Ruger .204

[KC7YRA]

Has anybody used this round? How do you like it for varmiting? Any thoughts would be great.


Brad

[k0pvw]

A buddy of mine at work has one, he says it is inadequate forthe needs here. I didnt look to see where you were from but in ks wind is a problem a good varmit round here is a 243 w/ 80grain or a 25-06 with a 100 grian bullet. I prefer the new 223WSSM or a 22-250 for varmits, I have not come to grips with these new small bore rounds for any use.

[KC0NBW]

it has very good potential as a varmint load, but i would not buy one until it gets enough of a following to insure
the supply of brass and bullets.

stick to the .243 and the .223 in the meantime,
they are really hard to beat !

i got a gopher with a .223 at about 275 yards, and a coyote at 450 yards with a .243 ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[K5CEY]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 07 2004,21:09)]and a coyote at 450 yards
And I thought I was doing good to hit a full sized pop up target at 350 meters with an M 14.

Does anyone remember the 22 Hornet?

# # # # # # # # # # # # # John

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (k5cey @ Dec. 07 2004,23:28)]Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 07 2004,21:09)]and a coyote at 450 yards
And I thought I was doing good to hit a full sized pop up target at 350 meters with an M 14.

Does anyone remember the 22 Hornet?

# # # # # # # # # # # # # John
i got the coyote with a pre-64 winchester model 70 with the heavy douglas varmint barrel. the load was a 75 grain sierra hollowpoint at about 3200 fps at the muzzle

this particular rifle would hold a 2 inch group at 400 yards!

it also had a 3-9x scope on it, i should have mentioned that before !

the mutt was no challenge at all! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif


as i recall, the hornet was essentially a 38 special case necked down to .22. #a 45 grain bullet at around 2600-2700 fps. not fast by today's standards, but quite respectable back in the 1930s.

[KA9VQF]

I had a single shot, bolt action, 9” bull barrel .22 hornet with a better scope than I had on my 30.06 for a short time. Was really hard to find ammo locally had to order it from Norma. Someone wanted it much worse than I did so I sold it at a tidy profit.

[K5CEY]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 08 2004,00:50)]this particular rifle would hold a 2 inch group at 400 yards!
Oh boy! That's tight! I want you on my side

[KI7RZ]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 07 2004,23:50)]Quote[/b] (k5cey @ Dec. 07 2004,23:28)]Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 07 2004,21:09)]and a coyote at 450 yards
And I thought I was doing good to hit a full sized pop up target at 350 meters with an M 14.

Does anyone remember the 22 Hornet?

# # # # # # # # # # # # # John
i got the coyote with a pre-64 winchester model 70 with the heavy douglas varmint barrel. the load was a 75 grain sierra hollowpoint at about 3200 fps at the muzzle

this particular rifle would hold a 2 inch group at 400 yards!

the mutt was no challenge at all! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif


as i recall, the hornet was essentially a 38 special case necked down to .22. #a 45 grain bullet at around 2600-2700 fps. not fast by today's standards, but quite respectable back in the 1930s.
I use the hornet in a contender rifle 21inch barrel. It doesent made alot of noise, fun just to mess around with. Not a serious varmit rifle though. Crows and magpies do not like the hornet! I also use a 77V in 220 swift and an Encore in 243. Wanna see something spectactular? Try the swift with the V-Max bullets!

[KC0MIS]

I shoot rifles in benchrest competition.
One of my rifles is a heavy barrel .308 Winchester.
I practice with that gun on prairie dogs at 500 yards.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[W7WV]

K5CEY

If you had problems with that M-14 at 350 meters, what did you do with the target at 450, or was it 500 meters?

I liked the M-14, and hated the M-16 when they issued it. My first quetion was "how do they expect us to butt storke anyone with this thing?"

Needless to say that the longer targets were dropped from basic training with the newer M-16.

