Since you called it a "predator" rifle I assume you won't do the high-volume shooting that prairie dog hunters are known for. If this is the case you should throw out the "barrel life" arguement. We're talking thousands of rounds...you'll likely put less than 200 a year through your rifle. (+1 for 22-250) If you are really concerned with it make the conscious effort to let the barrel cool between shots...the best way to "burn" a barrel out is to rapid fire. (hot metal is soft metal, soft metal is easy to errode) Since you talked about loading the NPs I'll assume it might pull some deer duty. (-1 for the 204, +1 for 223,+1 for 22-250). The .223 will have a tighter twist that is required for the heavy 60gr NPs. If you get a NON-remington 22-250 they'll likely have a 1:12" twist which just might be enough. The remingtons are 1:14 and just won't do it. I've tried. I can keep them from tumbling for a short distance but accuracy is horrible. You can also try Speer's Trophy Bonded Bear claw, Barnes 53gr X bullets, or winchester's 64gr Power Points. I've having luck with the barnes in my remmy...but DANG they are expensive! The 223 will be much cheaper to practice with because it's a mil-surplus caliber. (22-250 is expensive around here and I can't hardly find 204 ammo...when I do it is also expensive)

I have a 22-250 and have shot a friends 204 and several 223s. I'd buy a .223. Cheaper to shoot, can take deer if properly loaded, and if you need something with less recoil you don't need to shoot anything. If you need something that shoots flatter you need to move up to the 22-250, not down to the 204 so you can keep your deer option open.

I'd also look at savage guns personally. Out-of-the-box accurate and IF you ever did burn a barrel out (we're talking in 10 years unless you shoot ALOT...then make if five) you can just by a new barrel, a $15 tool and swap it out with a littel internet research yourself.