Carbine Ruger 204

[pisces 0]

I'm looking for a Ruger 204 to be used as a walkabout rifle for long range vermin and the occasional fox.

 

But, the only rifle I've found with a 20" barrel is a Sako 85 and, according to the Sportsman Gun Center, they don't normally import this model and it would take about 9 months to get one. So, that's out.

 

Meanwhile, I've found a s/h chopped Howa 1500 on GunTrader with a 20" barrel but there is a question mark re' it's accuracy.

 

I'm reluctant to buy new and then immediately get it shortened as it would invalidate the manufacturer's warranty.

 

So, any other suggestions for a Ruger 204 carbine ?

[Guest JohnGalway]

22" barrel here, have handled this rifle last year and I liked it.

[SportingShooter 0]

So still insistent on the .204 then?

[pisces 0]

22" barrel here, have handled this rifle last year and I liked it.

 

Thanks for the info'. Something to think about since it seems that it's not possible to find a factory 20" fluted barrel in UK for a Ruger 204.

 

 

So still insistent on the .204 then?

 

Pretty much, based on: high MV, high BC, good accuracy and low recoil.

[SportingShooter 0]

Have you found a reliable source for ammunition then?

 

I agree on the other points, the BC will beat most .224 bullets and 4000 fps + is just that bit more than the .22-250 and .243. Its just a barrel burner.

 

Ammunition is going to be your stumbling block as it will be few and far between and expensive.

 

Regards

SS

 

P.S. I suppose you have looked at the slightly longer Sako 85? Here or

 

The even longer Tikka T3 Varmint? Here. You could always have them shortened when you have the barrel screw cut as they can be re-crowned the same time.

[pisces 0]

Have you found a reliable source for ammunition then?

 

I agree on the other points, the BC will beat most .224 bullets and 4000 fps + is just that bit more than the .22-250 and .243. Its just a barrel burner.

 

Ammunition is going to be your stumbling block as it will be few and far between and expensive.

 

Regards

SS

 

P.S. I suppose you have looked at the slightly longer Sako 85? Here or

 

The even longer Tikka T3 Varmint? Here. You could always have them shortened when you have the barrel screw cut as they can be re-crowned the same time.

 

At present I am in the process of investigating reloading.

 

Is the Ruger 204 considered to be a "barrel burner" ?

[SportingShooter 0]

Is the Ruger 204 considered to be a "barrel burner" ?

 

The .204 is not too bad, it is probably on par with the .22-250. About 3000 ish rounds before you notice a difference is accuracy.

 

It is certainly not as bad as the .17 Rem Mag, the .223 WSM or the .220 Swift.

 

Any gun that pushes a bullet at 4000 fps+ is going to wear barrels faster than most.

 

Regards

SS

[jamie g 17]

Have you found a reliable source for ammunition then?

 

I agree on the other points, the BC will beat most .224 bullets and 4000 fps + is just that bit more than the .22-250 and .243. Its just a barrel burner.

 

Ammunition is going to be your stumbling block as it will be few and far between and expensive.

 

Regards

SS

 

P.S. I suppose you have looked at the slightly longer Sako 85? Here or

 

The even longer Tikka T3 Varmint? Here. You could always have them shortened when you have the barrel screw cut as they can be re-crowned the same time.

 

At present I am in the process of investigating reloading.

 

Is the Ruger 204 considered to be a "barrel burner" ?

 

hi mate the 204 is a cracking rifle from what i have read on the net. get it if you reload if not i think your going to find ammo hard to come by ! and if you do find some but it dont shoot well in that rifle what you going to do then ?

 

the 22/250 ammo is dear but its there if you want it. i was speaking to a lad the other day that has a 22/250 and he has shot 4000 rounds + in it ! and its going strong still. he said the key is to look after the barrel but dont over clean it and run stupidly fast reloads though it.

 

the recoil of the 22/250 is a bit of a kick but with mod should be no more then a 223. dont forget the more weight you have in the rifle the less recoil it will be. my rifle is about 13 pound in weight but once the mod is on the sight picture shouldnt move to much.

 

i would have the 22/250 but thats just me at the moment im using sako 50gr gamepoint and it runs at 3772fps !

that is more then you need for a good distance look what it does to a 12mm steel plate ! so what will it do to a fox http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff19/ja...17/DSC05231.jpg front

 

and back http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff19/ja...17/DSC05233.jpg

[Guest JohnGalway]

At present I am in the process of investigating reloading.

 

I think that's a good idea Most of the trouble I've heard with 204's is to do with the factory ammo not shooting well in some rifles, and I do stress some. But with reloading you can solve that problem

[CharlieT 32]

.204 really needs a longish barrel to achieve it's mv, which is why they all have fairly longish barrels.

I have been using a Howa in .204 for the past 18 months and have found it to be a highly accurate using Remington 40gr factory ammo. It is a fantastic caliber and great fun to shoot.

I have yet to find a shop that does not stock .204 ammo !!