get that performance? Never fired a 22-250 but getting very attractive after seeing the damage it inflicts on small game!!!

[@ShootingAndReloading]

@@bryanduchane2371 Nothing fancy, just a CZ 527 Varmint.

[@gradyhernandez4699]

@@bryanduchane2371 yes I want a 22 250

[@sickofthebullshit1967]

Thats pretty dam good considering the velocity they are coming out at.

[@leadfoot8593]

Parent case is .222 magnum triple deuce should have been the standard but can see durability concerns with the longer neck, more case capacity is usually good too.

[@calebdean2440]

A good friend of mine uses a .204 exclusively as his varmint gun. Always been impressed with it, not sure if it's velocity or something else, but it makes a very distinct sound when it hits a coyote at 100 yd.

[@steveguse4481]

SchaaaWackk!!

[@parkerkimber2446]

It sounds similar to a 80gr 25-06 hitting a deer or antelope!

[@billsteeves6523]

It's the grenade effect of the projectile exploding inside of them. I have skinned out yotes that have been hit with these rounds and they literally turn their insides into jello.

[@knobjob2839]

My dad loves his .204. "wherever I put the cross hairs is where it hits".

[@johnkaraphillis754]

Great presentation on the .204 Ruger. Never gave that cartridge much thought, but you did a great job Ron. Probably would still take the 22-250 or the Swift but it’s food for thought. Thanks Ron!

[@timhallas4275]

22-250 is king of the small bores.

[@jackdundon2261]

220 swift is faster... the KING though is a .30-378 with a 55 grain accelerator on top! 130 grains of powder pushing 55 grains ....

[@Greyzonecompliant]

Was looking for a 204. But I found a 22-250 at a sweet price. And then remembered all the 22 bullets I already had. You have to make room for primers in the budget. 😉

[@jackdundon2261]

@@Greyzonecompliant primers are 10.00 a box of 100 I am STARTING to see then show up. Powder, expect 40.00 a pound Bullets: as much as your willing to spend. Personally, I live close to nosler, so I love getting their "seconds" been rough the last several years. But, as a experienced hand loader, I can assure you, not all guns like all bullets! Example my 6mm remington gets me 8" groups with MOST 6mm bullets regardless of powder or primer. I use nosler 100 grain partitions I get 1 moa. BUT, 6MM 100 grain partitions are impossible to find right now. But, I do like the small cartridges, as the bullets are cheaper than bigger callibers. And less powder and cheaper (more available primers). I have a 204, a ruger m77 stainless.. it's a joy to shoot! I have 3 22-250s (the cheep savage axis has the better trigger) than my $1500.00 remjngton 700 /vx3 scope. And a better trigger than my 1800.00 ruger #1 and vx3 scope). -- kinda pisses me off.

[@larrylambert5193]

When the 204 first came out I had to test. Yes I was a diehard 250 fan for years. That changed my first trip out with my dad. Example #1 670yrds, shooting at a rock pile full of Gh, 7mph to 10mph quarter value left to right. With my 250 to off set the wind was approaching 24 inches, with my 204 around the 18 inch mark, I have a few more examples from that weekend but I won’t bore or try to convince anyone any differently. At one time no one could convince me anything was better than a 22-250, after that day the 204 was my gh round seeing it out preform my 250 in the field personally was the only way I would’ve believed it. I’ll never knock the 250 it’s a proven round and I’ve pulled some very lucky shots with it haha.

[@irishkelly654]

I have a CZ 527 in .204, it is amazing! Thanks for your expertise!

[@whiteyfisk9769]

One of my regrets is not buying a 527 in 204 Ruger my LGS has a couple years back. Priced at $425 bucks...

[@garyallen383]

@@whiteyfisk9769 that was a steal

[@uralbob1]

I love it for the brass! Now I’ve got great brass for my Steyr SL in .222 Rem Mag! No more web and gun show searches for the nearly unobtainable! BTW: I’d love to own a .204 also. Thanks Ruger!

[@lcjjr.6714]

Great video Ron. I’ll stick with my .243 using Hornady 58 Grain V-Max for coyotes. They are super fast and super flat at 3,950 fps.

[@scottrussell6717]

I am taching the same in my 223 bolt with 40gr vmax

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

That is a good setup! I've done the same with my 6mm Rem. and those bullets. Bobcats don't like them either. Roll on LCJ!