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (k5cey @ Dec. 08 2004,00:17)]Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 08 2004,00:50)]this particular rifle would hold a 2 inch group at 400 yards!
Oh boy! That's tight! I want you on my side
unfortunately, the 70 belonged to my dad and it "disappeared" when he died.
i'm sure my sister's kid grabbed it and traded it off , even though he had no idea what it was and what it was worth.

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

my dad and i were the only ones that knew what it was capable of ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[K5USS]

6mm, and 22-250 are the choice for varmints in West Texas. We have 3 wheat fields that provide shots out to 350 yards and these 2 rifles have not failed us yet. Work great for the sheep stealing coyotes and don't tear up the hide of the bobcat and fox groups that our local taxidermist begs for.

Also a good "bean field" rifle for the rather smallish deer we have out here.

Charlie
K5USS

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (KI7RZ @ Dec. 08 2004,04:11)]I use the hornet in a contender rifle 21inch barrel. It doesent made alot of noise, fun just to mess around with. Not a serious varmit rifle though. Crows and magpies do not like the hornet! I also use a 77V in 220 swift and an Encore in 243. Wanna see something spectactular? Try the swift with the V-Max bullets!
my dad went through 2 barrels chambered for the swift, then he had it redone as a .338/06 after he got the model 70 .243.

i had a .264 winmag for a time, i could watch the rifling disappear every few shots!

i got rid of it and replaced it with a ruger no.1 in .243

i like the .243, light bullets for varmints, 100 grainers for deer ,antelope etc.

my varmint hunting nowdays is with the .243, two .223s, .22lr, and .22 magnum.
i would like to try one of these new .17 rimfires,but i will wait til i see how they catch on before i spend the money for something that may not be around long. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KI7RZ]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 08 2004,12:53)]Quote[/b] (KI7RZ @ Dec. 08 2004,04:11)]I use the hornet in a contender rifle 21inch barrel. It doesent made alot of noise, fun just to mess around with. Not a serious varmit rifle though. Crows and magpies do not like the hornet! I also use a 77V in 220 swift and an Encore in 243. Wanna see something spectactular? Try the swift with the V-Max bullets!
my dad went through 2 barrels chambered for the swift, then he had it redone as a .338/06 after he got the model 70 .243.

i had a .264 winmag for a time, i could watch the rifling disappear every few shots!

i got rid of it and replaced it with a ruger no.1 in .243

i like the .243, light bullets for varmints, 100 grainers for deer ,antelope etc.

my varmint hunting nowdays is with the .243, two .223s, .22lr, and .22 magnum.
i would like to try one of these new .17 rimfires,but i will wait til i see how they catch on before i spend the money for something that may not be around long. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Check a ballistics chart to see if Im correct, but a 22mag will pass the 17 hornady in ft lbs of energy only at 100 yards.

[K5CEY]

Quote[/b] (W7WV @ Dec. 08 2004,06:57)]K5CEY

If you had problems with that M-14 at 350 meters, what did you do with the target at 450, or was it 500 meters?

I liked the M-14, and hated the M-16 when they issued it. My first quetion was "how do they expect us to butt storke anyone with this thing?"

Needless to say that the longer targets were dropped from basic training with the newer M-16.
Ken,
#My comments were based on my rifle training in Basic at Ft. Polk in 1966.
#When I said I thought I was doing good to take out a pop up at 350 meters with an M14, I meant it was good for me as I'd never owned anything in my life but two Daisy air rifles. And with a simple squeeze of the trigger, those 350 meter targets just went down.
# Seems the far targets were 350, but it's been almost 40 years ago and could be mistaken. If they were 450, then bless my soul! They were sure goin' down.
# I'll agree with you on the M14. When I was sent to Korea, I was issued an M16 and on my 3rd or 4th round during familiarization firing, it jammed. Never had that happen with the 14.
# When it did work, you sure had a lot of fire power. I forget how many of those small magazines you could stuff into your field jacket pockets.
# Seems like it would empty a clip in something like 2 1/2 seconds in auto mode.
# # # # # # # # John

