The 204 Ruger thing has me thinking about a 20 Tactical. I already have a 5mm Rem Mag that is converted to centerfire. The 5mm Rem Mag with 33gr V Maxs @ 2450fps is effective to a little over 200yds on Crows and Woodchucks, the 20 Tactical should double that.

Why didn't Ruger use the 223 case as a basis for this round?

Does MRC make an action suitable for this short of a cartridge?

Wildcat-

You may want to do a search on this topic on the board regarding the Montana Mini Action.

If my memory serves me correctly, I believe the Mini is for .223 sized cartridges. The Mini is on their drawing board however, it is behind the PH in terms of it's position in the que.

Good luck!

Yes, The Montana "Mini" is designed for the 223 case. I have one on order with my 3 year old grandson's birthdate and initials for the serial number. I hope I get it before he gets out of high school!

I'd be inclined to order one too if it weren't for the long wait I'm still experiencing with my short action.

The reason Ruger didn't use the 223 as a parent cartridge was because it already exists in the 20 Tactical. Can't take anothers mans design and put your name on it. Rumor is that Ruger is going to neck up their new 204 to 22 and call it the 224 Ruger...he he eh.

It does seem bonehead from just the rifle perspective but Hornady needed to get some return on their R&D so I am sure that is why they used a case that would require people to come to them first; to recoup their investment.

WJ, I am thinking alot like you. I have already got my name on the list for a Montana Mini with Tactical 20 or Ruger 204 in mind. In fact it should be serial 20. Hope we don't have to wait too long. I also shoot the 5mm centerfire. I also believe Ruger choose the 222 Mag case so they (Hornady) would reap the dollars for the brass. I don't really have a problem with that as it won't amount to that much savings with the realively long lived brass. I think the chambering will take off. I have yet to decide which ruond to go with.