204 v 223

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pokeyjeeper

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from looking at my reloading books it looks like i could load my 223 close to the 204 so what is all the hipe on the 204 i do not own a 204 and have never shot one but i am looking for a upper for my ar and don't know if i'll go with 17 rem or 204 i will reload for it so help explain the 204 to me thank you
 
I suppose the same question could be posed for almost any caliber. I have a .22-250, so why would I want a .243? I have a .243, so why would I want a .260? And so on, and so on.

If a .223 does all that you want, go with a .223. I have a couple of .223's (just like most guys), and I also have a .204. I like my .204 as much as the next guy, I suppose. It sure shoots a 35 grain Berger into little groups and really flat out to 300, definitely flatter than my .223's shoot 50 grainers. I guess that justifies another set of dies and reloading supplies to me.
 
i did not know if i was missing some thing i'm kind of new to reloading i have just heard the 204 is the whip and wanted some info lets say loading both with a 40 gr bullet
 
Originally Posted By: pokeyjeeperi did not know if i was missing some thing i'm kind of new to reloading i have just heard the 204 is the whip and wanted some info lets say loading both with a 40 gr bullet
.223 w/a 40g will spit 3400 fps, 204 w/39g will spit 3700+.
 
Good question pokeyjeeper.
I prefer 243 Win. with 58g bullets.

If you are trying to make a decision then I would consider availability of components.

No experience w/.204 but friends tell me stories.
Whack a coyote at 250 yards and have it run..go to the POI and see a bloodbath, then trail forever to find nothing..IDK..
Not just one story either..
 
Originally Posted By: 5spdOriginally Posted By: pokeyjeeperi did not know if i was missing some thing i'm kind of new to reloading i have just heard the 204 is the whip and wanted some info lets say loading both with a 40 gr bullet
.223 w/a 40g will spit 3400 fps, 204 w/39g will spit 3700+.

Plus the BC is far superior in the 20. I shoot 'em side by side but hitting at unknown ranges on PD's the 223 just gets it's butt kicked.

Greg
 
204 and don't look back. 223 is much cheaper to load and shoot, but 204 is much flatter shooter and is deadly for me on P-Dogs, Ground Squirrels, Rock Chucks.
 
Out to about 300, not so much difference. Most coyotes are taken less than that, but the 204 with a 40 vmax has about the same energy at 400 yds that a 223 with 40 vmax does at 300 yds. The 204 has about 4 inches less drop at 400 and about 10 inches less at 500. That is calculated on Nikon's Spot On software using muzzle velocities that I shoot in two identical Savage model 12's with 26 inch barrels, one in 204 (3,800 fps)and the other 223 (3,750 fps). I like both calibers and have several rifles in each.
 
Originally Posted By: HookedGood question pokeyjeeper.
I prefer 243 Win. with 58g bullets.

If you are trying to make a decision then I would consider availability of components.

No experience w/.204 but friends tell me stories.
Whack a coyote at 250 yards and have it run..go to the POI and see a bloodbath, then trail forever to find nothing..IDK..
Not just one story either..


I used a 204 with the 32 grain Vmax Hornady's on coyotes and was disappointed in the results, to say the least. On the flip side, my late brother liked the 204 and considered it as his go-to coyote caliber. I've shot a truckload of coyotes with the 223 and see no need to use anything smaller, or for that matter anything bigger. But, I do use other calibers and that's the fun of it all, playing with different rifles and caliber combinations.
 
I have both and always grab the 204 for eastern groundhogs and coyotes. I just shot both at 100, 200 and 300 yards yesterday. The 204 has no difference at 100 and 200 and only drops 7" at 300. The 223 drops 3" at 200 and 12" at 300. 204 is shooting a 4@ grain V-max at 3900 fps and the 223 is shooting a 50 grain Z-max at close to 3700+. I have killed 3 coyotes with the 204 at 250 yards and none of them have left the tracks they walked in on. Longest confirmed kill of a 6lb groundhog is 525 yards with the 204.
 
Quote:I used a 204 with the 32 grain Vmax Hornady's on coyotes and was disappointed in the results Using the wrong bullet for the task at hand has been known to end with disappointing results. Just sayin'.
 
Originally Posted By: songdog Quote:I used a 204 with the 32 grain Vmax Hornady's on coyotes and was disappointed in the results Using the wrong bullet for the task at hand has been known to end with disappointing results. Just sayin'.

Yeap! use a 32gr Blitzking for coyotes and you will change your mind about the 204...
 
Originally Posted By: Gregory_shooterI have both and always grab the 204 for eastern groundhogs and coyotes. I just shot both at 100, 200 and 300 yards yesterday. The 204 has no difference at 100 and 200 and only drops 7" at 300. The 223 drops 3" at 200 and 12" at 300. 204 is shooting a 4@ grain V-max at 3900 fps and the 223 is shooting a 50 grain Z-max at close to 3700+. I have killed 3 coyotes with the 204 at 250 yards and none of them have left the tracks they walked in on. Longest confirmed kill of a 6lb groundhog is 525 yards with the 204.

over 3700 fps with a 50gr in a 223? that must be some hot load. i checked 2 manuals and 3700fps is 200 to 300fps over listed max loads. while i have gotten better than max listed load, never anywhere near that much.
 
I tried my first .204 in 2005 while shooting prairie dogs in Montana. I was shooting my .223 and 22-250, and knew right then I HAD to have a .204. I now have two .204's for prairie dogs and the .223 hasn't made a trip since. I do use a .223 in my RRA for coyotes. Both calibers are very good, depends a lot on their intended use.
 
I had a 24" dpms 204 upper. I loved it. It shot great. I shot 35gr bergers. I did hit a coyote and have it run. Took another shot to kill it. I didn't like it because of the wind I get into when out. Seams like deflection is a lot more with a 204 also. I shot at a dog head on, caught a piece of mesquite and hit him in the leg. I like the fact I can load 40/50gr ammo and if I start getting wind I can re zero quik in the field with 68/69 and keep goin. 204 case has more capacity than 223 does also. It's a good round but to me a 223 is more versatile for my uses
 
Originally Posted By: 5spdOriginally Posted By: pokeyjeeperi did not know if i was missing some thing i'm kind of new to reloading i have just heard the 204 is the whip and wanted some info lets say loading both with a 40 gr bullet
.223 w/a 40g will spit 3400 fps, 204 w/39g will spit 3700+.

40's will be doing considerably more than that. A whole ton more.
 
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