.22 hornet or .204 ruger ?
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Chris_Brice
New member
Between those 2: Coyote only = .204. Coyote and Varmint = .204. Coyote, Varmint, Fox, less noise, less recoil, substantial class, etc. = Hornet.
Buy the Hornet and pick up another centerfire(.22-250, .243) at a later date. Toss in a .22lr and you have all your varmint/predator needs filled. The Hornet fills a niche, the .204 doesn't IMO.
Buy the Hornet and pick up another centerfire(.22-250, .243) at a later date. Toss in a .22lr and you have all your varmint/predator needs filled. The Hornet fills a niche, the .204 doesn't IMO.
RePete
New member
Originally Posted By: youngdonOriginally Posted By: SShooterZOriginally Posted By: K-22hornet.Ballistically, as you know, they are not even close. All they share is the .224 bullet.
No they don't.
All the newer models(of hornet) use a 224 caliber bullet.
Go with the 204Ruger!
Soooo,,, we now know that the 22H and 204R shoot the same diameter bullet and that older Hornets shoot 223 di. bullets.
Having digested all of that relevent (and factual) information,,, I say go with the 30-30.
Welcome to the interweb.
No they don't.
All the newer models(of hornet) use a 224 caliber bullet.
Go with the 204Ruger!
Soooo,,, we now know that the 22H and 204R shoot the same diameter bullet and that older Hornets shoot 223 di. bullets.
Having digested all of that relevent (and factual) information,,, I say go with the 30-30.
Welcome to the interweb.
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I've owned several Hornets and now only have one...a Ruger No 1. In my opinion and from my long experience with the Hornet, its true potential is seldom, if ever, achieved in a bolt action rifle. That's the reason I have that caliber in a single shot rifle. But, to answer your question, I would choose the 204 hands down. The caliber is inherently accurate, reloading is easy, cost of reloading is cheap and it's a great 300 yard rifle. It shoots as flat as a laser and, with decent shot placement, will drop a coyote like a cheap lawn chair. It's an overwhelming choice for prairie dog hunting, as well. I know many riflemen who own a 204 and none of them have the first bad thing to say about the 204.
Smokeless
New member
I had a 700 SPS in .204R. I bed the action and worked up a lot of different loads for it. It shot well in fact. I sold it. That was the biggest waste of money I ever spent.
IMO the 204R has been marketed well, but don't rush out to buy one. The .223 Rem with 40gr bullets and careful handloads will do anything the 204R will. Gimmick comes to mind as a good word to describe the .204R, I don't think that word is quite right, but it works. They should have just improved the 222 Rem mag, hot rodded it and ran with it. That would have been a better cartrige, again IMO.
BTW, I still have my 22H, and it is a Savge! I am no fan of Savage either, but the 22H fills a void well. That is something I don't think the 204R does at all. That's just me.
IMO the 204R has been marketed well, but don't rush out to buy one. The .223 Rem with 40gr bullets and careful handloads will do anything the 204R will. Gimmick comes to mind as a good word to describe the .204R, I don't think that word is quite right, but it works. They should have just improved the 222 Rem mag, hot rodded it and ran with it. That would have been a better cartrige, again IMO.
BTW, I still have my 22H, and it is a Savge! I am no fan of Savage either, but the 22H fills a void well. That is something I don't think the 204R does at all. That's just me.
Shotgunner6264
New member
Thnx. for the tips ive learned sooo much.
K-22hornet.
New member
Originally Posted By: SShooterZOriginally Posted By: K-22hornet.Ballistically, as you know, they are not even close. All they share is the .224 bullet.
No they don't.
Geez Louise, what a brain fart I had.
No they don't.
Geez Louise, what a brain fart I had.
SShooterZ
New member
Originally Posted By: SmokelessIMO the 204R has been marketed well, but don't rush out to buy one. The .223 Rem with 40gr bullets and careful handloads will do anything the 204R will. Gimmick comes to mind as a good word to describe the .204R, I don't think that word is quite right, but it works.
