Is the 204 ruger big enough for coyote hunting

[sirulrick]

Is the 204 ruger big enough to hunt coyotes in eastern North Carolina? The reason I ask, is in the area I live in that is the biggest caliber I can shoot without being eight feet off the ground and already own a dpms lr204 I use for groundhogs. I have some 40gr berger hpbt to load for it.

 

[Korhil78]

It sure is. I like to use a heavier caliber guns just because I don't like them running off if I make a less than perfect shot on one but that is just me. I used to use a 220 swift before that with 55 gr bullets and it did the job. The 204 will do just fine.

 

[submoa]

Yap great round ;-)

 

[royinidaho]

Yep!!!!

 

[Clint Idaho]

I have a 204 in the Howa Ranch. It is one sweet handling rifle. I have never had a problem laying a dog down with it. Farthest shot has been around 350. While the 243 is my main winter coyote rifle, the 204 is the one that goes in the summer (ground squirel, rockchuck and occasional coyote).

 

[lyotehunter]

i have killed close to 1000 coyotes to over 400yds with my 17.rem and 25gr. bergers.so i would say yes.gun)the number of coyotes i had run is so low that i won't say because i would be called a liar

 

[Outlaw6.0]

I have to agree with all above, the 204 works pretty well. I've killed several from 25yds to ~300yds. One & done. All with the lil 32grn V-max factory load, shoots so well I haven't bothered loading for it yet

 

[lyotehunter]

I have had over fourty years of pleasure from hunting coyotes and the last thing i would do is shoot one and let it suffer or get away.if i don't think i can make a clean kill i don't shoot.if the first one don't do the job i don't waste time waiting i shoot again.i don't leave them i skin them and sell the fur.

 

[Korhil78]

I shoot to kill also but I just like to use a larger caliber to ensure that I anchor them. I don't sell the fur. There are just way too many where I live at so I try to thin them down.

 

[lyotehunter]

i have hunted for ranchers also,and for the first of my hunting career i used the 22-250,and when the 17.became avalable i tried one and with berger bullets i had better results,[i shot coyotes in the lungs and had them run over 100yds. with the 22-250,not with the 17.the hydro.shock did more damage with te little 25gr. bullet.] seeing was believing

 

[6.5Express]

For me, the .204 Ruger + 35 grain berger = BAD COYOTE MEDICINE! I like it so much that I'm thinking of getting another one.

 

[Reeper338]

I have shot over 150 coyotes with the 204 and 40 Berger bullet combo. Everyone has been bang flop. No runners at all. It is my go to coyote rifle.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

For me, the .204 Ruger + 35 grain berger = BAD COYOTE MEDICINE! I like it so much that I'm thinking of getting another one.

I've heard of many guys reloading the 35grn Berger in their .204 but I can't figure out why. What am I missing with this bullet? The 32grn V-max offers a better BC from what I've researched & should theoretically (sic) should offer more velocity while doing it. I wouldn't think 3 grains would equal into much more "killing" power but...? Help me understand this please... no hostility intended, just curious.

I have shot over 150 coyotes with the 204 and 40 Berger bullet combo. Everyone has been bang flop. No runners at all. It is my go to coyote rifle.

Reeper, what velocities are you getting from the 40grn pills?

 

[Reeper338]

Reeper, what velocities are you getting from the 40grn pills?

Outlaw6.0 In my 204 I run the Berger 40 at 3600 fps in my R-15 Ar with great accuracy. I just built a 204 Ai on a savage action with a 1&9 twist barrel and a 1&12 twist. In the 1&12 I run the 40 Berger at 4188 fps with no preassure signs and it shoots a raged hole when I do my part. Then I did a 1&9 twist barrel to shoot the 55 Berger and run them at 3560 fps and it too will shoot a raged hole at 100 yards when I do my part. The 55 Bergers make the 204 a totally different gun with the high B.C. I was told that taking a 204 and Ai it was a waste of time and would gain little but for me it was worth every penny. The 1&12 twist barrel is a stock savage barrel and before I Ai it with the 40's I could only get 3718 fps before seeing preassure signs and after setting it back and running the 204Ai reamer in I am able too get the 40's to 4188 with no preassue signs yet. I cant wait to shoot a coyote with the new set up.
Later Pete