.204 vs .22-250 for coyotes?

[MATT .45-70]

Hi im new to the forum I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the .204 vs the .22-250 for coyote hunting. I am new to coyote hunting, I currently own a stevens model 200 in .22-250, but I am wanting to upgrade rifles. I am looking at the savage model 25 LV-T, it seems to be a good deal for everything you get. I know the .22-250 is a proven round for coyotes but this rifle is not offered in it, only caliber that it is offered in that im interested in is .204. I know that shot placement is the most important thing in hunting, Im just not sure if the .204 has enough power to knock down a yote. I do plan on reloading it so any tips as far as bullets, powders, or primers is greatly appreciated as well as opinions on this rifle.

Thanks for your time and info on this subject.

 

[klutchless]

204 is a good round for yotes if its placed right.Have you looked at a cz in 223.Alot cheaper to reload and you can find your eccentials alot easier.

 

[MATT .45-70]

I was just on the cz website, I looked at them, and cz does make great guns, both pistols and rifles I especially like the cz 75, but the reason I like the savage 25 is I really like the thumbhole stock, the heavy 24'' barrel and I really like the accutrigger. It really surprises me, Savage has made great strides towards accuracy, I already own several savage rifles in larger calibers and they are great rifles, I feel somewhat loyal to them for always paying attention to their customer base.

 

[Shurshot]

.204 will definately kill a yote dead. only problem is they are lighter bullets and affected by wind easier, but if you can hit it good it will certainly do the job.

 

[Grumulkin]

Not only will a 204 Ruger take a yote, it will also take a deer at well over 200 yards. As noted, bullet placement is the key.

That said, you will have an advantage of range and power with a 22-250 over a 204 Ruger.

 

[NCsmitty]

It's hard to beat the case capacity and range of the 22-250, with the 204 and 223 very similar to each other, but 100yds shorter range.
As noted, the 204 is even more susceptible to a fickle wind.

I know the .22-250 is a proven round for coyotes

And that's the name of that tune, so why downgrade?



NCsmitty

 

[MATT .45-70]

one of the things i was a bit worried about is the effective range of the .204. In MO there are not many oppourtunities to take 200+ yard shots, but I hunt a few places where a shot like that is not out of the question. Any suggested bullet weights?

As far as switching caliber I would rather not but the rifle im looking at is $609 and it comes in .22 hornet, .222, .223 .204 and 5.7x 28
out of those im really only interested in 204.

I have an ar in 5.56, its a CMMG so its a good brand just very dissapointed with accuracy ( i reload it and have tried multiple bullet weights, I think its due to the short barrel), so im not really interested in the 223.

The next rifle i like that is in 22-250 costs about $350 more for all the same features as the 204, except its in stainless and comes in 22-250 Im on a budget so I would like to stay a little cheaper, I just cant justify spending 350 extra just to get the caliber i want if a 204 can do the job

 

[Art Eatman]

In talking to a south Georgia coyote hunter, he's pleased with his .204. As near as I can tell, his max opportunities for shots seem to run 200 to 250 yards; good results out to there, anyhow.

Absent problems with wind, I'd figure the .204 to reach out on a coyote to 200 for a clean kill, anyhow...

FWIW, you might consider contacting CMMG for just a barrel. I have one of their complete uppers with a slow-twist 20" lightweight barrel for varmints. With a K4 on it (already had the scope and mounts handy) it's sub-moa from my bench. Good truck gun.

I know that in .223, a 50- to 55-grain boat-tail soft- or hollow-point bullet will work on Wily to around 300 yards. Again, absent strong cross-winds.

 

[Grumulkin]

I use 45 gr. Hornady Spire Points in my 204 Ruger and it will easily do 300+ yards.

 

[BoilerUP]

I've never shot my 204 beyond 100yd so I don't have any personal experience, but I really don't get the argument that the 204 is more affected by wind than any common 22 centerfire.

A 39 or 40gr .204 bullet has a higher BC than any 55gr 224 bullet, and leaves the muzzle at a greater velocity than even a 22-250. If you're the type to believe ballistics tables, the 204 has less drift and drop to 500yd than a 55gr 22-250. I mean when you think about it, nobody ever disagrees that a 6.5 or 7mm bullet with a higher BC traveling at a higher velocity drifts less than a slower, lower BC 30cal bullet...

I own both a 204 and 22-250 along with a 223, and while I haven't put any coyotes down with anything smaller than a 270 (target of opportunity), I'd probably prefer the 22-250 as a yote rifle as its extra energy might help me make a clean, quick kill.

Unless you're set on buying another rifle, why not just "upgrade" your Stevens with a new thumbhole stock, and maybe a heavy barrel?

 

[Pokyman]

I have owned both the 22-250 and the 204. You are talking about two calibers that are similar in performance. At ranges that most shots are made on coyotes, you will not see much difference in performance. Unless you just want another rifle, pick either cartridge and stay with it. Can't go wrong with either.

 

[BigN]

I have both calibers and if you want one that is more versatile, choose the larger 22-250...If you ever decide to go after bigger game, the 204 is limited, the 22-250 is not. I've shot many deer over the years with a 22-250, drops them like a rock. I wouldn't try it with a 204. The 204 is a great little round but it needs to be used within its effective limits.

 

[Ankeny]

I have a couple of .204 rifles that I hunted coyotes with for 3 seasons. I use 35 grain Berger bullets and they work great. There is no denying a 22-250 will thump them harder at extended ranges, but the .204 works at reasonable ranges. Neither caliber is worth a hoot in the wind in comparison to a .243, 6mm. .260. etc. using the higher BC bullets.

FWIW, the .204 has become quite popular in the west with our smaller sized coyotes, but the jury seems to be out in those areas that have larger dogs.

 

[MATT .45-70]

Thanks everyone for all the help I just left Dunns and decided to go with a savage 12fv in .22-250 its got a heavy 26'' barrel and accutrigger, and what seems like an oversized bolt handle. it was a bit cheaper than the .204 with the thumbhole, but hey the savings was just enough that i ordered a ross varmint thumbhole stock from boyds.

Coyotes and bobcats beware!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BigN]

Good choice. Savage makes a sweet heavy varmint rifle and you can never go wrong with a 22-250...

 

[MATT .45-70]

I love the rifle just finished it!

I installed a pepper colored boyds thumbhole stock

a 6-24 power red/green illuminated scope with 3" sunshade and flip caps

and a shooters ridge rock mount 6"-9" bipod

just shot it tonight and its great

 

[svtruth]

Guns&Ammo

this month has an article comparing these very same two rounds.