I am considering my next rifle, or contender barrel (carbine length) to be either 223, 22 hornet, or 204 ruger. Can anyone give me their impression of noise in these cartridges. I have a 22-250 (loudest), , and have shot 223 (better) a bit, and 22 hornet (noticeably quieter IMO).

How does the 204 compare?

Will be used for close 50 - 150 yard woodchcuks, paper, etc.

I have both a .204 Ruger and a .22 Hornet. The .204 is louder than a .223, probably close to a .22-250. My .204 is as loud as the .243 a friend of mine uses from time to time.
My 77/22 Hornet is easily a 250yd ground hog gun, so I'd say that either one will handle your desired range well. If you're looking for the least amount of noise, go with the Hornet.

I've hunted with both the standard 77/22 and the heavy barrel, both are great guns, and one of my uncles has had great success with his contender carbine in .22 Hornet.

As far as the .204, if you're looking for a low cost rifle I would suggest a Rem 700 SPS, or a Savage as really good values.

Good luck.

If your shots will be on the sunny side of 150 yards then the Hornet or Fireball are the calibers that I would choose. The Hornet will easily handle ground hogs out to about 225 yards and is much less noisy than the Deuce, .223, or 22.250.
CZ makes a model 527 Hornet that shoots very well. I have one in both the Hornet and the Fireball but I grab the Hornet about 90 percent of the time when I go to the farm.

left handed so probably go with contender, whihc I guess brings 218 bee into possibility. Browning makes their micro medallion left handed in hornet according to web site, but would have to save up a while.

Enjoy my fathers 22 hornet ruger - not too loud, and plenty of range for me, did not know how the 204 compared for noise. Thanks for input...

The 204 is loud. the Hornet is your choice if noice is a problem.

I just purchased a 22 Hornet barrel for my Encore. I do alot of close shooting of ground hog's. Noise was my primary reason for buying the 22 Hornet. I am also left handed. I bought a couple of LH thumbhole stock's for my Encore frames. They are very nice. Tom.