Savage Arms 12 Low Profile 204 Ruger 4 Round Bolt Action Centerfire Rifle, Varmint – 18466 For Sale

How far will a 204 Ruger shoot accurately?

The .204 Ruger cartridge is designed for high velocity and flat trajectory, making it effective for long-range shooting. Typically, it can shoot accurately up to 300 to 400 yards, though skilled shooters with the right equipment might achieve precise shots at longer distances, up to 500 yards or more. Keep in mind that factors like rifle quality, barrel length, ammunition, and environmental conditions can significantly impact performance.

What is a 204 Ruger good for?

The .204 Ruger is a rifle cartridge popular for its high velocity and flat trajectory, making it an excellent choice for varmint hunting and small to medium-sized game shooting. Its accuracy and low recoil are advantageous for shooting animals like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes. Additionally, the .204 Ruger is favored for target shooting due to these same characteristics.

What is the 204 Ruger comparable to?

The .204 Ruger is comparable to other small caliber, high-velocity cartridges used primarily for varmint and small game hunting, such as the .223 Remington and the .22-250 Remington. It is known for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and minimal recoil, making it popular among precision shooters and hunters targeting small to medium-sized game.

What game is a 204 Ruger good for?

The .204 Ruger cartridge is suitable for varmint hunting, including animals such as prairie dogs, groundhogs, coyotes, and other small to medium-sized game. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it particularly effective for long-range shooting in open terrain.

What is the best distance to zero a 204 Ruger?

The best zero distance for a .204 Ruger rifle often depends on the intended use, such as target shooting, varmint hunting, or general pest control. A common recommendation for a .204 Ruger, when used for varmint hunting, is to zero it at 200 yards. This zeroing distance allows for a relatively flat trajectory, making it easier to hit small targets at varying ranges. However, personal preference and specific shooting conditions (e.g., wind, terrain) should also be considered when determining the best zero distance.

How much does a 204 Ruger drop at 200 yards?

The .204 Ruger cartridge typically experiences a drop of about 4.4 to 5 inches at 200 yards, depending on factors such as the specific bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and environmental conditions. Always refer to ballistics charts specific to the ammunition you are using for the most accurate information.

Is a 204 more powerful than a 223?

To determine if a .204 caliber bullet is more powerful than a .223 caliber bullet, several factors such as bullet velocity, energy, and intended use should be considered.

1. **Velocity and Energy**:
– The .204 Ruger typically fires a lighter bullet at a higher velocity, which can translate to a flatter trajectory and less wind drift over long distances.
– The .223 Remington, on the other hand, generally fires a heavier bullet with somewhat less velocity but often carries more energy due to its larger mass.

2. **Intended Use**:
– The .204 Ruger is often preferred for varmint hunting because its high velocity can ensure accuracy and rapid expansion.
– The .223 Remington is more versatile and is widely used for both varmint hunting and self-defense/military purposes due to its balance between power, range, and available ammunition varieties.

In conclusion, the term “more powerful” can be subjective based on the context. In terms of raw energy and typical uses, the .223 Remington often holds an edge in versatility and power, while the .204 Ruger excels in velocity and precision for specific applications.

Is a 204 or 22-250 better for coyotes?

Both the .204 Ruger and the .22-250 Remington are popular choices for coyote hunting, and each has its advantages depending on your specific needs and preferences.

**.204 Ruger:**
– **Velocity and Flat Trajectory:** The .204 Ruger is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, which can be advantageous for long-distance shots.
– **Low Recoil:** It has relatively low recoil, making it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots.
– **Excellent Ballistics:** It excels in terms of ballistic efficiency and is known for being accurate.
– **Suitable for Varmint Hunting:** It is specifically designed for varmint hunting, including coyotes.

**.22-250 Remington:**
– **Versatile and Powerful:** The .22-250 is a more traditional choice with a long history of effectiveness in coyote hunting. It offers higher energy, which can be beneficial for ensuring clean kills.
– **Long-Distance Capability:** It is well-suited for long-range shooting due to its flat trajectory and high velocity.
– **Widely Available:** Ammunition for the .22-250 is widely available and comes in a variety of bullet weights, offering versatility.
– **Recoil:** It has slightly more recoil compared to the .204 Ruger but is still manageable.

