Ithought I was going to buy a used .204 from an uncle but after I took it to the range 2 days ago I found out it was not the shooter I was looking for so now I need to get a new one. I havepretty muchmade up mymind on a Model 25 Savage lightweight varminter but absolutely CANNOT decide on the caliber. I really liked the lack of recoil on the .204 I shot (and it was a compact ruger) thinking about the fact that I would be able to see the "show" on my shots but I have had a few buddies really try to steer me to the 22-250. I will be using it as a bench p-dog gun and a bush coyote gun shooting as far as I and the gun are capable of, so what do you guys think; for those of you that have both what do you prefer and why.

If you have a deer rifle already, I'd go with a 204. Look at a new ruger 26in. barrel m77.Thats what I got a few years back, and works very well for coyotes PDs and other small game out to at least 350yds.

Yep, I have a 25-06 for deer and love it. Actually here in CO we are limited to .243 and larger for deer anyways.

Under 200 yrds on yotes either should be fine. The 22-250 will have more knock down power of course. I worry about the .204 being another fade cartridge, you know the 22-250 has staying power. Recoil can always be tamed with a muzzle break for the praire dog show or a different bench stock with more weight.

Me personally, I'd go with the .22/250 as it has more versatility on loadings. You can load anything from 40gr and higher. I would stay away from the heavy for bore 5.56 bullets as most .22/250s are rifles 1-14".

I hunt for fur so the 204 ruger is my cup of tea. Less recoil, Less noise, fast, less pelt damage. But if you dont care for the pelt then 22-250 is the way to go.