Which is Better for Coyote Hunting: .204 Ruger or .22-250?

Gun & Shooting
1

I’m in the market for a new varmint rifle and I’m trying to decide between the .204 Ruger and the .22-250. Both cartridges have their pros and cons, and I want to know which one performs better in the field, particularly for coyote hunting.

Performance Comparison

  • Ballistics: I’ve read that the .204 Ruger has a flatter trajectory and lower recoil, which could enable quicker follow-up shots. On the other hand, the .22-250 boasts incredible velocity and effective range. For those who’ve tried both, how do you feel about their ballistics in real hunting scenarios?
  • Effective Range: What are your experiences with each cartridge at varying distances? I’m particularly interested in ranges where accuracy and stopping power are crucial for taking down coyotes.

Powder and Recoil

  • I’ve also heard that the .204 can be less punishing in terms of recoil, making it easier for prolonged shooting sessions. Is that true? For someone who likes to spend all day at the range, does this make a significant difference in your shooting experience?

Ammunition Availability

  • Another consideration is the availability of ammo. Are both cartridges readily available or does one tend to be easier to find? As you know, sometimes the hunt can be impacted by whether we can get the ammo we need.

Personal Experiences

  • I’d love to hear about your personal experiences using these cartridges. Have you had a standout moment with either one? For example, how do they perform against wind or on challenging days?

Final Thoughts

  • Ultimately, I want to make an informed decision before I buy. If you have any insights or recommendations based on your hunting experience, please share! What do you prefer and why?

Thanks in advance for your input!

2

I’ve been using the .22-250 for coyotes for years. Its flatter trajectory really helps when shooting at longer ranges.

3

That’s true! But I’ve heard the .204 Ruger has less wind drift, making it more reliable in breezy conditions.

4

I agree, the .204 Ruger is versatile. I’ve used it under 300 yards without any issues, and the recoil is manageable too.

5

For me, I value the .22-250’s stellar performance beyond 400 yards. It’s hard to beat its velocity and stopping power.

6

That’s fair, hjohnson. But don’t forget that the .204 can be easily tuned for various loads, which is an advantage.

7

I’ve shot both, but I still find the .204 more fun due to its lighter recoil. It makes for a more enjoyable day out hunting!

8

Is it true that the .22-250 tends to drift more in wind compared to the .204? This is something I’ve been curious about.

1 Like
9

I’ve noticed that too, yoconnor. Wind drift is critical, especially in open terrain where coyotes can appear from multiple directions.

10

Bullet drop is another important factor. At what range do you typically set your sights for the .204?

11

I usually set mine around 200 yards for the .204, bfitzgerald. Beyond that, it seems to drop a bit more than the .22-250.

12

What about barrel life? I’ve heard .22-250 might wear out barrels quicker due to the speed.

13

That’s a valid point! The .204 often has longer barrel life, especially with lighter loadings.

14

I love how both cartridges have their pros and cons. It’s all about finding what suits your hunting style best!

15

Exactly! It’s really about personal preference and the environment where you hunt. Anyone here have personal stories using both?

16

I once killed a coyote at 450 yards with my .22-250. It was exhilarating! But I think the .204 would be more fun for closer hunts.

4 Likes
17

You know, I once tried both cartridges in the same day just for fun! The .22-250 felt more powerful, while the .204 was a breeze to shoot. Too much fun!

18

At the end of the day, both calibers are great. It’s more about your shooting style, and the situation you find yourself in!

19

I’ve had great success using the .22-250 for coyote hunting. It offers excellent velocity and accuracy. When you hit a coyote with this round, they don’t go far!

2 Likes
20

The .204 Ruger is a classic choice too. It’s lighter and has less recoil, making it great for follow-up shots if needed. Anyone else seen this in action?