Does the .204 have a loud report

[FourBee]

   I've been reading up on the .204 Ruger ammo, and am curious as to how loud the 'Bang' is.

      In the past I've used a .270 for just about everything from predators to deer, but I'm beginning to flinch with the kick, and its so loud anymore, it's almost deafening.   So I'm looking towards something that won't be so rough on this ole man.

      I'm favoring getting the CZ 527 in the .204, but some of the Remington's appeal to me also.

[Old English]

My first 204 was an H&R with 22" barrel, surprisingly loud. I now have a Savage with 26" barrel and it is less loud, still goes bang though. Unlike a 270, 308 etc the report of a 204 doesn't have that percussive effect on you. So, it is still fairly loud but doesn't jar your system, if that makes sense? The recoil is negligible, you would never develop a flinch with a 204. To me it is a little louder than a 223 but a total joy to shoot. I'd keep the 270 for deer though.

[Grumulkin]

In the past I've used a .270 for just about everything from predators to deer, but I'm beginning to flinch with the kick, and its so loud anymore, it's almost deafening.

Consider wearing hearing protection even when hunting (I assume you use it when target shooting) and then the bang from even the 270 Win. won't bother you.

If you'll be using the rifle for "predators to deer" a 204 Ruger may not be legal for deer.  For the deer end of the spectrum and for low recoil consider the 22-250 Rem., 243 Win., etc. with hearing protection of course.

[DalesCarpentry]

I also Had a Handi Rifle with the 24'' barrel in the 204. I really don't feel it is all that loud maybe like a 223 like Old English has said. I will say this though and have said it a few times on this site. The 204 is strictly a varmint round and never meant to be used for deer. It just plain dose not have the knock down power.  Dale

[FourBee]

    Thanks Guys
     Old English;  I know what you mean about the percussion effects.  My companion in Nam was the M-16, so I'm familiar with their POP, and the looks of that .204 made me want to ask about it.

     Sorry to mislead you'all concerning the .270 and deer.    A .204 in my hands will only be used for varmints and predators.

     Of all the .204 calibers, I prefer the CZ and Remington.   I can only find the CZ in short barrels.  I wrote CZUSA about it, and got the same answer.   Remingtion with Laminated  Stocks have the 24" barrel, but the price jumps about $250 too.

     Grumulkin after that last ordeal with the .270 I thought about some ear plugs, but on a hunt it doesn't set well with me.    I think I can handle the .204 POP better than that BAANG!

Thanks again, I'm going to do some more shopping.
                                                      LG

[DalesCarpentry]

Look into the Remington 700 SPS Varmint. They have a 26'' barrel and Dick's sporting goods have them on sale right now for $470.00 and there is a $30.00 rebate on it also. Dale

[FourBee]

Okay Dale; thanks, I'll check them out.
LG

[Ponydog]

I have a CZ in a Varmint 204/   I am surprised that it is kinda loud....I wear hearing protection anyway ..so it does not bother me...the barrel on mine is 24"..walnut and blued...      Seems to reach out just fine.  I have an ADL Remington, walnut and blued, in a .270 , that is my deer rifle...and the .204 I use for coyotes, bobcats, and fox...gonna see how it works on Javelina this winter....As much of a Remington guy as I am ....you'd have to pry this CZ out of my hands.....and you couldn't.....lol...

[luv2shoot]

extremely piercing in my opinion.  I cant stand mine without hearing protection.  I can take one or two shots in a hunting situation with my 280, 22-250, 308  I wont hardly shoot my 204 without HP.  Maybe just my ears, but the higher pitch kills me

[Ponydog]

Oh no doubt hearing protection is a must.......I won't even consider shooting a high powered rifle without it. And yes, the 204 definitely "sounds" different....maybe it has something to do with that bullet screaming out of that barrel in excess of 4000 fps...

[quickdtoo]

Even a 22Lr shouldn't be used without hearing protection, its report is well above the threshold that causes hearing loss, and why a lot of us are near deaf due to the ignorance of our childhood and our shooting mentors.   

Tim

http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?id=2052

[FourBee]

   Yeah - boy;  Tim ; your talking right at me.   I've shot so many rounds thru my .357 mag. I'd have a headache for days.  Went thru the war, and never had ear protection there either.   Been mortar'd, rocket'd, and nearly blowed off a landing dock, how I kept my hearing, Lord only knows.

   I'm so hard headed, its just now sinking into me that I don't like going around with one ear stopped up.  I'm still not over that .270 rocking my head the other day.   Been thinking on getting some of those earplugs with the string on'em.