I am getting a Savage Model: 10 XP Predator Hunter. Now, do I get a 204 or a 223. I have heard that the 204 at times has a problem knocking down coyotes. But the 223 doesn't travel as fast or flat. Opinions please.

I have shot over 100 coyotes, and most have been with a .223 at under 150yds.

I would think about 3 cartridges.
They all have advantages, and disadvantages.

The 204 is faster and flatter to 300 yards than the 223.
Since its bullets are lighter, check how it is effected by the wind.

The 223 is easier on barrels, brass is cheaper.
For High volume varmint shooting, it is a great choice. Better for bigger varmints than the 204 IMHO.

Then there is the 22/250. It combines the best attributes of the 204, it is fast and flat, and of the 223, it shoots a bigger and heavier bullet vs the 204.

It has a full hundred yards or more on the 204 or the 223.

It is a great varmint cartridge if you shoot, say, less than 50 rounds in a day.

It is great on bigger varmints at longer ranges as well.

I would go with the .223 for coyotes. It will do anything you need.

With a WHOLE lot of loads being roughly 1000fps
faster with the .204, X-wind doesn't have nearly
as much time to mess with its bullets in flight.
It's also much easier to keep the scope on target
during recoil. Trajectory of my Tactical 20 is
nearly the same as my .22-250, so the .204 just
might have an edge there, too. With well placed
shots, your range will be beyond the .223 and
only slightly less than the .22-250.

So, get the .223 (reverse psychology).

I put together a varmint rifle collection to meet the needs of shooting out West with longer distances and with some wind to contend with.

1. .223 40g Nosler BT 3925fps 26" suppressed

2. 22-250 50g Nosler BT 3800fps 26"

3. .243 55g Nosler BT 4050fps 24" & 70g Nosler BT at 3700fps.


I've looked into the .204 and the 17's and haven't found a need in my hunting environment that isn't being met by one of the current collection. I've shot my buddy's .204 at rock chucks and didn't see any appreciable gain over my suppressed .223 which with the suppressor has a total barrel length of 32" and seems to weigh in right at 11+lbs; no scope jump with that rig. Not a lightweight but I've carried it for deer hunting before and it worked just fine. The .243 70g combo is set up for coyotes at silly distances where there is a chance for windy conditions. I've used the 22-250 for coyotes and all varmint applications and was thoroughly satisfied.

I probably grab the .223 most of the time for it's versatility with that 40g load and the fact that I don't need ear protection with the suppressor. Fun times.

I went through the same dilemma between the 22-250, 223, and 204. I had already owned a few .223, and finally decided on the .204. I don't regret my decision and I love my rifle. These were for a coyote rifle.

I do plan to add to my arsenal, and I think it will be a .22-250. Not because I believe it can do more than the .204 varmint wise, but because you can't own just one varmint rifle

I can't help you out because I couldn't decide either, so now I have: 17HMR, 204 Ruger, 223, 22-250 and 243.

I went with the 223 just because it was more readily available for reloading supplies. For LONG range coyotes, I have a 260 that I load with 100 grain BT or Sierra MK.

quote:

Originally posted by larrys:
I went with the 223 just because it was more readily available for reloading supplies. For LONG range coyotes, I have a 260 that I load with 100 grain BT or Sierra MK.

Sounds like a good solution

I love the 204s and even built a 20 VarTarg because I love the 20 caliber so well. You can see the hits in the scope. My 223 does not go out with me much any more. The 204 has taken lots of coyotes out to 400 yards. Use the non-ballistic tips if you want better penetration and no bone splash. I shoot prairie dogs at 600 yards with the 204. I did build a 6mmAI for long range coyote hunting with a 25-06 as a back up.

I have a Rock River in .556/223, and a Ruger in a 22 Hornet, and a Remington 260. I think I will go with the 204 for now and see what it does. Thanks to everyone for their input.

quote:

Originally posted by DannoBoone:
With a WHOLE lot of loads being roughly 1000fps faster with the .204, X-wind doesn't have nearly
as much time to mess with its bullets in flight. It's also much easier to keep the scope on target
during recoil. Trajectory of my Tactical 20 is nearly the same as my .22-250, so the .204 just
might have an edge there, too. With well placed shots, your range will be beyond the .223 and
only slightly less than the .22-250.

