Want to add one more

[Totosdad]

I have a 17hmr, Savage Varmint 223, and Rem 700 SPS Varmint in 243
Looking to add one more for P Dogs. Torn between
A 22-250 or 204 Ruger. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

 

[Dub]

I think you already have it covered. add as you see fit

 

[markT]

Two fifty.

 

[fyrewall]

My experience: not much ballistic difference between the .204R loaded with 40's just under 3700 fps & the .22-.250 loaded with 50, 53, & 55's just under 3,650, except the .22-.250 has more splat effect on target. The .204R can enable more visible hits, uses about 8 grains of powder for roughly equivalent ballistics, less blast, less recoil, cheaper bullets & better barrel life.

The .22-.250 in a quick twist like 7, 7.7, 8, or 9 shooting 68-80 grain bullets gets into different territory - it acts more like a .243 loaded with high BC bullets except it shoots the 68-80 grain bullet about 200 fps faster using 8 grains less powder, less blast & recoil.

For shooting hoards of small rodents )colony rodents - term previously used on this forum) at ranges up to 400 yards I would go for the .204R.

 

[Prairiedogger]

250

 

[Cemetery21]

204 if you don't have a spotter - can see hits/misses

 

[Doug30racer]

204, you can shot it more with same results (if not better) and way less barrel heat.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

For what you want, and considering what you already have, the 204 is what I'd do for a factory chambering. The comments regarding it above are spot-on. Got four of 'em myself.

(This is from a rat shooting fanatic, going on my 53rd year doin' it, with more rifles and calibers in the safe than humans should be allowed. )

 

[stacy]

204 FILLS THAT GAP

 

[B23]

I have a 17hmr, Savage Varmint 223, and Rem 700 SPS Varmint in 243
Looking to add one more for P Dogs. Torn between
A 22-250 or 204 Ruger. Any thoughts on this?

Either, would be a fine choice, but considering what you already have and your intended use, I'd probably consider a 17 Hornet as well.

 

[Tommie]

I used 22-250’s (SAMMI and AI versions) for my first couple PD trips. After “discovering” the .20 calibers my .22 cal stuff stays in the safe.

 

[Webster]

I have a 17hmr, Savage Varmint 223, and Rem 700 SPS Varmint in 243
Looking to add one more for P Dogs. Torn between
A 22-250 or 204 Ruger. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

6BR or 6BRX. You need barrel life for PD hunting.

 

[JB10]

I love my 204. Even taken 2 javalina with it.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

204 and 22-250. Ditch the 243

 

[Yamess191]

221 fireball or 20 vt would actually be in between the 17 hmr and 223. That would fill a gap in power that you have. 204 and 22-250 are too similar to the 223 and 243 as far as effective range goes....

 

[sw282]

I love my little LVSF 700 in 221Furball

 

[Rick in Oregon]

I love my little LVSF 700 in 221Furball

I also feel the "Furball Love". Mild shooting/low report, zip recoil, see your hits, beaucoup bullet availability, miserly on powder, just plain fun to shoot, and accurate. Did I mention accurate?



It's one of my favorite calibers for the rat patch. My local rock chucks fear mine too:



There's usually trouble trying to decide which rifle to take out for a stroll through the rocks and junipers, my Furball, or 20VT. Decisions, decisions......

 

[fyrewall]

The OP is faced with a momentous decision of making a selection between a .204R or .22-.250. Many other highly worthy calibers have been introduced into consideration that are extremely effective and, to varying degrees, more efficient (most productive with minimum waste or effort) than the .204R or .22-.250, like small .20's - a quest for perfection.

In closing, I like to include my .300 WM loaded with 200 gr, ELDX's & usually H1000, just to get to shoot it at extended range targets under field conditions.

 

[shadrac]

204

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

204, adding a 20 practical for this summer's run.