204 ruger vs 223

[cracked junior]

I'm not sure if I should put this in the rifle or in the handgun section. I want to get a Thompson Center single shot pistol. It will be used for prairie dogs to coyotes. I want a pistol to make it easier to carry on my dirt bike and 4 wheeler.

Now for my question. Which round is better the 204 ruger or the 223? I know 204 is faster then the 223. but the 223 is heavier so it might be better for coyotes.

Also not sure which pistol to get. The Encore or the G2 Contender. Any thoughts on that one?

 

[Outlaws]

If you are saving the pelts, get the .223, otherwise get the .204.

 

[duck911]

I own both calibers and normally, I'd say .204 HANDS DOWN, no contest. In my humble opinion it's the superior round in just about every aspect.

However.........

Factory .204 Encore barrels are notorious for having accuracy issues, and sometimes even quality handloads can't overcome the issues. I'm sure not every barrel is a problem, but I am just telling you what I've read.

I've not read the same complaints about .223 Encore pistol barrels. In fact, my .223 pistol barrel is insanely accurate. (but my .204 Remington 700 VLS will still shoot circles around it )

If you were buying any other platform other than an Encore, I'd say .204. If you have the bucks to spend on a CUSTOM barrel, I may even say .204 in an Encore.

But for factory ammo out of a factory barrel, you may have more luck getting the .223 to shoot well for you.

--Duck911

 

[cracked junior]

I read on Cabelas website in the rifle ammo area. One of the reviews said that the G2 Contender 204 cant shoot the heavier bullets because of key hole problems. the reviewer said a call to Thompson confirmed the G2 Contenders cant shoot anything over 35 grain to shoot properly. So with what you said about the Encores and depending on how accurate that Cabelas review is. the 223 might be the better round.

I do kind of like the Encore Pro Hunter because of the fluted barrels. I guess wait till some more reply.

 

[eliphalet]

Lots more choices in bullets in 223 and it shoots about as far as fast if you load a lighter bullet, go check a loading manual on what a 223 will do with a 40 grain bullet, over 3800 FPS. Not much difference when you look at it that way and you can load a much heaver bullet in the 223. Several advantages because of the popularity of the 223 and other 22 calibers and the 204 is very new and only one 20 caliber factory case is offered in 5MM or .20 caliber.
The new 204 is a dandy no doubt but if I was to pick one or the other as my only I would again pick a 223.

 

[Outlaws]

Factory .204 Encore barrels are notorious for having accuracy issues, and sometimes even quality handloads can't overcome the issues. I'm sure not every barrel is a problem, but I am just telling you what I've read.

I read on Cabelas website in the rifle ammo area. One of the reviews said that the G2 Contender 204 cant shoot the heavier bullets because of key hole problems. the reviewer said a call to Thompson confirmed the G2 Contenders cant shoot anything over 35 grain to shoot properly.

What is the twist rate and barrel length for the Encore 204 barrels? A lot of people report problems with 40gr in sub-24" barrels on various rifles with stock 1 in 12" twist. I would assume the Encore would need a faster twist.

 

[cracked junior]

Outlaws. You might be on to something. I checked Thompsons website doesnt say there. Cabelas has barrels, doesnt say there. midway usa website says its 1 in 12. with a 15 inch barrel. the 204 and 223 both have the 1 in 12 with 15 inch barrels.

 

[koja48]

I have a .204 carbine barrel from EABCO on my G2 & it's a quite accurate, but I only shoot 32 grain Hornadies . . . not hard on pelts, but my AR in .223 has the accuracy edge over the .204. I'd recommend .223 based on your post & the wider range of bullet options.

 

[cracked junior]

im thinking i will go with the 223 or 243. i was gonna get a 243 rifle but had money troubles. now have new job and hopefully can keep it. still have to pass some testing.

 

[cracked junior]

i didnt get either of them. its not thompson center either. i got a winchester model 70 super shadow 223 WSSM.

i know many people will say what a crappy round to get. but i like it so ha. also the case looks deformed since its a small bullet with a short/fat case so its kind of cool. i also like how little it weighs. for now ammo hasnt been problem to get. but im gonna reload for it.

also whats a good scope to get? it came with a simmons 3-9 x40. but its junk. i dont need what brand to get. just what powers and objective diameter would be good for it.

 

[Dave R]

If you reload, get the .204.

If you need cheap factory ammo, get the .223. Its that simple.

 

[cracked junior]

i already got the winchester rifle.

 

[Whitman31]

So you bought a gun based on what the ammo looks like...

 

[cracked junior]

i didnt know what the ammo looked like untill i got to my truck and opened the ammo box.

 

[rangerruck]

204 is superior ,in every way, except price. but if you handload, then no worries.