Ruger 204

[oz_lowrider]

I've been checking out as much info as I can on the Ruger 204. One of my reasons for thinking about this calibre is that I have nothing between
.22mag and .243. The old .17 Rem seems to have had it's day and my pet dislike about this calibre is the very loud report. When shooting varnmits on someone elses property where other farm animals roam the last thing you want is these animals getting stirred up by loud noises. So I looked at the .204 Ruger and from all the videos I've seen it's just as noisy as the .17 Rem.
I know you can't have velocity and down wind performance without noise but surely a small calibre could be quieter? What do others think?

 

[Big Bill]

I can't think of any round that doesn't make some noise. I guess the .223 or .22 Hornet may be the ticket though. I don't remember my M16a1 making THAT much noise.

 

[Ifishsum]

I absolutely love my .204, but it definitely has a good report (the noise doesn't bother me). About the only semi-common cartridge I can think of above .22WMR that's not as loud is the .22 Hornet, but ballistically that round isn't even in the same universe as the .204. The .223 is not significantly quieter in my experience. The two cartridges use a very similar amount of powder. Case capacity will have more to do with the report than the caliber....

 

[R.W.Dale]

suppressor for the thread win!

 

[Roo]

Suppressors are essentially impossible to own legally here in Aus, Krochus. Lowrider - good to see another aussie! Anyway, my vote would be the .22 hornet. If you are only shooting bunnies and foxes with it (even up to skippy), it's all the power you would need, and it's apparently quiter than 204 (for reference sake, I have not heard a 204).

 

[Rancho Relaxo]

The 204 is a great performer, but quiet it ain't. Sounds like you'd like a 221 Rem. Fireball, 17 Rem. Fireball or a 22 Hornet for a quieter varminting experience.