Personally, I love the world of .204 bullets. Maybe not the round for everyone, but I can say with some experience that on smaller game, there is not much a .204R can't do. Maybe I've just been lucky.
Originally Posted By: K-22hornet.Geez Louise, what a brain fart I had.
Happens to me ALL the time.
Personally, I love the world of .204 bullets. Maybe not the round for everyone, but I can say with some experience that on smaller game, there is not much a .204R can't do. Maybe I've just been lucky.
Originally Posted By: K-22hornet.Geez Louise, what a brain fart I had.
Happens to me ALL the time.
OldTurtle
Moderator - Deceased
Quote:The .223 Rem with 40gr bullets and careful handloads will do anything the 204R will.,,,,,This is true within normal shooting ranges...
I had a slow twist (1/14) .223 AR upper built with a match grade barrel and I could push the 40gr bullets pretty close to my .204 with 39gr rounds...But, there was still a difference in long range accuracy and the amount of trajectory drop...I have two .204s and don't anticipate giving up either..
If you are keeping your shots within the 300 yard range, the .223 is very viable with lighter bullets.. I have a 1/9 twist .223 that will hold them inside a nickel at 100 yards without any real challenge on my part..I have a Rem 700 .223 with a 1/12 twist barrel that will do even better with bullets up to, and including, 60gr...
I had a slow twist (1/14) .223 AR upper built with a match grade barrel and I could push the 40gr bullets pretty close to my .204 with 39gr rounds...But, there was still a difference in long range accuracy and the amount of trajectory drop...I have two .204s and don't anticipate giving up either..
If you are keeping your shots within the 300 yard range, the .223 is very viable with lighter bullets.. I have a 1/9 twist .223 that will hold them inside a nickel at 100 yards without any real challenge on my part..I have a Rem 700 .223 with a 1/12 twist barrel that will do even better with bullets up to, and including, 60gr...
TripleDeuce660
Active member
.223 can be reloaded down to match the hornet.
Just to make it even more fun there is always the .222 and .221 FB haha. Both are known to be great 200 yard guns.
Just to make it even more fun there is always the .222 and .221 FB haha. Both are known to be great 200 yard guns.
Smokeless
New member
Originally Posted By: OldTurtleQuote:The .223 Rem with 40gr bullets and careful handloads will do anything the 204R will.,,,,,This is true within normal shooting ranges...
I had a slow twist (1/14) .223 AR upper built with a match grade barrel and I could push the 40gr bullets pretty close to my .204 with 39gr rounds...But, there was still a difference in long range accuracy and the amount of trajectory drop...I have two .204s and don't anticipate giving up either..
If you are keeping your shots within the 300 yard range, the .223 is very viable with lighter bullets.. I have a 1/9 twist .223 that will hold them inside a nickel at 100 yards without any real challenge on my part..I have a Rem 700 .223 with a 1/12 twist barrel that will do even better with bullets up to, and including, 60gr...
Agreed, however if the 204R had been introduced with a -10 twist it would have been a whole different ball game. With the -12 twist in 204R [or any 20 cal.] you are limited to just a few bullet weights [39gr being the heviest], making the .223Rem much more versatile. If on the other hand you build a 20 cal. and put a 10 twist on it, you would be in a whole different world. IMO.
BTW, if I were to go down range beyond 300yds, I will want a bullet with more than 39-40gr weight. Something a 223 can do, but a over the counter .20 cal. cannot.
I had a slow twist (1/14) .223 AR upper built with a match grade barrel and I could push the 40gr bullets pretty close to my .204 with 39gr rounds...But, there was still a difference in long range accuracy and the amount of trajectory drop...I have two .204s and don't anticipate giving up either..
If you are keeping your shots within the 300 yard range, the .223 is very viable with lighter bullets.. I have a 1/9 twist .223 that will hold them inside a nickel at 100 yards without any real challenge on my part..I have a Rem 700 .223 with a 1/12 twist barrel that will do even better with bullets up to, and including, 60gr...