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (KI7RZ @ Dec. 08 2004,16:29)]Check a ballistics chart to see if Im correct, but a 22mag will pass the 17 hornady in ft lbs of energy only at 100 yards.
i know that the .22 mag will outperform the .17, the .22 long rifle will do that!

i think the .17 rimfire would make a good flat shooter that will do less damage to the hide than the .22 lr will!

most of my varmint hunting over the last few years has been#for critters that have useful hides!

bigger holes in the fur bring less money!

minnesota has an overabundance of red fox,coons, and coyotes, i have been doing my best to reduce the herds!

we are overrun with possums too, but when i get one of them, i just use it for bait for more valuable #beasties!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[KI7RZ]

I think KC7YRA started something. Someone should E-Mail Varmit Al and get him in on this. MY LONGEST ROCKCHUCK SHOT...550 honest yards, if there is such a thing. Rem 40XB in 300 win mag. 110 grain hornady hollow pt. pushed by some gosh awful amount of 4350, cant remember just how much, but it seemed like about a half can per round. The surviving chucks were glad when I left and went home.

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (KI7RZ @ Dec. 09 2004,04:05)]I think KC7YRA started something. Someone should E-Mail Varmit Al and get him in on this. MY LONGEST ROCKCHUCK SHOT...550 honest yards, if there is such a thing. Rem 40XB in 300 win mag. 110 grain hornady hollow pt. pushed by some gosh awful amount of 4350, cant remember just how much, but it seemed like about a half can per round. The surviving chucks were glad when I left and went home.
i'm sure some of you have seen these at various gunshows over the years, my dad had a .50 browning case necked down to.22, and a 45 grain hollowpoint seated in it! # #

the number of people that thought it was a legitimate cartridge was unbelievable! # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

he often joked that he was going to take the browning case and neck it down to shoot phonograph needles!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KA4DPO]

My all time favorite varmit gun is the Weatherby .300 MAG fully automatic with folding wire stock and 40 round clip. It really works well for small game.

Just kidding, everyone knows they don't make 40 round clips.

[KI7RZ]

Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 08 2004,20:01)]Quote[/b] (KI7RZ @ Dec. 08 2004,16:29)]Check a ballistics chart to see if Im correct, but a 22mag will pass the 17 hornady in ft lbs of energy only at 100 yards.
i know that the .22 mag will outperform the .17, the .22 long rifle will do that!

i think the .17 rimfire would make a good flat shooter that will do less damage to the hide than the .22 lr will!

most of my varmint hunting over the last few years has been#for critters that have useful hides!

bigger holes in the fur bring less money!

minnesota has an overabundance of red fox,coons, and coyotes, i have been doing my best to reduce the herds!

we are overrun with possums too, but when i get one of them, i just use it for bait for more valuable #beasties!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
Are your 223's bolt action?

[K8YS]

back to the original topic... I have never seen the .204. What rifle uses it?

Sounds awful small, but I guess it would be good for tree rats.

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (K8YS @ Dec. 09 2004,17:23)]back to the original topic... I have never seen the .204. What rifle uses it?

Sounds awful small, but I guess it would be good for tree rats.
it is a new chambering offered by ruger, it has had a write-up in several of the gun rags this year.

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (KI7RZ @ Dec. 09 2004,16:46)]Quote[/b] (KC0NBW @ Dec. 08 2004,20:01)]Quote[/b] (KI7RZ @ Dec. 08 2004,16:29)]Check a ballistics chart to see if Im correct, but a 22mag will pass the 17 hornady in ft lbs of energy only at 100 yards.
i know that the .22 mag will outperform the .17, the .22 long rifle will do that!

i think the .17 rimfire would make a good flat shooter that will do less damage to the hide than the .22 lr will!

most of my varmint hunting over the last few years has been#for critters that have useful hides!

bigger holes in the fur bring less money!

minnesota has an overabundance of red fox,coons, and coyotes, i have been doing my best to reduce the herds!

we are overrun with possums too, but when i get one of them, i just use it for bait for more valuable #beasties!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif
Are your 223's bolt action?
one is a first model mini 14, the other is a break action new england handi rifle with a 12 power scope on it.
the ruger will do 2 inch groups at 100 yards with the peep sight, the new england will do 1 inch at 200 yards.

both benchrest of course, i'm a bit too shaky to do that kind of offhand work anymore! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KC7YRA]

I got some answers about the .204 so lets go bigger. How about the .338 ultra mag?

