I bought a Ruger No 1 last year in 204 Ruger and like the cartridge so much I'd like to get another rifle in the same chambering. However, when I bought the No 1 I worried that in a few years if the cartridge didn't succeed manufactures might drop the cartridge and I'd be stuck with a cartridge for which I couldn't get components. Does anyone have an idea as to how successful the cartridge has been so far? Are they selling enough rifles and ammo to satisfy corporate? Do you think the 204 Ruger will be with us for the long-haul or is it a flash-in-the-pan?

I made a similar thread a while back on another forum and it may shine some more light on the subject

http://predatorjunct.proboards43.com/index.cgi?board=am...ay&thread=1180928339

There are 204 Ruger fans at www.rugerhunting.com The 204 will be around for some time. Is a good round for prairie dog shooting. Last summer I used a Ruger 77 Varmint 204 more than the 223 Rem rifle.

The 204 well be around for a while, because it works. It’s the only varmint round that rivals the “Big†22’s for speed and flat shooting without the “pains†of the 17 caliber’s.

Thanks guys.

If you are really concerned about it, buy up a large supply of the bullets of choice. The brass can be made from .222 RM, the primers are common stuff and there are several powders that work well in both of mine.

The problem I see with the 17s and 20s is all the other stuff you have to buy once you get the rifle. New smaller diameter cleaning rods, jags, patches, powder funnels, etc. If it is your first smaller caliber you can just about tag another $50 to $100 on to the price of the gun depending on what you feel is necessary. Then if you're like me with big fingers, the bullets are a pain to hang on to.

The 204 is an excellent ctg that will be here a long time.

quote:

The problem I see with the 17s and 20s is all the other stuff you have to buy once you get the rifle. New smaller diameter cleaning rods, jags, patches, powder funnels, etc. If it is your first smaller caliber you can just about tag another $50 to $100 on to the price of the gun depending on what you feel is necessary. Then if you're like me with big fingers, the bullets are a pain to hang on to.

The 204 is an excellent ctg that will be here a long time.

Yup, very true.

i have read several posts on several boards on this, and most folks say that the 22-250 will outperform, and is the ultimate coyote round. but if you look at hornady ammo ballistics, for the same bullet weights, the 204 will pass it after 200 yards and almost double downrange energy, and a lot less wind drift than any other varmint round. the only advantage i see is the use of 50-60 gr bullets.

There comes a time where the rubber needs to meet the road. If you’re old enough you know what that means.

I’ve been using the 204 for 2 years now and it’s a sweetie. It’s right in there with the big 22s (I shoot a swift and a 22-250).

Read the criticisms all you want, the little 204 is a long-range killer.