Author Topic: 204 Ruger (Read 2166 times)

auto · « **on:** January 07, 2005, 04:39:43 PM »

Have been looking at the Remington VLS 700 in 204 some time as a target/varmit rig. Was wondering what kind of groups everyone was getting and how you like the performance?
Thanks

auto · « **Reply #1 on:** January 14, 2005, 05:31:50 PM »

no one here has shot a 204?

auto · « **Reply #2 on:** January 14, 2005, 05:40:50 PM »

what about the tac 20 since it is comparable?

mitchell · « **Reply #3 on:** January 14, 2005, 06:33:44 PM »

i just bought mine and have still no shot it but i have heard a lot of good thing about the cartridge. i hate to tell you to go somewhere else but email me and i'll give you the address of other forum that has all the reading about a 204 ruger one can handle. my email is esc_hell@hotmail.com

Catfish · « **Reply #4 on:** January 15, 2005, 01:33:18 PM »

Shot a .204, I`m on my second barrel already! I had smoe trouble with my first barrel and sent it back to T/C and they replaced it. I haven`t shot any game with it yet and have really not started to work up a load for it yet. I have loaded up about 500 round and started fire forming brass for it though and am likeing what I`m seeing so far. Looks to me like it`s going to be a very good round for long range varmint hunting.

bigjeepman · « **Reply #5 on:** January 15, 2005, 05:11:20 PM »

I have a friend who bought a Savage in .204 and he loves it. To date, he has taken three pretty good size coyotes (up to 38 lbs) with great results.

Lawdog · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2005, 01:50:03 PM »

I have been thinking about a .204 but in a Ruger No.1B. If it is "pelt friendly" then the No.1 would make a great calling rifle. Lawdog

aulrich · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2005, 05:51:52 PM »

Lawdog
I have been reading mixed results on the "Pelt fiendlyness" but the nay sayers tend to be 17 rem fans (there almost like mac owners :grin: ) . But I am not really surprised seeing how early in the 20 cal game it is.

On paper it should be more than 17 rem and less than 223. But where it actually lands is the question. But with Sierra, Reminton and Winchester entering the game some R&D bucks are going into the round I suspect a good fur load will be found. If the 204 makes it 25 years like the 17 rem there will be a good fur load.

I have got a handi just waiting to come home so the next yote trip will be using the .204. Ammo is scarce right now where I live but given a choice i'll use the 32 grain loads although the 40's are ballistically superior (i'll be using those for PD's this summer). What I am guessing is the lower sd of the 32 will help to limit penetration but that is purly SWAG.

4 Days till pay day then the 204 will come home a week or two before I can go out i'll let you know how it goes.

warf73 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2005, 11:29:13 PM »

Auto

I haven't replied is that I don’t own a Rem. in the 204. But do own a 204 in the Ruger Target Grey M77 Mark II Target.

I'm shooting 1.5" 10 shot groups at 100 yards. Sub .5” 3 shot groups at 100 yards.

Its hell on Pdogs farthest shot was about 200 yards.

Hoping to get into some yoties soon.

Warf

Lawdog · « **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2005, 11:38:44 AM »

Quote from: warf73

Auto

I haven't replied is that I dont own a Rem. in the 204. But do own a 204 in the Ruger Target Grey M77 Mark II Target.

I'm shooting 1.5" 10 shot groups at 100 yards. Sub .5 3 shot groups at 100 yards.

Its hell on Pdogs farthest shot was about 200 yards.

Hoping to get into some yoties soon.

Warf

Make sure you come back and post your results with the .204 on coyotes. I know with the right loads the .22 Hornet is "pelt friendly" but use the wrong load and it doesn't kill well. Guess I am just looking for the "perfect coyote rifle". Lawdog

warf73 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2005, 08:55:48 PM »

Will do Lawdog. Might give it a try Wednesday morning :grin:

Catfish · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2005, 02:12:25 PM »

As I said, I haven`t drawn blood with my .204 yet. I think it will be a keeper, but if your looking for one that I have proven, the .17 Rem. is a hard hitting fur friendly round. I`m thinking that the .204 might be a hair better, but I do know the the .17`s work well.

tuck2 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 25, 2005, 02:20:38 AM »

Went out yesterday shooting prairie dogs with a Ruger Target rifle ,6-18 X scope using 204 Ruger 32 Gr.V-MAX factory ammo. The bullets opened up the P Dogs at various ranges. I now have 100 empty cases for reloading. I,ll try test loads with the 32 and 40 Gr. V-MAX bullets for P Dog hunts. I,ll also try the bullets on Yots. I also have a 17 Rem. rifle but I expect the 204 Ruger will be a better Yote rifle.

deerman12 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2005, 07:45:31 AM »

I have the ruger ultralight .204. It easily shoots 1/2 to 3/4 inch groups when I do my part, even with the pencil weight barrel. I have killed 2 coyotes, each with one shot and quick death for both of them. I really enjoy the low muzzleblast and you can see the target get hit through the scope. I sold my 22-250, just did not see the need in it.

IowaBuckHunter · « **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2005, 10:08:27 AM »

I have a rem. VLS 204 with the thumbhole stock and LOVE IT! Best shooting gun I have ever had my hands on. The 204 is very accurate. I have taken many critters with it with no problems. Except once I shot a coyote in the kill zone at 100 yds and it exploded on impact. The dog never bled a drop, just knocked off a lot of fur. I video taped it too, and after reviewing it a hundred times, it just goes to show that the jackets on the v max bullets are too thin. I just wish noslere made a 20 cal bullet. For shooting fox or dogs, use the 40 gr. bullets, and the 32's for prairie dogs etc.

IowaBuckHunter · « **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2005, 10:15:40 AM »

hey auto- you said you were wondering about groups from the rem. 700. Off the bench, I average less than .25" groups at 100 yds. But my gun is also designed as a bench gun so it will shoot that good from the bench. My best group is .14" with 5 shots. In my opinion, there is no better round. Also if you guys like light triggers, buy a remington or savage because the rugers are non-adjustable w/o gunsmithing. My rem is at 2 lbs. I Had it lighter, but it went off when closing the bolt. :cry:

DannoBoone · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2005, 03:25:15 PM »

Quote from: auto

what about the tac 20 since it is comparable?

Had a Tact 20 custom barrel made for an Encore. At 4100fps, it'll do 1/4"
groups all day with the old Hornady 33gr VMax. Got one coyote with it
at 125yds with just a 204 entrance hole. I've heard from several that the
VMax pills give different results at different ranges. Just 25-35yds less, and
I could have had a fist-sized entrance hole!