[W7WV]

It might be OK for varmiting.
In general, according to a friend who is seriously into precision paper punching with these smaller calibers, to maintain accuracy you have to keep the barrel really clean with the smaller bores. That makes since to me. I know his newest is a .17.
He says his .308 does not have that problem.
But, for what you want it for, it may make no difference.

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (KC7YRA @ Dec. 10 2004,07:40)]I got some answers about the .204 so lets go bigger. #How about the .338 ultra mag?
a bit of overkill on squirrels and such, on the other hand, not too many get away! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KC7YRA]

I am more interested in elk and buffalo hunting in state. I don't know the ballistics for this round but it sure looks promising.

Brad

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (KC7YRA @ Dec. 10 2004,18:26)]I am more interested in elk and buffalo hunting in state. #I don't know the ballistics for this round but it sure looks promising.

Brad
get on any search engine and type ".338 mag ballistics" and see what comes up! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

i think that it is probably a bit on the large side for elk, but very good for buffalo, big bears, and defending the ponderosa from terrorists! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[w7auw]

I have a Navy-Arms rolling-block .22 Hornet. What an awsome round. click-bang, and the problem is solved!

[KA9VQF]

Just a bit off your topic but have you ever fired a flintlock?
Pull the trigger, click
The hammer falls showering the frizzin pan with sparks,
FRIZZ, the power in the pan ignites,
BOOM, the weapon finally fires.

Way cool.
Just remember to keep a good grip on the critter!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[KD7WHQ]

And that hang fire take a bit of getting used to ;)
Been a while since I dropped a hammer on one of those, but I can link you to a 100 yd target done with sabot rounds by a member of the MSA here (http://www.mausershooters.org/display/targets2004/allenratjune.jpg). Dang tight, considering.

[KC0NBW]

i have a .54 cal. percussion hawken with a double set trigger and the bench rest accuracy is as good or better than most field grade modern rifles.

i have yet to try any of the sabots in it, but if they are as good as others have told me, i will be pleased.

[KA9VQF]

Freestanding with my .50 cal ball and cap Hawkins replica I could put all my shot inside a 8&½X11” sheet of paper at 100 yards. I was using home cast mini ball ammo made mainly from old wheel weights. Sometimes I used homebrew powder too. I never did figure out how to homebrew the caps tho.

I doubt that these days I could even see a sheet of paper at 100 yards let alone hit it. Gotta git to wallyworld an buy some .22’s someday soon. Haven’t done any shooting for months now.

[KC0NBW]

i saw an article in a magazine once, about making your own percussion caps,
i believe there is a company that has started to produce
a little punch system that allows you to form your own caps from aluminum cans, and then you have to put the priming material in them.

fulminate of mercury is not overly hard to make other than the difficulty #of acquiring mercury and having to work with the hazardous stuff.

there is another iodine based compound that
is acceptable for percussion caps , but i do not remember the formula for it.
as i remember, it is the stuff they use in the striker tip on strike anywhere wooden matches.

anyone with a little mechanical ability should be able to
whip up a device that would let you punch out #beer cans
into the cap shapes and then the priming source could be worked out also.
i have no idea about what laws would apply, but at least you could assure yourself a supply of caps in case #you were cut off from a ready supply.

[w7auw]

and keep yer powder dry! oops off topic. rats,

[KC0NBW]

Quote[/b] (ke7auw @ Dec. 12 2004,22:54)]and keep yer powder dry! #oops off topic. # rats,
rats? to keep your powder dry?

i never heard of that before, but i suppose anything is possible! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif