Can you best a 204 PD Gun
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20VT
I had two 204 rifles (XR-100s). I was not fond of the cartridge. I converted the second one to 20 Tac (20x223), and I love it.
If I was looking to build a rifle that was close to the performance of the 204 I'd definately pick a round that could be made from 223 brass. I haven't seen any 204 brass for sale other than Hornady and Nosler for years. If you have plenty of 204 brass, build another. If you want to burn less powder go with the 20 VarTarg, it's an awesome little round
Personally I would want to stay away from any wildcat round. The .204 is hard to beat for economy, considering the amount of lead you are slinging down field.
You can find 6mm dasher factory brass correct? Anyone use the dasher for PD's?
You can find 6mm dasher factory brass correct? Anyone use the dasher for PD's?
20SCC, 4,100 fps with less than 22 grains of powder. One of the most efficient 20 caliber cartridges you will find.
th82457
Silver $$ Contributor
A 20 VT with a 32 grain pill is ideal if you like accuracy, minimal recoil and watching your shot impact. Also long barrel life and only burns 18-19 grains of powder per shot. Not quite as flat shooting as a 204, but close with 9-10 grains less powder per shot. For longer shooting I would go either 22 BR or 6 BR. I have had two .204's and both shot well and were not finicky, but my VT is more accurate out to 300 yds or so and does not heat up the barrel very fast either.
+1 for the 20VT it will do almost as much with less.
Having owned three 204's I have gone back to basics - a 223 with 40 gr Nosler BT bullets driven at 3800 fps.
Any ballistic advantage that the 204 has over the 223 when using 40 gr bullets in both is more theoretical than real world. Using the 204 and 223 with 40 gr bullets at 300 yds the drop of the 204 is only four tenths of an inch less than the 223, this is from real world testing - not just by running a ballistics program. The energy and wind drift of the two, when loaded to comparable velocities/pressure, are virtually identical at 300 yds. The 223 at near max loads with the 40 gr Nosler BT mirrors the drop and wind drift of my 22/250 at near max loads with 50 gr Nosler BT's.
There is literally tons of good inexpensive brass (Lake City) and other readily available components, affordable off the shelf ammo is plentiful, if needed.
Whereas 204 brass is not only difficult to find but expensive when it can be found. The last I bought was $50 per hundred and even at that I could only find one bag of 100. 204 bullet selection and weight is not even close to to the availability of 22 cal varmint bullets. I just bought 1000 rounds of LC once fired brass for $50. Quite a difference in price. 204 brass 1000 rounds = $500. 223 once fired brass 1000 rounds = $50. I like to have a least 2000 loaded rounds when PD shooting, sometimes more depending on the length of the hunt so brass definitely is a factor to me.
As far as a fast twist barrel so one can shoot "heavy for caliber" bullets - Why? I have found the 40 gr bullets more than capable out to 500 yds.
If you are set on a 204 caliber varmint gun think 204 Practical, why not keep life simple and have the availability of inexpensive brass. Or better yet why not keep it simpler and shoot a 223 with a ballistic tip of your choice - Nosler, Hornady, Sierra, etc.
I do have some experience with both calibers. I generally shoot 4-5000 rounds per year on ground squirrels and PD's. I am already up to 2500 rounds this year just on ground squirrels and am heading out for PD's on Tuesday, maybe a bit short of ammo I only have 3000 rounds loaded.
drover
Any ballistic advantage that the 204 has over the 223 when using 40 gr bullets in both is more theoretical than real world. Using the 204 and 223 with 40 gr bullets at 300 yds the drop of the 204 is only four tenths of an inch less than the 223, this is from real world testing - not just by running a ballistics program. The energy and wind drift of the two, when loaded to comparable velocities/pressure, are virtually identical at 300 yds. The 223 at near max loads with the 40 gr Nosler BT mirrors the drop and wind drift of my 22/250 at near max loads with 50 gr Nosler BT's.
There is literally tons of good inexpensive brass (Lake City) and other readily available components, affordable off the shelf ammo is plentiful, if needed.
Whereas 204 brass is not only difficult to find but expensive when it can be found. The last I bought was $50 per hundred and even at that I could only find one bag of 100. 204 bullet selection and weight is not even close to to the availability of 22 cal varmint bullets. I just bought 1000 rounds of LC once fired brass for $50. Quite a difference in price. 204 brass 1000 rounds = $500. 223 once fired brass 1000 rounds = $50. I like to have a least 2000 loaded rounds when PD shooting, sometimes more depending on the length of the hunt so brass definitely is a factor to me.
As far as a fast twist barrel so one can shoot "heavy for caliber" bullets - Why? I have found the 40 gr bullets more than capable out to 500 yds.
If you are set on a 204 caliber varmint gun think 204 Practical, why not keep life simple and have the availability of inexpensive brass. Or better yet why not keep it simpler and shoot a 223 with a ballistic tip of your choice - Nosler, Hornady, Sierra, etc.
I do have some experience with both calibers. I generally shoot 4-5000 rounds per year on ground squirrels and PD's. I am already up to 2500 rounds this year just on ground squirrels and am heading out for PD's on Tuesday, maybe a bit short of ammo I only have 3000 rounds loaded.
drover
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shoot4fun
Gold $$ Contributor
During my 17 years worth of trips PD trips (often twice/year) I have shot many different cartridges from 22LR up to 7STW. They all, in my mind, have a purpose. When the wind is up or the PDs are hesitant to get close I use the 22-250. I believe there is no better PD round out there as a general nuisance to the PD population. While in years past I shot the 17HMR when riding the two-tracks I now rely on my CZ custom barreled to 17AH. Way more pop than the HMR but, if I had it to do over, that would be a 17 Hornady Hornet. Lately, I've taken a much more "tactical" approach to the roadway sniping; an AR15 SBR with a suppressor! Now back to topic; I do own a 204 Ruger and have a stockpile of ammo and brass. It has accounted for numerous PD and even one at a verified 820 yards in WY. Still, I just can't warm up to it. As a matter of fact I have been considering selling off the barrel, brass and ammo. My vote would be, as mentioned by others, a 223AI. Stoke it hot and launch 40 grain vmax; that will fit your desires and bring a smile to your face.
TheOtherZilla
Pull my finger
here's my PDawg arsenal depending on my mood.. 22 pistol, 17 HMR, 22 Hornet, 222 Rem 204, 223 bolt and AR, and then lastly 243 Win..
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