[@markstuut4024]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@NC-xk1eg]

I'm a HUGE fan of the .22-250 & I am just beginning to dabble into the .204 Ruger realm. I think that I'm going to love it. I get phenomenal barrel life with my 4000 fps .22-250 Hornady 50 grain "barrel burners", so I am pleased to see from your chart that I can expect about the same from the .204. Thanks Ron for your very informative, well-done video!

[@larrylambert5193]

So underrated, one of the best red misting nuclear groundhog rounds I ever shot. Bucks the wind much better than one would expect. 40 grain v max was my best bullet. My dads rifle liked the 32 grain v max. If you buy one and reload, reloader 10x, cc1 benchrest primers, worked well in our rifles.

[@buddyrevelle736]

My Ruger #1 in 204 is pretty picky but once I found it's perfect diet it became my favorite groundhog slayer.

[@larrylambert5193]

@@buddyrevelle736 it’s been way underrated, there’s a couple older guys I know talked up the 250s until they actually went with me on a couple GH hunts. Shortly afterwards they both ended up buying a 204, I had a xr-100 range master that would absolutely shoot with my custom copper 204, those rifles are laser precision. As long as I do my part haha. Watching them explode though the scope is definitely a benefit. Anyone knocking that round either can’t find a load or doesn’t own one. True I love the 250s, even 6.5s, 7mm saum but they’ll always be room for my 204s in my safe

[@Nick-sx6jm]

Its underrated because you can do the same thing with a 223/556 hand load. I can load a 40gr bullet going 3800 fps out of my 16in AR for much cheaper and widely available components.

[@buddyrevelle736]

@@Nick-sx6jm Probably won't be very accurate and you'll burn the barrel out fast especially varmint hunting. Majority of twist rates in AR barrels are 1:7, 1:8 maybe 1:9 Unless You have a varmint model (which you can get a 204 in a AR platform as well) But For a 40 grain pill optimum twist is going to be about a 1:12

[@gradyhernandez4699]

257 Roberts

[@daverichards484]

I used this out in Wyoming on prairie dogs. What a great little cartridge! Managed a shoot out to 780 yards. Ton of fun!

[@anton1949]

I recall Hornady had to change the type of plastic on the bullet tips because they were actually melting in flight. I think the .204 Ruger was one of them.

[@Keifsanderson]

Interesting. The lightest pill is travelling about mach 4, so it might have melted tips.

[@JAKDRZR]

It’s true and it’s now implemented in the EDLX bullets from them also

[@stevemace1725]

Teflon tip?

[@Physics072]

@@stevemace1725 no they are polymer just higher temp. its not a frying pan coating its solid one piece plastic tip.

[@marcussanchez4278]

I have shot a lot of whitetail with my Remington XR-100 Rangemaster chambered in .204 Ruger and feral hogs up to 350 pounds ,32 grain v-max to boot. Of course shot placement is key.

[@bluesfanman1]

If I ever have a question regarding anything to do with hunting or shooting I turn to you first. You are by far the most informative and knowledgeable person on all things shooting related. Thanks for another great episode. I inherited a Winchester model 43 in 218 Bee years ago and sold it because ammo was very hard to come by. No one ever talks about it. I’d love to hear your opinion. Thanks again for the great content.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks High. The 218 Bee sounds cooler than it is or ever was. Varminters welcomed it in 1938 as better than the 22 Hornet, but with flat-nose bullets in lever-action Winchester M65 it was neither super accurate nor ballistically efficient. Your bolt-action M43 improves ballistics with pointed bullets, but velocity is still pretty low, roughly 2,600 fps with a 50-gr. Still a fun little cartridge for plinking, targets, pest shooting inside of about 200 yards. The 222 Rem. in 1950 assured the 218 Bee would never become hugely popular.

[@TheDespairbear]

My son is ready to move up from his lever action .22, the .204 was never on my radar......Until now. Thank you.

