First off, hello. I'm new here but stumbled upon hunting.net in my quest for more information on rifles. I've found lots of info already, but not even a search could bring up reviews of the 204 Ruger caliber.

Anyway, I'm looking to get a varmint rifle. This rifle would be primarily used for walking around a farm shooting groundhogs. Besides groundhogs, I'm not real sure what else I'd hunt. There is the possibility of white tail deer, racoon, and squirrel in the future, so they should be taken into consideration.

From what I've read, 204 seems to be the best for an all purpose varmint gun. Do you agree/disagree?
Would 204 be enough for deer?
Should I look for a bull barrel or will it not be worth lugging it's weight around the fields?

Also, would 204 be an appropriate choice or should I consider 223 or 243?