I'm going to buy my first Handi-rifle, and was deciding between a .223, .243, and 22-250 for coyotes and long range plinking. Now, NEF has the Handirifle in the new Ruger .204. I've seen the Ruger press release, but no reviews yet. Anyone know anything about it?

I just read somewhere that these guns will not go on sale until May...so I guess nobody has bought one yet...

Any forethoughts about this upcoming caliber?

I ask a buddy of mine that owns a gunshop about when he expects to get some of the 204's. He's been checking and told me that the earliest he hopes to have them is mid to late May. As for the round, if what I've read is true, it'll be a varminter's dream. I guess only time will tell.

I'm a little skeptical. I can't help but wonder if the .204 Ruger is just another solution without a problem. I think that maybe they're trying to ride the wave created by the .17HMR with another micro-bore varmint gun. But something tells me that the centerfire .204 just isn't going to compete with the well established high velocity varminters like the 22-250 and the .220 Swift. Time will tell, I guess.

Mike

It definitetly smacks of a marketing ploy, doesn't it?

There isn't much of a hole in the centerfire varmint cartridge line up. The 204 I believe will use the same case as the 17Rem, and the .223. but have a 20 cal. bullet. Now there isn't a lot of difference in the 17rem and the .223 that we need another caliber to fill that gap. I think its a case of if we make it they will buy it.

I never thought ruger had enough pull in the firearms business in the last decade to push new cartidges and make them last as big green and winchester does. Take the 480 for example. It holding its own but I can't see it ever being a big seller.

I already have a 22-250, so it's unlikely that I need this gun. Besides, my favorite coyote medicine is a twelve gauge. Can't get much money for the pelts anymore anyway.

I just read an article on this caliber and it's not for handloaders. Aparently the powder they use to get their spectacular velocity is not avalible to the public, and without it you won't be able to match factory ammo. There isn't a real need for a varmint cartridge that you can't load up to its full potential.IMHO The field is pretty full with the 17 REM and the .223. If you want more power the 22-250 or 220 Swift.

In the latest Rifle Shooter magazine, Ruger's ad reads that this new .204 is based on the same dimensions as the .223 Rem case. Afew pages further on, a product review of this new cartridge says that it is based on the .222 Magnum case. ?????????