[@dantheman5222]

Had my 204 in Australia for 15 years fox only, the great thing about it is it is a no-brainer to shoot "point and shoot"most of my hunting is done under a spotlight traveling over open harvested paddocks that have been cropped which the 204 shines and agrees very cheap to reload as for down range performance 32grain are great if you want to keep pelts i find the 40g Bergers are explosive on fox like open them up, one downside to the 204 is they are VERY! loud especially the 32g comparison the 243 sounds like a pop gun compared. highly recommended

[@robertmajors1737]

I bought one of these in a cheap Rem 700 sps varmint model not too long after it launched. I put a Nikon monarch ucc 6.5-20 (the old adjustable objective one) that I got on closeout when they came out with the side focus model, tuned tge factory trigger a bit and headed to the range. With 32 grain Hornady factory ammo, it would consistently shoot 5 shots at a 1/2" or better. With subsequent handloads you usually won't see paper between the bullet holes. My pet load is 32 grain nosler over 27.1 grains of Benchmark and a cci br primer. Never chronographed it, but I know it's around 4k fps as I have a 26" barrel. It's absolutely the most accurate rifle I've ever owned.

[@nwashin1]

I love the .204 Ruger! It's a lovely quiet round with a moderator, quieter that a .223 and yet has the same muzzle energy as the .223. I use a .39 grain Sierra Blitzking at 3,800 fps with homeloads and its amazing to see a fox drop before you even hear the bullet hit. Damage is low unless you hit a bone and push it out...

[@shawntailor5485]

Foxy on the run is a tuff target . Kudos

[@nwashin1]

@@shawntailor5485 I never like to shoot a fox on the run, hitting a vital organ while they are bouncing up and down is not easy, and a clean kill is a essential. I'd sooner let a fox go then let is suffer....

[@lifeanddaily6583]

Just a friendly FYI...4,500 fps converts to (3,067.8 mph)... absolutely sizzling... LOL 🤣...Thank you sir you are the best of the best of outdoors sports writers and I and I'm sure many many others are wishing you the very best this holiday season...Merry Christmas for you and your family Mr.Spomer...

[@nhminuteman3715]

I’m 2004 we bought one (young kids 18-20) and sighted it in. We were shooting a 12oz soda can @ 200 yards and we tho it got we were missing but upon further inspection the can was toast but the bullet would scream right through without moving the cab at all. I was blown away! Super neat round became extinct around here pretty quickly though.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks for your kind words and support, Life.

[@artfranz2273]

I’d like to see you do a video on the 17Remington. That’s another hot rod!

[@jojohnson6146]

One of my favorite calibers. I got it from my late uncle. It was his Fox gun for protecting his chickens. He would say hold it center of a fox out to 300 and the top of its back to 400.

[@jimbograves1576]

Manufacturers need to twist it a little faster like 1:11 twist or 1:10 to cover all the available bullets. Now you can just neck down the .223 brass to 20 cal and you have the .20 practical, blow the shoulders and you got the .20 tactical. The somewhat Ackley version.

[@jaystowater6746]

Great synopsis of the 204 Ruger. One of my personal favorites for prairie dogs as you can watch your shots. Great bullet selection for this cartridge. The 32, 35, and 40-grain bullets are excellent. The 20 VarTarg is also a great cartridge.

[@davidteague5461]

I own a 204 in a cz and I love it . I’ve even used it to take a few small doe with it . I don’t recommend it for large deer. But it’s great little round.

[@todsimpkins8908]

Not legel for deer in most states.

[@jonathanfeltman4362]

I shot the 204 in the 40 and 45 gr for years on wight tail out to 200 yards but I took my time and picked my shots never had a problem a great all round cartridge

[@plumbbobslim9313]

I've got a Volquartsen 17 mach 2, and that thing is wonderful walking around the woods. For use with small game and potential coyotes it fills that role well.

[@davidandre886]

Lol. Try a 17 wsm

[@irishkelly654]

Mach 2 isn't big enough for a humane kill on a coyote! Please stop!

[@brianvoegeli5067]

The 204 is awesome little cartridge I just didn't want to have the deal with the brass for it so I just neck down 223 and make 20 practical very similar performance but nice to be able to make it out of brass that's so available and cheap since I have multiple 223s I built my first one on Ar platform it was so good I had to build another one in a bolt gun. I can get 4250 FPS with a 32 Grand VMAX and that shoots quarter inch groups all day long can't beat it

[@markvanhorn1437]

Hey Ron...I have a Ruger # 1 in this cartridge and I like it a lot. I shoot 32 grain at paper and steal only these days. Tight groups low recoil and low cost to shoot if you can find ammo. Thanks for the video.

