Just found an ar in .204, I know this was designed for varmints obviously, but if one picked one up in the middle of the night, would the terminal ballistics comoare to the obviously popular .223? Let's ignore body armor for now.....
Maybe silly.... .204 Ruger sd/hd
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Hog huntin Harry
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Hornady offers a 45 grain interlock in .204 Ruger, I imagine those would be perfect for HD/SD. A varmint load would also do well, although I would try to stay at 30 grains or heavier just to be sure enough fragments make it to the bad guy's vitals.
Yeah, 32 gr+ is what I was thinking, I may or may not know a guy who has harvested all his deer with one (not going there, educated him on legalities, leaving it alone) but was thinking that at such velocities, though maybe less than ideal, such a thing would surely not be laughed off, I know the 4 legged coyotes didn't used to laugh them off before the fast twist .22s became popular....
earlthegoat2
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I think there is a problem with proper bullets being available.
I think an FMJ would be preferable to a varmint bullet.
Since there are ARs readily available in 223, I think I would get one of those. Or I would buy a different upper for HD/SD and use the 204 for varminting. Unless ammo availability right this second is the angle.
I think an FMJ would be preferable to a varmint bullet.
Since there are ARs readily available in 223, I think I would get one of those. Or I would buy a different upper for HD/SD and use the 204 for varminting. Unless ammo availability right this second is the angle.
There biggest problem using a 204 for is that it's likely to be configured for varmints. Long barrel and a high magnification scope, both features a handicap for self defense.
The obvious answer is to configure an upper with a short barrel and sight for close work. At this point, it's more practical to choose the 5.56 over the 204.
The obvious answer is to configure an upper with a short barrel and sight for close work. At this point, it's more practical to choose the 5.56 over the 204.
It's better than a sharp stick. But there are better options for hd/sd.
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gotboostvr
Member
A 26" bull barrel varmint rifle would hardly be ideal clearing a room with a 5-15x scope.
I'd use the heaviest bullet that'll run. Maybe put an offset mini red dot on it and I'd call it good to go for defending a bedroom/top of the stairs which is what your typical HD encounter would be anyways. I'd feel pretty secure if that was my best and only option.
Something like this...
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Degree-Mount-Sights/dp/B01BCZWJA0
Plus something like this...
https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tro...ell+trs+25&qid=1605979294&sprefix=bush&sr=8-1
I'd use the heaviest bullet that'll run. Maybe put an offset mini red dot on it and I'd call it good to go for defending a bedroom/top of the stairs which is what your typical HD encounter would be anyways. I'd feel pretty secure if that was my best and only option.
Something like this...
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Degree-Mount-Sights/dp/B01BCZWJA0
Plus something like this...
https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tro...ell+trs+25&qid=1605979294&sprefix=bush&sr=8-1
BigBlue 94
Member
Bad guy isnt gonna know it was 223 or 204... Both are gonna hurt and make him think twice about advancing. High velocity does some weird things for wound channels.
Lets put it this way, i would feel way better having a 204 in my hands vs a 22 hornet, of which projectiles will readily compare with the 204.
I would advise to plan to get a 16" 223 upper when you can. 204 is relatively expensive and ARs are a hoot to shoot.
Lets put it this way, i would feel way better having a 204 in my hands vs a 22 hornet, of which projectiles will readily compare with the 204.
I would advise to plan to get a 16" 223 upper when you can. 204 is relatively expensive and ARs are a hoot to shoot.
So horsey300, have you already acquired the rifle or just thinking about it? If you are just considering it, another option might be preferable, like an HD shotgun. But, if you already have it, a 32gr .204 varmint bullet would do major damage. I shot a coyote running away from me at about 150 yards and hit him in his left hip. It almost took his leg off. The second finishing shot hit his neck and blew out a big chunk of his neck and throat. Sorry, for the gruesome detail, but wanted to give you an idea what a 32gr varmint bullet can do at 4000fps. So HD weapon? Maybe not, but could be very. effective.
Really I plan on swapping uppers on and off for different uses, I am already well set on .223, handguns, shotguns, etc but I was curious about the concept, if I were to grab the varmint gun I would not feel undergunned, I don't feel it's ideal for sure, and then on the other hand, with the scarcity of just about everything right now, I have a friend planning on getting his first ar, I found a very reasonably priced upper in .204 he's only planning on 2 uses, varmints and hd. Ideally we'll get him setup with a .22cf but it was a good enough price to ponder.....
I'd like to thank everyone for the responses!
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