223 or 204??

[white devil]

Hi im new on the forum just wanted to get your feed back on if I should go with a 223 or 204 for coyotes.I was thinking about that new r15 remington.
thanks

[varmit_slayer]

welcome to G&G. It is a good forum with plenty of info. I have read alot of good ballistics on the 204's, but I imagine the 223 is cheaper to shoot. both would get the job done.

[ArkansasHunter]

A friend of my son came by today to look at my CZ 82 pistol and as we talked he told me he had ordered a rifle in 204 Ruger. He went on to say from his research it's about the best you can get.
Wether it is I don't know...This guy owns more guns than anyone I know so I'll take his word for it. There Hot !

[two-70]

i'd opt for the time proven 223 it is lots cheaper to shoot and ammo can be had about any where

[lefty o]

they will both work well, but the .223 is more available, as are reloading components.
if my memory serves correctly the new r15 is an AR, just a repackaged bushmaster.

[swift5337]

I have one of each a model 1500 Smith and Wesson in 223 and a NEF in 204. I take the 223 9 out of ten times when i go yotey blastin, just like it better and its cheaper to shoot and alot of factory load options and bulk buy options. I don't save brass from the 223, 204 brass i treat it like gold.

[nathangdad]

Of the two I would go with the .223 as it is well established in the marketplace and will last on and on. The .204 is a good cartridge but is relatively new to the marketplace. The history of firearms is paved with good cartridges that just did not make it or did not last in the marketplace after a strong appearance. I'm not saying the .204 will fail but I am saying a risk factor does exist with any newer offering.

Also, it is not on your list but I would advise looking into the .243 for what you want to hunt and up to deer sized game. It is established, has top level accuracy, and does not punish the shooter with recoil and muzzle blast plus a large number of rifle offerings are out there from various top level manufacturers.

Good shooting and hunting !!!

[white devil]

Thanks guys! I will look for it in 223

[Hawaiian Hummer]

I was working on a customers house about 6mo.s ago and we were talking guns and he does a lot of handloads. He took me down to the basement and showed me his modest setup, while down there he let me peak at a 204 he had. Said he didn't even shoot it anymore because after several months of trial and error handloading he found the perfect load for that gun and could consistantly shoot through a ragged hole at 1ooyds, no challenge. I suggested he move the target to 150! he said the only reason he didn't is because his range doesn't have a setup that far!

[.22guy]

I'd vote for .223 for all the reasons listed above. You can get a .204 later on if it lasts and you feel you have a need for it.

[rdale501]

Originally Posted by Hawaiian Hummer

I was working on a customers house about 6mo.s ago and we were talking guns and he does a lot of handloads. He took me down to the basement and showed me his modest setup, while down there he let me peak at a 204 he had. Said he didn't even shoot it anymore because after several months of trial and error handloading he found the perfect load for that gun and could consistantly shoot through a ragged hole at 1ooyds, no challenge. I suggested he move the target to 150! he said the only reason he didn't is because his range doesn't have a setup that far!

If you get a chance I would sure like to know the load he found. I too have a 204 and have just now, after several months, found a load that does just that. It makes one ragged hole at 100yds. and is moving at excess of 3800 fps. and that isn't a hot load for this round.

[Palladin8]

Rdale what is your load you are using? I tried several different loads out of my cz527 and the 32gr clocked in at just over 3700. Would be interested in what bullet, powder, and primer combo you used. I used H335, 32 and 40 gr Hornandy and federal GM205 match primers.

[rdale501]

Originally Posted by Palladin8

Rdale what is your load you are using? I tried several different loads out of my cz527 and the 32gr clocked in at just over 3700. Would be interested in what bullet, powder, and primer combo you used. I used H335, 32 and 40 gr Hornandy and federal GM205 match primers.

I'm using Burger Varmint 20 cal 30grain match grade bullets. I load Hornady brass and Winchester small rifle primers. I couldn't find this bullet in my reloading manuals, so I used the 32gr Hornady bottom load as a start and worked up to 27grains of H335. 26 grains of this powder pushes the 32 grain bullet at 3705. I figure I'm shooting more powder with a lighter bullet so somewhere just over 3800. I don't think this is stretching things although I did not chron. this load yet. I will first chance I get and let you know the results. I'll be surprised if it is under 3800 fps. 28 grains of H335 moves the 32 Hornady over 4000. I know these are published velocities. I'm liking this cartridge more and more all the time.

[Hawaiian Hummer]

rdale, I'll have to search for his name in my records, which I was meaning to do anyway, and then I can contact him and possibly get all the info.

[Palladin8]

Ok Rdale that would explain it. When I chronyed my loads the 32 grs were averaging 3720ish so I guess that isn't bad. I guess I could load em up a little hotter and see what it does.

Sorry to Hijack the thread.

[rdale501]

Originally Posted by Palladin8

Ok Rdale that would explain it. When I chronyed my loads the 32 grs were averaging 3720ish so I guess that isn't bad. I guess I could load em up a little hotter and see what it does.

Sorry to Hijack the thread.

Hot is ok if that is what you are after. I would rather be a little slower and put all shots in one hole, I don't really care how fast or slow they are moving within reason. I realod for accuracy first then if they are too slow I will look for another bullet/powder combination. Just what works for me.

[wily1]

Well I just bought a .223 myself and love it. This is my first varmint rifle and was familiar with the .223 from the military and also other firearms training. The .204 is a good round but up here only specialty shops carry the .204. I am going to start loading my own ammo soon, but at least I know with the .223 if I ever need to buy ammo Canadian Tire and most hardware stores carry .223. Also the .223 is available in so many bullets from 40 grain up to heavier loads so it is versatile.

[White Dog]

Originally Posted by white devil

Hi im new on the forum just wanted to get your feed back on if I should go with a 223 or 204 for coyotes.I was thinking about that new r15 remington.
thanks

If i Had to Pick only I Would pick .204 Good luck.Make Em Dead.

[rdale501]

Originally Posted by Palladin8

Rdale what is your load you are using? I tried several different loads out of my cz527 and the 32gr clocked in at just over 3700. Would be interested in what bullet, powder, and primer combo you used. I used H335, 32 and 40 gr Hornandy and federal GM205 match primers.

Palladin....I just returned from the range with my 204 and found some good loads for the 40 gr Noslers. In fact I switched to H322 powder and everything improved. The 30 gr. Burgers grouped 3 shots in one hole with 3 different charges and the 40 gr. Noslers closed up to just under an inch. A fellow member told me the 322 worked much better in colder weather than the 335. Could be something to it.

[utahvarminter]

223 is heavier, 204 is flatter. I'd get a .223 just because it can be cheaper to shoot.