[@joelmcmahan7386]

I had a young man get upset with me when he heard me talking with another man saying 204 was just to small for a good deer rifle. He swoll up and said you guys kill me, don’t know nothing about this new calibers and how powerful they are. Told him I’d always think it was just to small if you got that shoulder, I like the caliber myself but feel as if chance of losing a deer would be high with this caliber, and I don’t think it would leave a good blood trail. A fine tool but all tools have their ups and downs, it’s why they make so many different ones. Thanks Ron always fun to listen to your post. Good hunting to you and your fans. 💪🏽🎥💯👍

[@banjer4u]

I have used the .204 a lot for varmints and for that purpose it works great . I did some ballistic / penetration tests and after seeing the results the little .204 would probably be the very last firearm in my safe that I would choose for deer hunting.

[@JT-py9lv]

I had an old .222 Rem, made me a 20 VarTarg Turbo. 1:10 twist. I LOVE it. 22.5gr H322, med velocity load, with 40gr Bergers. 3600 fps. I have great results with H4198 too.

[@brucemitchell4581]

Thanks for this Excellent video Ron, I absolutely love my 204 and I will never never surrender! Lol just a ton of Fun 😮😮😊😊😊😊😊

[@waynemensen4252]

Looks like a good excuse for another rifle. I may have to get one. My 223 runs .11 sp's and 25 grains of 4198 on prairie dogs. I don't think you can beat that price. I struggle to get many predators though. Might need one of those books.😉

[@emmettperkins844]

You are correct. It still depends on what you have and what you want.I’ve been going through some of those same dilemmas. I sat down.

[@sammylacks4937]

Great video Ron, of a cartridge I've had an eye on. Who doesn't like hyper velocity calibers. I like em all. Wish I could afford to have, store and shoot a rifles chambered in all or to keep it to a manageable number, most calibers. I feel in love many years ago with the .220 Swift when you and some Charmicle guy were spreading knowledge and savvy in monthly mags. Thanks for sharing.

[@fowllab]

Less than a year ago I put together a 204. I am definitely liking it for coyotes. Definitely less fur damage than with my 22 Nosler. Nice job explaining the 204.

[@alloyspeed]

With a brake with all the zoomies, I can see where it hits at 50 yards. It doesn't move. But it has a lot of bark.

[@barrykinnan5062]

Hi Ron, Thanks for the video! I am in love with my .204". IMR 8208 XBR or some CFE 223, all day long. 😃

[@gizmocarr3093]

The 204 is a fine cartridge design and provides lower cost reloading. The standard 222 Remington is in the same class as the 204. Because the 223 Remington has a larger bullet selection and rifles to choose from it out shines both. It uses less powder or an equal amount. When loaded with 40-grain bullets or 35-grain bullets it only is marginally slower than 204 in velocities. The 223 is also only slightly slower than 22-250. If you are shooting at ranges to 300-yards, it works and is accurate. Fact is, 400-yards is not hard pushing it too either. It is not as loud and has low recoil in a varmint weight rifle with the light bullets. The V-MAX 40 grain bullet does not ruin fur either.

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

I wanted a 204 when they first came out, I was 14. I never got one but now I am 32 and I still kinda want one but I am pretty happy with the 223 and 222.

[@misterlewgee8874]

Faster cartridges have advantage of flatter trajectory for longer range shots...I started out with 222🤗🧐😉

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

@@misterlewgee8874 I am not denying its laser like trajectory. Maybe if I hunted predator's more I'd be more likely to buy more varmint rifles. My local range is only 550 yards and my 223 is fine for that. Same reason I haven't bought 50 BMG, no where to really play with it.

[@misterlewgee8874]

@@jakeoutdoors9600 I'm hoping to get atn 4k scope and ABL laser range finder working on my 222...this should make trajectory not such an issue at longer ranges...I found ..after hunting fox in same areas for a while...longer shots are usually the only opportunity one gets at the survivor wary foxes...but..if skin harvesting 17rem...thermal... destruction...204 thermal ..windy..270 wt 90gn and thermal. I think of rifles like golf clubs...😥

[@jakeoutdoors9600]

@@misterlewgee8874 Seems like you got the plan for success! Since you brought up the 17 Rem, do you like the smaller diameter bullet? I have thought of buying a 17wsm but then again, what would I use it for? I came across a bunch of ammo on clearance for the 17wsm that I bought. However I have never purchased a rifle as it seems the regular price of ammo is kinda high.

