As its going to be his rifle and both choices will serve and you reload both, why not ask him which he wants?My son, soon to be 16, has asked for a varmint rifle. I am a fan of 204 and 223 for varminting, which I have both. Either caliber would suit for what it is used for, mostly groundhog hunting in Ohio and Kentucky. Also can be used for other "small" applications. If anything bigger is required, we can step up to the 243 or 6.5x55.
I am also set up to reload for both, so, just looking for some outside insight to push one over the edge.
.224 is going to be more readily available,Perhaps your son will find it easier to get hits and enjoy the experience more with the flat shooting .204
He reloads. There is no difference in availability..224 is going to be more readily available,
Locally, that may not be true. If ordering from the Internet, then yes, it is a nonissue. If you're like me and prefer to shop locally, then there's no shortage of options for .223 rem.He reloads. There is no difference in availability.
Locally, that may not be true. If ordering from the Internet, then yes, it is a nonissue. If you're like me and prefer to shop locally, then there's no shortage of options for .223 rem.