Looking for a new bolt action varmint rifle....

I have a 5.56mm JP Precision Rifle that shoot great but is an autoloader that tosses brass.....and miss having a nice .22 centerfire bolt gun since I sold my .223. Sako a couple of years ago....

Interested in personal experience with these rounds....

At this point I am leaning toward the .204 due to the flat trajectory....

Would shoot nothing bigger than a coyote....

Byron

I'm kinda fascinated with the .204 Ruger myself. No personal experience though. I did have a great S&W 1500 Varmint with bull barrel in 22-250 years ago that was a tack driver extraordinaire but these days I lean more toward sporter weight rifles unless its a flat out dedicated long range rifle/SPR.

I wanted a bolt action varmint rifle last summer; found this for a good deal and brought it home:

1969 Rem 660 in 222 ...triple deuce. It's a great little rifle and there's even ammo to be found for it. It's fine for varmints out to about as far as I can see them, 200 yards or a little further.

I love my 22-250, shoots flat, and I can load it with the same bullets as the .223.

I am not certain but I remember an article some where that stated the .204 was popular in countries where a weapon of military caliber was forbidden and has found use with some security and police agencies. I might be wrong. I remember when France was buying the Ruger Minie 14's they had to order them in 222 Remington. Interesting something or another. ATB

is my kind of rifle! Nice.

Yes, indeed, very nice.

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I seem to remember that .223 works up to a certain distance, .22-250 works a little farther. .204 might be ok for Long dist but is it as good in the wind? For long range and wind you could even go to 6mm or .243.

First...........You can see your hits in your scope cause it recoils less than .223 and the others. Probably the 32 grainer allows this
Second..........Vendors have ammo in stock.

Bob

I have a couple of buds that use .204 when we coyote hunt. There great with heavier bullets but can splash on a shoulder bone if you're not careful. I use .223 and a .22-250. The .22-250 can reach further and make a solid anchor on a coy dog over the .204 in my experience. The .204 guys really like them for night hunting because the first thing the bullet hits, generally causes it to break up, so no risk of puncturing a grain bin etc.