I voted for the .223. I'll tell you why...The 22.250 is great for longer ranges, if you practice a lot. The .223 is just as good out to 300 yards. After the 300 yards if you don't practice a ton, give it up.The cost of ammo practicing a lot can put a hurt on ya! I have a Remington 22.250 Varmint and it is a smoking gun, but out to 300 yardsmy .223 is right there with it, and a hell of a lot cheaper to practice with. I've never owned a .204, but I have a several friends that were not to impressed. The say they lack knock down power and had several yotes run and had to track them.(very fur friendly though)