I went through the exact same thing on the exact same gun.
I ended up going with the 223. because i don't reload. HOWEVER because of the obama scare .223 is really hard to find. It is getting better there is more ammo on the shelf but still it sucks. Sort of like 9mm is about the most common and available handgun round ever but not right now!
It shoots submoa out of the box with the first two ammo i have tried. I was shooting at a 100 yard indoor range so that helps. all i did was pull the bore snake and shoot. Like most cz's I had to sand the barrel channel out sealed it with true oil. Not a big deal you have to take it apart to adjust the trigger first thing anyways. The trigger is awesome too.
I have tried fiochi 40 gr vmax and barns 36 gr varmint greenade from black hills(I live in lead ban area). Both submoa consitently.
here she is I will never ever ever part with this gun! I love the weight, the balance with the scope on it. I love everylast thing except the backwards safety but i can live with that.
In my opinion this is the ultimate coyote getter for me. I don't hike really far when hunting and i always walk with it on a sling, never in my hands so the weight doesn't bother me. I have a sporter if i was going to hike really far but I try not to hike really far. Coyote hunting is a rest from endless miles hiking when upland hunting.short hikes sit on my butt and call. The weight makes it sooooo much more stable for an accurate shot at longer ranges.
The varmint wood stock is round and not flat. I like this cuz it cradles nice in shooting sticks. The kevlar is more flat i don't like that. The kevlar has a different twist.
first kill
100 yards ... I have a more recent target with better groups but no pictures.This was only my second or third time shooting on a bench rest. Someone other then me i'm sure would do much better especialy with a target scope instead of my hunting scope.I haven't even done ammo testing or any handloads!
One thing to consider is the 204 weighs less.