I was wondering if there is anyone in the Billings, MT area that owns a rifle with the new 204 Ruger cartridge. If so, please drop me a line. I would like to possibly shoot a couple of rounds in your rifle before I buy one. I'm handicapped and want to make sure I can handle the recoil before I invest in one. I will buy a box of ammo for you for your troubles.

Thanks,
Kory

Kory,

To give you a rule of thumb,the recoil from a .204 is about the same as a .223 rifle of comparable weight.The .204 uses bullets that are about 2/3 the weight and about the same amount of powder.

If you can handle a .223 ,the .204 should be even easier on you...

Kory, Varnint Guy lives in Dillon, MT, and I feel sure he would let you shoot one of his to try. As far as recoil goes, there isn't enough to speak of! My 15 year old daughter shot a groundhog at 219 yards using my Savage VLP and the NIKON 6.5-20 was set on 20X. The gun was rested in an UNCLE BUD's bag and after the shot, she turned toward me without raising up from the rifle and said, "Daddy, I saw the stuff fly out of him!!!" I beleive that if the scope was set on 12 or so, you could actually see the "hole" appear in the targets from the bench! I will try that soon! GHD

Kory, VG might be out scouting sheep with a couple guys.....they drew tags, he didn't! But he's helping them scout anyway. I sent him some .204 Brass that should have gotten there yesterday and he hasn't sent me an email saying he got it yet, so I'll bet he's away from home! I wish I was closer! I'd let you shoot my .204. I am a beleiver in the little round! I like the small stuff anyway and it just seems to fit quite well! Velocity of the 17Remington with heavier bullets, negligble recoil of the 17 and so far, pretty darn easy to load for! But then again, I still have a 222MAG in the arsenal also and have always loved that one! And back in my younger days I shot a 6x47 in the local BR stuff, so I guess I've got quite a fondness for this particular case!!! Good luck with the .204! GHD

Kory, I live in Bozeman. Depending on times etc if your going to get over this way I could meet you at our range and you could shoot my Tactical .20 as well as my .17 Rem in a CZ Varmint or possibly a Cooper .17 MachIV. From what you've posted I think possibly the Mach IV might be your best answer, negligable recoil and enough poop to reach out on p-dogs coyotes etc. P.O. Ackley stated he felt the .17 MachIV was about the perfect .17 cal and a lot of guys agree. My Tact.20 isn't a .204 but it's so close ballistically you'd be hard put to find a difference. Let me know.