[@loganmeasles12]

The 204 ruger great for small game but also white tail and pronghorn shot a big body deer and right past the fur was a hole big enough to fit a medium-LG size fist through

[@JamesSmith-wh4xe]

When I picked up my CZ 527 the Hornady 40gr ammo was 12.99 a box, and I can tell you I didn’t buy near enough at that price. Missed the first two coyotes I shot at by holding over at 300yds plus. If I can see them clearly just put the crosshairs on them then go pick’em up. I love this round! Great show Ron.

[@chrissidwell9455]

If I use my 204 between 50 and 350 yards it kills coyotes like lightning. In my hunting, the 32 grain bullet isn't tough enough to penatrate reliably on bigger varmints like coyotes. For coyotes, you need a little heavier and tougher bullet like a 40 to 45 grain. Out to 50 yards, the bullets tend to blow up on the hide and at 350 yards it starts to run out of steam. But every rifle I ever shot chambered for the 204 has been extremely accurate, with 1" groups at 200 yards being common. With no recoil, being inherently accurate, if you use it within it's parameters it does a very good job. I have been shooting the 204 since it came out. Oh and Ron, I too love the 39 grain Sierra Blitzking. In fact it is my favorite bullet for that round. You notice I said, "39 grains" not 36. Look it up, I think you made a slight mistake. I really like that I can see the hits through the scope. No, it hasn't any recoil.

[@patrickgjorven7832]

You are right! Berger at least had data for 50 gr BT VARMINT w/G1 BC of 0.281 with max velocity of 3381fps. They also had data for a 55gr BT LONG RANGE VARMINT w/G1 BC of 0.381 max velocity of 3228 fps. According to Berger's 1st edition 2012 print manual in a 26" barrel.

[@kevingaddis7276]

I got mine when it first came out, I can't can't ask for anything better. At 200 yards I'm at 0.5 moa add day long. Hand load all of my amo.

[@stewartw7248]

Have harvested almost 100 coyotes with the 204 ruger with the 40 gr vmax. Also fox, bobcat, and javelina. Always amazing results with minimal pelt damage.

[@gotjuice7160]

I own 4 rifles in this calibre and it is absolutely devastating on Pdogs, Gophers and Coyotes (within 500m) When i bought my first rifle in it in 2005, I subsequently sold all my 223, and 22-250's because the performance of the 204 is just that good. Zeroed for 275M and you have an amazingly flat shooting round. Loading 40gn Vmax at 3977fps with H322.. mind numbing experience.

[@gotjuice7160]

And Yes, the 40gn is the best bullet for overall performance.

[@bobborlog1677]

I've almost got into 204 but my 223 and 22-250 with 36 grain varmint grenades& 35 grain frangibles do everything I could ask for.

[@farmerdude3578]

Do you hand load? Just wanting to know the powder of choice for the 36 on the 223. Thanks

[@Greyzonecompliant]

Yeah, sad is it not. An excellent cartridge that I dont need. My 22-250 with a suppressor makes the smal recoil next to nothing. Good for spotting hits.

[@jamescawthern7593]

I switched over to a 204 Ruger for predators after finding out that my 243 Win was making too much of a mess out of lighter-skinned varmints like red and grey foxes at least 15 years ago. The 204 reachs out loooong distances, and crushes even bigger dogs like yotes provided the bullet didn't hit any obstacles in its path down range. Hornady VMax Superformance 32gr factory ammo is rated at 4,225 fps muzzle velocity as printed right on the Hornady box. 👍 Unfortunately, you can't find 'em around here any more.

[@antonrehling1966]

Remember the 30-06 accelerator made in the mid 1970's? A .223 in a plastic sabot in a 30-06 cartage MV over 4000 ft per second with zero ballistic rifling markings on the projectile.😎

[@jrburge4674]

Been saying this for years!!! Glad someone people trust finally called all these 22-250 people to heel.

[@adamferbey263]

Absolutely love my Sako 85 Varmint in .204 Ruger

[@karloz83]

I love my 204 and I run it alongside a 220 swift The 204 is so good. The 24 grain in the 204 is awesome on foxes and hares.

[@georgezink8256]

As a reloader, I’ve worked up a neat pelt load for ,fox it’s very much like my 17 Remington , another perfect pelt load 25 grain Berger will go through 1 inch cold rolled steel ! My 17 Remington is going 4389 fps with accurate 3495 powder cci bench rest primer

[@johngarrett6256]

I've been shooting a 20 practical neck down 223 love it I have got 204s don't particularly like the real long case

[@darrinwelliver8219]

Love the content you provide. Always filled with insightful information. Thanks again.

[@paulfoster2395]

An Aussie 204 owner here.... and yes, they are cheap to reload. Around 40c a shot with quality components. Factory ammo costs around AUD$50 / box (20)

[@Kinbo72steanneNB]

I went from a 22.250 to a 204 and love it

[@brandonenglert5649]

What 204 did you get, and have you had trouble finding boxed ammo?

[@Kinbo72steanneNB]

@@brandonenglert5649 just a savage w/acutriger. I like it. In canada cabelas has hornady 40g Vmax, and a couple of private dealers as well

[@IdaHowitzer]

The first rifle I bought was a .204 Ruger. As a broke college freshman I shot my first deer with it... dropped in its tracks (under 25 yards). Shot placement>bullet size.

[@nospam3409]

I've been running a 223 bolt action for varments for the last few years and really like it. Really wish you would have included it in the mix. That said I'm looking forward to doing a 20 practical because the brass is easier to come by.

[@garryharris9098]

I thought about a 204 ruger but, with the ease of getting 45-52gr bullets for the 223 I have not felt that spending more money on different calibers and loading equipment. I didn't give it much more thought.

[@johncashwell1024]

I am thinking about going with the .204 Ruger on my next AR build, well, assembly. I have seen a few 204 ARs but reviews as of yet. So we shall see.

[@glennmatthew923]

I have a Sako varmint in 204ruger and i love this calaber and it does what i want and i am in Australia

[@rccmrccrawlermods4517]

Love the 204 Ruger! Great to reload too

[@billbowles2674]

Love my 204. It's what I use for prairie dogs.

[@BillHimmel]

Thx! Ruger .204 is the most interesting of the „AR-compatible“ calibers! But one hardly finds anything about it! Are there deer-cartridges for it? Self-defense rounds? Or is it for varminting only?

[@r.awilliams9815]

Varmints. Nobody makes a big game load for the .204.

[@michaelJ415]

Barrel Burner, like the 220 swift, 17 rem love them all Happy New Years!

[@garybonz]

Great explanation, Ron ! Thanks.

[@n.b.p.davenport7066]

You can't beat the 17 caliber, if you're hunting pelts they just leaves one tiny little hole one stitch takes care of it, it's like shooting a needle

[@scottevans9155]

Have shot a lots with the 204 love this calibre, lot of energy for a little bullet

[@Jon.......]

Years ago I remember reading about a golf course grounds keeper that had a custom wildcat revolver (?) that shot .17 Cal from a necked down .44Mag case. Said it did a fine job of getting rid of gofers and squirrels without much recoil or noise.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Jon, I think the story has been wildly embellished or someone is pulling your leg. Virtually all of our 22 centerfires have been necked down to take a .177 bullet, and someone made a mockup 50 BMG necked down to .17 as a joke, but taking a 44 Rem Mag down to 17 AND getting it to function in a revolver? Highly unlikely. And there would have been plenty of noise if they had built and fired one. Accuracy would have sucked. Listen to the report of a simple little 17 HMR and tell me no one on the golf course would notice. Finally, we already have a fine, low recoil, low noise cartridge: 22 Short. From a rifle or single-shot pistol with 10" to 14" barrel. With a suppressor. Now that would be quiet. Cheers.

[@Jon.......]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors Hi Ron, I get you, but this was from a "mainstream" firearm enthusiast magazine. I may have forgotten the exact firearm used, but it was .44 to .17 wildcat cartridge. Guess I'll have to put Google to the test. Best Wishes!

[@chrish1585]

This is the "Nothin but chunks" prairie dog cartridge from the early 2000nds. I remember that one lol.

[@shaneewell7404]

FYI Ron. I love the 204 Ruger. I own a couple of them. Just a note on the Blitz King. Its a 39 grain bullet. It will stabilize well in a 12 twist barrel. The 40gr Hornady typically will not stabilize in a 12 twist barrel.

[@NickFrom1228]

Great cartridge. There are companies making varmint uppers for AR platform as well. Fun shooter.

[@cameroncassel994]

Never used the 204 but had a 22-250 Ackley improved with 53 gr burger at 4300fps. It was devastating on coyotes and fox, honestly wasn't much left. Unfortunately the 22-250 Ackley was using the same powder charger as the 243 win. By the way great video as always, very informational.

[@jackdundon2261]

I have them all.... honestly I like the 243. Drop a 55 grain varmagedon in there. Turns your243 into a 22-250... and turn it up for a LIGHT elk rifle. ( yes 243 takes elk). I have a 204, 220 swift, 22-250 ( 3 rifles in it)... 223 volt, and more small ones. But 243 is more versatile.

[@martythompson6509]

Got an M77 Hawkeye in .204R. Super accurate. Bit of a giant killer.

[@shooteveryday1841]

I don’t think Ron mentioned it, but 204 Ruger will feed from standard AR-15 magazines and has the same bolt face as 223. Wilson combat makes match 204ruger barrels for AR-15 as well. I built one and it recoils a bit more than 22LR- that said, you get less velocity with a 20” barrel

[@savageater57]

I remember when the .220 swift came out . The barrels didn't last and some bullets would vaporize in flight . I guess things have changed . Good report though.

[@mattbrentlinger1078]

Love my .204! Even killed hogs with the 40 grain. It’s awesome.

[@randallthomas5207]

Properly loaded I match the trajectory of my 257AI to my 204-Ruger and it makes an inexpensive practice round. I have teh same scope mounted on both rifles, and paractice walking free hand shots with the 204. When deer season rolls around the site picture is teh same teh trajectory and holds are teh same.

[@coryhenson5059]

I shy away from it, because I’m afraid it will disappear. I own a .17 wsm, and it has all but disappeared. It’s amazing rimfire!

[@gerardryan6322]

Ron brillant video.Tks

[@dmi7402]

That 204 ballistics chart was from a 26'' barrel. With the shorter 22'' barrel on a 204, I would like to see the comparisons between it and a 22-250 with the same barrel length.

[@grabbag6314]

22-250 is superior out to around 400 yds in ft lbs of energy . For that reason i’ll stick with the 22-250 Pretty much same reason i’m not giving up my 22 mag for a 17

[@jimclay5609]

Mr. Ron, thanks for all your info on guns and ammo, love your vids. One day could you comment on the 308 Norma, I have this in Vietnam era issued 308. Thanks

[@jimclay5609]

Anything on the Norma 308 mag would be great.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

I still have a 222 rem mag, a 700 BDL. I've shot countless varmints with that thing, 6 foxes recently. Factory ammo is basically nonexistent. My suggestion is to skip the 204 and get a 223 , you might actually be able to afford to shoot it.

[@mdk2066]

Used one on prairie dogs when I lived in SD. Liked the 40gr. bullet for the wind. Seems like I never had to hold more than the upwind side of a dog out to 300 yds.

[@paraglidingnut26]

Love your stories Ron, but the cheapest 204 Ruger ammo is around $2/rd.

[@WayStedYou]

Yeah similar prices in Australia too

[@dr.froghopper6711]

If you can find it.

[@scottstruif3939]

Hornaday should have had a Black Fridy sale.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Yeah, I'm referring to handloads. Small powder charges give you more shots per pound. Small bullets require less metal/lead. Economy of scale keeps 223 prices lower in factory ammo for sure.

[@stewartw7248]

I just bought some for $23 per box of 20. Look at Mile High

[@billm2078]

I'm into the 223 Superformance with 53 grain Vmax.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Did a search for .204 caliber bullets from a ammo search engine. Nothing registers above 40 grains. Also checked Berger's website, again, 35 and 40 grain only listed. Did find a post made on a forum from 2001, for what it's worth: "The BC for the 50 gr. Berger LTBs is .296. The BC for the 39 gr. Sierra at 3,900 fps is somewhere right around .287. "I just plugged the numbers into a ballistics program, and the 50 gr. bullet at 3,352 fps (the fastest load listed for this bullet at the Hodgdon Web site) is no match for the 39 gr. Sierra shot at 3,873 fps. I set the zero at 235 yards for both bullets and the 39 gr. Sierra seems to outperform the 50 gr. bullet in that it is flatter shooting and has less wind deflection. I only went out to 700 yards with the chart. The 39 gr. Sierra even beats the 50 gr. Berger in the ft-lbs of energy every yard of the way out to 700 yards and beyond."

[@philbe3095]

Berger 55 grain. It was in his photo of bullet boxes. MPN 20306

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@philbe3095 I guess a person could do a dive into the Wayback internet archive machine and find the exact pages too. Haha

[@philbe3095]

@@exothermal.sprocket Lol, true. First search hit was actually at a popular reloading supply retailer. In stock too! 1:8 twist or faster