Agreed, however if the 204R had been introduced with a -10 twist it would have been a whole different ball game. With the -12 twist in 204R [or any 20 cal.] you are limited to just a few bullet weights [39gr being the heviest], making the .223Rem much more versatile. If on the other hand you build a 20 cal. and put a 10 twist on it, you would be in a whole different world. IMO.
BTW, if I were to go down range beyond 300yds, I will want a bullet with more than 39-40gr weight. Something a 223 can do, but a over the counter .20 cal. cannot.
SShooterZ
New member
Originally Posted By: SmokelessBTW, if I were to go down range beyond 300yds, I will want a bullet with more than 39-40gr weight. Something a 223 can do, but a over the counter .20 cal. cannot.
How much more weight? Most over the counter .223s are 1:12" twists and cannot shoot much more than a 55 gr at 3000-3200fps. (I know there are 1:8" and 1:9" options, but most of your .223s are 1:12")
Even if you go with a 50gr, you're still not meeting the ballistics of a .204R.
At 400 yards say, you're losing that battle when comparing a .223 to a .204R.
http://www.6mmbr.com/20caliber.html
How much more weight? Most over the counter .223s are 1:12" twists and cannot shoot much more than a 55 gr at 3000-3200fps. (I know there are 1:8" and 1:9" options, but most of your .223s are 1:12")
Even if you go with a 50gr, you're still not meeting the ballistics of a .204R.
At 400 yards say, you're losing that battle when comparing a .223 to a .204R.
http://www.6mmbr.com/20caliber.html
Smokeless
New member
Originally Posted By: SShooterZOriginally Posted By: SmokelessBTW, if I were to go down range beyond 300yds, I will want a bullet with more than 39-40gr weight. Something a 223 can do, but a over the counter .20 cal. cannot.
How much more weight? Most over the counter .223s are 1:12" twists and cannot shoot much more than a 55 gr at 3000-3200fps. (I know there are 1:8" and 1:9" options, but most of your .223s are 1:12")
Even if you go with a 50gr, you're still not meeting the ballistics of a .204R.
At 400 yards say, you're losing that battle when comparing a .223 to a .204R.
http://www.6mmbr.com/20caliber.html
Ever seen an over the counter option on twist with a 20 cal.?
Even still, the -12 twist [223] will stabilize the 60gr V-max. The .204 I had was great on paper, good in the field, but add a little wind, and forget it at longer range. That is just my experience.
How much more weight? Most over the counter .223s are 1:12" twists and cannot shoot much more than a 55 gr at 3000-3200fps. (I know there are 1:8" and 1:9" options, but most of your .223s are 1:12")
Even if you go with a 50gr, you're still not meeting the ballistics of a .204R.
At 400 yards say, you're losing that battle when comparing a .223 to a .204R.
http://www.6mmbr.com/20caliber.html
Ever seen an over the counter option on twist with a 20 cal.?
Even still, the -12 twist [223] will stabilize the 60gr V-max. The .204 I had was great on paper, good in the field, but add a little wind, and forget it at longer range. That is just my experience.
muledhunter
New member
i love my .204!! would feel comfortable taking a shot at 400 with it no problems
In response to the comments posted by Smokeless I can see he is but another 223 Rem groupie. The 223 is an overrated caliber by those who think it is a "do all" rifle when, in fact, it is just another military round whose popularity is based on the 5.56 nato round. Its the same mindset of those who idolize the 30-06 and 308. Too bad the 223 has overshadowed the 222 and 222 Rem Mag. Of the 3 calibers the 222 Rem Mag outperforms the other two with all things being equal.