Ultimately, the better choice depends on your specific hunting conditions and personal preferences. If you prioritize low recoil and high-speed bullets, the .204 Ruger might be more suitable. If you want maximum power and versatility, especially for longer-range shots, the .22-250 Remington could be the better option.

What is the fastest ammo for a 204 Ruger?

The fastest commercially available ammo for a .204 Ruger is typically the Hornady Superformance Varmint cartridge, which uses a 32-grain V-MAX bullet. This ammo is known to achieve muzzle velocities of up to 4,225 feet per second, making it one of the quickest options available for this caliber. Always ensure to check for any updates or new products that may offer higher velocities.

Is 204 Ruger a barrel burner?

Yes, the .204 Ruger is often considered a barrel burner when used in high-volume shooting sessions. This cartridge is known for its high velocity and relatively small caliber, which can lead to increased barrel wear over time, especially if the rifle is subjected to excessive heat from rapid firing. However, with proper care, such as allowing the barrel to cool between shots and using high-quality materials, its lifespan can be managed effectively.

What is the best barrel twist for a 204 Ruger?

The best barrel twist rate for a .204 Ruger is typically 1:12. This twist rate is suitable for stabilizing the light bullets commonly used in .204 Ruger cartridges, which range from about 24 to 40 grains. If you plan to use heavier bullets, you might consider a faster twist rate like 1:10 or 1:9. However, 1:12 is generally considered the standard for most applications.

Can you shoot a 204 out of a 223?

No, you cannot shoot a .204 caliber bullet out of a .223 caliber firearm. These are two different calibers with different bullet diameters and case dimensions. Using the incorrect ammunition can be dangerous and is not recommended. Always use the appropriate ammunition specified by the firearm manufacturer.

What is the effective range of a 204 Ruger on coyotes?

The effective range of a .204 Ruger for hunting coyotes is generally considered to be around 300 to 400 yards. However, this can vary based on factors such as bullet type, load, barrel length, and shooting conditions. Skilled marksmen may be able to extend this range with accurate placement and optimal conditions.

Is 204 Ruger a barrel burner?

Yes, the .204 Ruger can be considered a barrel burner, primarily due to its high velocity and relatively small caliber. The cartridge’s high velocity results in increased friction and heat, accelerating barrel wear over time, particularly if the rifle is used frequently or if prolonged shooting sessions are common. However, how quickly a barrel wears out also depends on factors such as barrel quality, maintenance, and shooting habits. Proper care and reasonable shooting practices can help mitigate excessive wear.

What is the trajectory of a 204 vs 22 250?

When comparing the trajectory of a .204 Ruger and a .22-250 Remington, there are several factors to consider, such as bullet weight, velocity, and ballistic coefficients, all of which influence the trajectory.

1. **Velocity**: Both cartridges are known for high velocity. However, the .22-250 typically has a slightly higher velocity due to its larger case capacity, enabling it to push heavier bullets faster.

2. **Ballistic Coefficient**: The .204 Ruger generally uses lighter bullets (around 32 to 40 grains) that tend to have a high ballistic coefficient for their weight, allowing them to retain velocity better over long distances. The .22-250 uses heavier bullets (typically in the 40 to 55 grain range) which could have higher ballistic coefficients, depending on the specific bullet shape and design.

3. **Flat Trajectory**: Both cartridges have relatively flat trajectories, especially useful for varmint hunting. The .204 Ruger, with its lighter bullets, might have a slightly flatter trajectory at short to medium ranges. However, the .22-250 can maintain a flatter trajectory over longer distances due to its higher velocity with heavier bullets.

In summary, for shorter to mid-range shooting, the .204 Ruger may have a slightly flatter trajectory due to high velocity with lighter bullets, while for longer distances, the .22-250 often performs better due to its ability to push heavier bullets faster with a flat trajectory. The choice between the two often depends on the specific application, distance, and personal preference.