204 ruger or 22-250

[mkcj]

My 18 y/o son wants to buy a gun to shoot at the range and some longer range shooting he is stuck between the 2 of these rounds. What do you all think cost of shooting and things like that.

[GoldTip]

I haven't checked prices of the 204 ammo, but I would think it runs around the same price as the 22-250.  The long range capabilities of the 204 have been questioned however due to bullet weight and wind drift.  I would say over all if there is going to be some long range shooting (upwards of 400+ yards) I would personally lean to the 22-250.

[KillBilly]

If he eventually intends to hunt with it, you might step up to a .243, then it would legal for all game. If this is just a range rifle, then I agree that the 22-250 would be my preference also.

[Bofire]

22-250 is legal for Cougars, a 204 is not. that makes my choice for me. If not hunting either are fine.
my 2
Carl

[Sagedawg]

 I have both of these calibers, and I like both of them very much. With that being said, my preferance would be the 22/250. The reason being, less wind drift at longer range, as well as a heavier bullet. My 204 does wonders, but only when the wind isnt blowing. I also second the vote for the .243, or better yet the 260 rem.


  Sage

[Intruder]

I have both of these calibers, and I like both of them very much. With that being said, my preferance would be the 22/250. The reason being, less wind drift at longer range, as well as a heavier bullet. My 204 does wonders, but only when the wind isnt blowing. I also second the vote for the .243, or better yet the 260 rem.
  Sage

+1 (.260 is a great round)

If you don't reload the cost effectiveness the .223 is hard to beat.

[tlbradford]

Please, please will somebody tell me why several experienced gunners that have already answered the original question have stated that the .204 has a problem with wind drift.  The wind drift is less with a .204 than a .22-250.  The .204 has a better bc in most bullets when compared to the .22-250.  It takes 400 yards until the .22-250 equals the performance of the .204.  Then it exceeds it past that point.  The .204 has a lot less recoil.  Watching the impact of a bullet is priceless.  The .204 produces less heat because it uses less powder, which means your barrell doesn't heat up as fast, if shooting a large number of rounds.

That being said Bofire is correct that the .22-250 is legal on cougar and the .204 is not.  The .223 is cheapest to shoot IF you do not reload, and isn't too far behind these two rounds in performance with a quality bullet.  IF you reload the .204 is cheapest to shoot because it uses about 25% less powder.

If you reload and want to look at wildcats, the 20 TAC is tough to beat in the 20 caliber range.  For target shooting a 20 BR is amazing, but best loaded one round at a time because of the steep shoulder.

[mkcj]

We have a 243 already I think he will mostly range shoot and use for yotes and chucks we do not reload at this time but would like to in the future and we have a bushmaster 223 but this will be the first gun he buys himself I got him a tikka t3 in 300wsm for christmas last year so thats his deer and elk gun but to much to shoot that on the pocket and shoulder.

[MountainWalk]

of the two, i would take the 22-250.. but id much rather have a swift!

[LongTatLaw]

22-250 would be my choice but as already suggested... may wanna consider the 220 swift, also a 20 cal great shooter.

[ICEMAN]

I would take the 22-250, but I would rather have a Remington .17 Mach IV  

[LongTatLaw]

Well its not in the same cat but cant believe the accuracy Jay and Catwith bumps get from a .17 HMR

[demontang]

My .223 is only 100fps slower then the 204 but it loses speed a little faster. I have a .204 right now and its a shooter but it sits in my safe when I go out. I would go with the 22-250, they are a blast to shoot and are just as flat shooting as the .204 out to 400yd then it takes over.

[mkcj]

Thanks everyone he has been reading this and is going with the 22-250 when he gets it and puts a scope on I will make sure he posts a picture

[BC CHASER]

I own a 22-250 and love it! What make and model is he considering?  I bought a rem. 700 sps. Bull barrel satin black.  It makes a great varmint gun and you can use it in Montana for big game though I would shy away from shooting anything other than antelope and varmints.  I paid $600 for mine at kesselrings and it had a $50 mail-in rebate on it.  G.I. Joes has had them for $550 and it seems there is a rebate for them everyother month or so check Remington's website if that's what you decide to go with.  I smoked my antelope with mine last year and I love it! At Kesselrings you can buy 40 rnds for about $27.  I'm sure you can find them for even cheaper.