Don't get me wrong, I own and shoot all three calibers. I will stick with my statement that the 204 Ruger is a fine, flat shooting round that is at home busting prairie dogs and quite capable of taking coyotes, as well. Why would you find fault with a rifle like the 204 that is capable of sub moa groups at 200 yds. I've never had the mindset that any one caliber varmint/predator rifle serves all purposes. Here is a pic of my varmint/predator hunting battery
Don't get me wrong, I own and shoot all three calibers. I will stick with my statement that the 204 Ruger is a fine, flat shooting round that is at home busting prairie dogs and quite capable of taking coyotes, as well. Why would you find fault with a rifle like the 204 that is capable of sub moa groups at 200 yds. I've never had the mindset that any one caliber varmint/predator rifle serves all purposes. Here is a pic of my varmint/predator hunting battery
I always make comments and recommendations based on not only gun ownership but years of field experience, as well. And I have nearly 5 decades of field hunting and also reloading experience. Guns in my battery from left to right are as follows:
1. Marlin 39ADL .22
2. Ruger No 1 B in 22 Hornet
3. CZ 527 221 Fireball
4. Cz 527 222 Rem
5. Custom Remington 222 Rem
6. CZ 527 204 Ruger
7. Sako L46 222 Remington Magnum
8. CZ Ultralite Predator 223 Rem
9. Winchester Mdl 70 225 Winchester
10. Savage 111 22-250 Rem
11. Savage Mdl 10 Predator 22-250
12. Remington Mdl 7 Predator 243 Win
13. Thompson Center Encore with 1:8" twist accuracy barrel for long range vld bullets
14. Legacy 3" 12 gauge auto with Dead Coyote choke tube
15. Mossberg 500 with red dot scope and Dead Coyote choke tube
16. Rock River Arms Coyote Carbine 223 Rem
1. Marlin 39ADL .22
2. Ruger No 1 B in 22 Hornet
3. CZ 527 221 Fireball
4. Cz 527 222 Rem
5. Custom Remington 222 Rem
6. CZ 527 204 Ruger
7. Sako L46 222 Remington Magnum
8. CZ Ultralite Predator 223 Rem
9. Winchester Mdl 70 225 Winchester
10. Savage 111 22-250 Rem
11. Savage Mdl 10 Predator 22-250
12. Remington Mdl 7 Predator 243 Win
13. Thompson Center Encore with 1:8" twist accuracy barrel for long range vld bullets
14. Legacy 3" 12 gauge auto with Dead Coyote choke tube
15. Mossberg 500 with red dot scope and Dead Coyote choke tube
16. Rock River Arms Coyote Carbine 223 Rem
doggin coyotes
Well-known member
Originally Posted By: ScotI always make comments and recommendations based on not only gun ownership but years of field experience, as well. And I have nearly 5 decades of field hunting and also reloading experience. Guns in my battery from left to right are as follows:
1. Marlin 39ADL .22
2. Ruger No 1 B in 22 Hornet
3. CZ 527 221 Fireball
4. Cz 527 222 Rem
5. Custom Remington 222 Rem
6. CZ 527 204 Ruger
7. Sako L46 222 Remington Magnum
8. CZ Ultralite Predator 223 Rem
9. Winchester Mdl 70 225 Winchester
10. Savage 111 22-250 Rem
11. Savage Mdl 10 Predator 22-250
12. Remington Mdl 7 Predator 243 Win
13. Thompson Center Encore with 1:8" twist accuracy barrel for long range vld bullets
14. Legacy 3" 12 gauge auto with Dead Coyote choke tube
15. Mossberg 500 with red dot scope and Dead Coyote choke tube
16. Rock River Arms Coyote Carbine 223 Rem
You could sell all those, get a 17hmr and cover all the bases. Silly people.
1. Marlin 39ADL .22
2. Ruger No 1 B in 22 Hornet
3. CZ 527 221 Fireball
4. Cz 527 222 Rem
5. Custom Remington 222 Rem
6. CZ 527 204 Ruger
7. Sako L46 222 Remington Magnum
8. CZ Ultralite Predator 223 Rem
9. Winchester Mdl 70 225 Winchester
10. Savage 111 22-250 Rem
11. Savage Mdl 10 Predator 22-250
12. Remington Mdl 7 Predator 243 Win
13. Thompson Center Encore with 1:8" twist accuracy barrel for long range vld bullets
14. Legacy 3" 12 gauge auto with Dead Coyote choke tube
15. Mossberg 500 with red dot scope and Dead Coyote choke tube
16. Rock River Arms Coyote Carbine 223 Rem
You could sell all those, get a 17hmr and cover all the bases. Silly people.