.204 vs .223

Apparently, 204 is a great caliber! Just like the rest, it has some limitations. After certain distance begins to lose power due to the light bullet it shoots. If you compare it to 223 with 50-55 gr. bullets, it's a close call, but you go up to 75-80 gr. in the 223, things change quite a bit, especially in the energy department, we are talking double after 500 yards, you should see what a 75-80 a-max do at impact at up to 800-1000 yards. Trajectory is a factor for sure, but we are within 1-2 moa tops, windagewise - the advantage goes to 223's heavies, if you can shoot, you can shoot, a flat shooting caliber won't win you a trophy, a skill will. Having the fortune to have both is the best, for pure ballistic, reloading, economical, practical, versatility argument sake, 223 with 75-80 gr. hands down.

 

I'm in the final stages of building another .223. This one is 1/7 twist for use out to 1k. Initiall load development will be with 80 grain Sierra match and Berger VLDs in Lapua and Nosler brass. Anyone have any load recommendations? I know load data from others may not shoot worth a hoot in my rifle, just looking for an accuracy starting point so to speak.

 

I started with 24.0 gr. of RL-15 and went up.

 

Same starting load with Varget, 24.0 and work up. Watch for pressure as well as accuracy. The fastest may not be the most accurate. Also, buy an 8# jug of Varget if you go that way, some lots vary slightly when you have tuned load, you may notice a difference at long distances. The 8# makes many .223 loads without having to rework...
Scott

 

Interesting to see the curves this thread has taken.

Since the op I bought a .243 as mentioned. It has been devestating on pds with the 58grn V-max. It is however, a Stevens 200 best suited as a carry-around deer gun which is what we're going to use it for.

So now we're looking (again) for a dedicated pd/target rifle.

Going to concentrate on 200-500 yard range.

.204 Fast, flat, accurate at these ranges. Charts say they do better in the wind, people who own them don't always agree.

.223 Also flat and fast, may buck the wind better.

.22-250 Faster than the .223, better bullet selection than the .204.

Everything's a toss up isn't it?

 

mattri

It was mentioned somewhere in this post. I'll do it again. 20BR!!!
Have a prefit barrel made for your Savage. I'd go 10 twist for long range fodder. Get a good stock and glass and your done. It'll make 500yds seem easy

 

I own two .223's (one is a Les Baer AR, the other a Rem 700) and a .204 (Copper Montana Varminter) and reload for both. All are great to shoot and will work well for P-dogs or target shooting. If you are going to do a lot of varmment hunting, an AR platform is great....shot hundreds of P-dogs in Montana from 150 to as far as 500 yrds with my AR...and it's nice to not have to reload so often ;D Some companies even offer a .204 upper for their AR's so you could start with an AR in .223 then later get the .204 upper. You basically can't lose and what it comes down to is what do you think you will have the most fun shooting with. Good luck!