204 ruger vs 220 swift vs 22-250?

FOTIS

Range Officer
Staff member
Oct 30, 2004
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Which one would you choose for long range varminting?
 
I've had a Savage 12FV in 204 Ruger for several years. It shoots the Hornady 32gn bullet exceptionally well. Now bullet choices are limited for the 204 compared to anything that will shoot a .223/.224 bullet.
 
Well......
The 22-250 is ok

the 220 swift is expensive as sin (basically only the Sendero available at 1K $) or an older Ruger 77--- they want too much for them or the Ruger 77 VT at 700 or so

I figure with the 204 I can duplicate performance (more or less) at less than $500)

http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vi ... =116284972



Is my thought process correct or will I be giving up too much performance?
 
204 to see the hits in the scope. 220 swift, 250, or 250 ai to crack something way out and then see where I hit after walking up to the critter.
 
.204 for close up calling stuff...22-250 for everything else with a 1:9 for the longer stuff...maybe even a 22-250 improved :twisted:
 
JDMAG":1u8m5nfg said:
Oh!.... now your interested in a 22-250! :evil:
JD....You have to understand! You're not dealing with a normal person. My mood changes like the weather conditions in Wyoming. Heck I might even buy yours! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
So you guys do not think a 204 can cut it at long range?
 
I think it would cut prarrie dogs just fine but a dog at a quarter away or even a shoulder blade shot @ 400 would make me uneasy with a 32 gr. bullet. I don't like shooting things twice and some times you don't get the perfect shot, or placement, so if I was personally going to shoot dogs that far I would stick to the bigger 60 gr bt. Less wind drift with the bigger bullets as well. If Wyoming is anything like Eastern Oregon the wind can be an issue most of the time!

Deends also POP are you talking a bolt gun or maybe another Oboma gun in a .204?
 
I've made confirmed kills on P dogs out to 400 yds in less than normal wind for the plains, using 32 v-max bullets which I have found to be much more explosive than the 40 ballistic tip. I have mine dialed on the dot for 100 yards and click up MOA on the turret over 250.

The 40 b-tip is slightly slower, but with its higher BC, shoots within 1/2 MOA of the 32 v-max, and is my bullet of choice for coyotes and still sails above 3700 fps out the muzzle. The b-tip holds together better in my experience. Most coyotes are shot with 200 yards howbeit some further, but called coyotes normally don't hang up at extreme ranges so I really think it is a moot point. I've also heard that the 35 berger is an extremely lethal, fur friendly bullet but I have no personal experience with it.

If it's really really windy (more the norm than not on the plains), I grab the 243 with 85 grain bthp Sierras. Pop, Since you have a 223 and 243 already as do I, I would definetly go with the 204 and have a ball.
 
I'm a 22-250 kind of guy. :grin:
For coyotes, the 22-250 is hard to beat. I am intrigued with the 204 Ruger. The BC of the 40 gr bullets should really make her sing.

JD338
 
What is your velocity with the 40 gr BT in the 204?
 
I just wish I had a faster twist than the Remington 1:14.
Some day I will get it rebarreled and it will be a 1:8 twist.

JD338
 
Absolutely even a 1:10 would be better....... And 22-250 AI would rock.....
 
Fotis,
I agree. When the time comes, I will take a hard look at the 22-250 AI.

JD338
 
I'm biased towards the 22-250 as it was the first gun my Dad gave me when I was 9 I believe. I still have it and it's pretty much my go to gun... On it's second barrel ( Dang it sure wish it would have been up to me when it was rebarreled to go with a 1 : 10 twist or so)
My hunting buddy shoots a .222 Mag wich is a great gun, but you cross the 200yd mark with coyotes and the -250 shines !

Got to say though.... My new 700 VTR shoots the 60gr B-tip quite nicely :grin:
 
It must be shooting nice!

Te mice in your neck of the woods are sleeping with one eye open. :lol:
 
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