So, get the .223 (reverse psychology).

Yes and no.
Know several people with both....I shoot 223's and a 6mm no need for a 22-250 as the 6 trumps the 250 out to as far as you are likely to shoot.

The .223 with a fast twist barrel gets the nod. While the time of flight is slightly greater, the greater bullet selection, availability of brass and the cost being the same for reloading (roughly) gives the .223 the edge, however slight. If your choices are between those two only you have to look at size of animal, target range, bullet selection and ability to spot hits. The cost of reloading both is almost the same.

If I had to choose a cartridge from scratch it would probably be the 221Fireball. You can spot hits, use heavier bullets and it is cheap to reload.

Of the two you mention, my choice is the 223;I prefer the 243, however.

I looked into the .204 some but it just doesn't appeal to me much so I went with the .223.Proven performer and IMO overall a much better choice.

.223 for a bunch of reasons. Some already posted and some just common sense.
If you're just interested in reloading for something different, go with the .204. And live with the extra expense and the limited variety of components. If you're interested in the .204 for its extra speed and reach, go with a 22-250.

I'd go with the 204. I have a 222 and a 22-250 and probably should sell them both since I don't use either of them any more. Near zero recoil. Zeroed at 300 yds is plenty flat with 40 grain Bergers. Plenty of knockdown for coyotes and little pelt damage. I killed 27 whitetails with my 204 a couple of years ago on a depredation permit so I know it capabilities pretty well. High shoulder, neck, and head shots all dropped in their tracks out past 300yds. I'd part with the 222 and 22-250 but wouldn't think of parting with my 204; not a chance!

God Bless, Louis

22 PPC! 34gr. HP for small varmints at 4000 fps, to 75grain for for larger predators and extended range at almost 3100 fps. Mine covers that range of bullet weight with good accuracy. roger

the 204 is very interesting, one of my favorites

Sofar shooters from nine different states have posted about their choice of cartridges which work for them. Im a old timer, got my first rifle in 1949 and still dont knoow which cartridge is the best for you. I have tryed out 17 HM2, 17 HMR, 17 Fireball, 17 Rem, 204 Ruger, 22 LR RF, 22 WMR, 22 Hornet, 221 Fireball, 222 Rem, 223 Rem, 22-250 Rem, 220 Swift, 243 Win,and some big game cartridges for shooting varmints and preditors. There are plenty of low cost 223 Rem brass for reloading . A 223 bolt action rifle with a barrel 1:12 inch rifleing may handle 35 thru 60 grain bullets. With a accurate rifle with a good scope 300 yard shots are eazy. The 223 Rem is a good cartridge to start with, but for my shooting prairie dogs I like the 17 HMR, 17 Fireball, and 204 Ruger. When going after coyotes the 220 Swift and 243 Win are in my pickup. If Im able got to try out a Hornady 17 Hornet and a 5.7X28 MM rounds

I have shot dozens of coyotes with both. Both are good, the .223 is better overall than the .204, for coyotes.
I shoot some 40 grain bullets in the 223, and some 50 grain bullets.
If I had to choose one, I'd go with the 223 and a plastic tipped 50 grain bullet.

223 is my choice. i use 55gr bullets, and they have never let me down. for yotes out past 300, i use a 243. the 22-250 is also an outstanding yote cartridge.

I enjoy shooting the 22-250 over the .223 for varmints such as coyotes. However, your question was based on .223 vs .204 so I’ll get back on track! Between the two you mentioned and the game you are seeking… I’d go with the .223 for sure.

Let us know what you decide.

quote:

Originally posted by Safari James:
I enjoy shooting the 22-250 over the .223 for varmints such as coyotes. However, your question was based on .223 vs .204 so I’ll get back on track! Between the two you mentioned and the game you are seeking… I’d go with the .223 for sure.

Let us know what you decide.

If you look back in the thead to post #26 you'll see that despite all the good advice he went for the .204.

My guess is he had already decided, and just wanted his choice affirmed by others

I have 17s, 20s, 223s, 243s and 257s, multiple cartridges in all those bullet sizes.

If I was confined to one cartridge for coyotes and smaller varmints, it would be the .223.