.17 fireball vs. .204 ruger

[uplandhunter870]

buddy is interested in a new varmit rig.  hes debating between the 17 fireball and the 204 ruger.  we were talking about it today.  we both argreed on the idea that wind would really mess with the 17 and that the 204 "should" be a bit more resistant to wind.

was wondering what the over all concensus is here on the pros and cons of each caliber.  make and model of rifle is not important at this point just the ballistics.

thanks
Steve

[carpsniperg2]

you can go to hodgons and they will show you the velocity of both but you are spot on the 204 would be less drift 4 sure 204 hands down and alot alot alot more knock down with the 204 than the 17 fireball.

[509er]

It would be hard to the 204.   

[Bofire]

 :)not really a fair comparison, 204 is far faster, more powder capacity, 17 remington would be more comparable.
Carl

[CastleRocker]

The good old 17 Remington is FAST, and if you reload up a bit, it's REALLY FAST!  Wind drift is a function of many things, and "time exposure to wind" is one very important one.  I will have to chrono both my 17 Rem, and my 204 loads, and then do some math, but I think the drift will be very similiar, (or the 17 Rem may have the edge) at least the effective range of both bullets.  My 17 is the best thing I've ever shot coyotes with out to 150 yards.  After that I would take the 204, even though I have yet to kill anything with it.  I will say one thing about the 17 Remington vs. the 17 Fireball; for what it's worth, the Fireball produces a LOT less barrel heat. 

Are you shooting ground squirrel/prairie dog type varmints or predator type varmints?

[uplandhunter870]

thanks for the replies!

castlerocker--- it would be for everything coyote/bobcat and smaller such as rockchucks around here and gophers/prairie dogs in montana.

thanks
Steve

[jdb]

I think for called coyotes within 150 yards the .17 fireball would be a crackerjack! very fur friendly also.

[MtnMuley]

100% .204 imo  for the purpose you described.  Maybe the fireball for the prarie dogs in MT, but it's usually windy there, so the .204 prevails.

[let.it.fly]

i wish i could tell you what the 17 rem is capable of, i would end up in some trouble though. i can tell you that they are one hell of a bullet. speed definetly kills. sorry to leave you guys hanging... i can tell you that out to 500 yards it is still a great choice. with some good shooting and probly a lil luck it is capable of uch more then you would expect.