.204 Ruger

[Oggie]

I finally bit the bullet and bought myself a .204 Ruger Rifle M77 Mark 11. Its beautiful and I'll put up some pics when I get the rifle home. It was a hard decision between the 22-250 and the .223 but finally I've decided this is the one based on its flat trajectory and almost negligible recoil. The thought was to plug the gap between my .22 and the 7mm08. Not sure if I've achieved this - any thoughts ? Was really hard to pass off on the .223 the key criteria being that the ammo is so much cheaper and the range of the same so much broader. Wonder if I've made the right call ! Your inputs would be great especially if any of you have used the .204 and the .223 ?

Regards,

Oggie

[prashantsingh]

Waiting for the snaps.
What do you plan to hunt with it?

[Oggie]

Hi Prashant,
Long range shots at bunnies. Medium range for wild goats. Its probably too light for deer so I'm not going to attempt it for fear that it might not be a humane kill.
Cheers,
Oggie

[Vikram]

Congratulations,Oggie! As Prashant says, photos please!

Unless head shot, would not the bunnies explode? I have not shot the .204. But looking at the ballistics and bullet choices, I wonder if it is really a suitable cartridge for goats. Vermin such as bunnies, gophers, foxes, etc., seem more appropriate. Please understand that I am not trying to rob you of the pleasure of your new purchase. Just thinking aloud and also trying to learn.

Best-
Vikram

[herb]

Congrats! pics?

Herb

[xl_target]

Congrats Oggie!
Eagerly waiting your photos and your range report.

I have looked at the .204 Ruger and it is an interesting cartridge.
While great for bunnies and rodents, I'm not sure about goats but I suppose it depends on the ammunition available.
Winchester makes a load with Nosler ballistic tips that might hold up and assure penetration but I think the vast majority of ammo available is meant for small varmints.
Please keep us appraised. Looking forward to your conclusions.

[Oggie]

Hi Guys,

Beg your forgiveness on the pics...they are coming I promise.

Vikram and Xl you make valid points about goat hunting. However having seen the .204 in action I've seen goats drop instantly with the 32 gn Hornady factory load with well placed in the zone shots. However I would not attempt Goats at varmint distances. The max I'd attempt a goat at would be the 100 yard range. Beyond that the caliber may not provide a humane kill. I must however admit that I am in 2 minds about trying this on goats anyway. I'm going to try it at the range first and foremost and then maybe some varminting in the south Island. Yes bunnies would explode with body shots in this caliber. However most south Island bunny shooting is a pest riddance exercise rather than meat hunting.

[Oggie]

Just cannot figure out how to post the pics ! Searched the forum base for "posting pictures" and "how to post pictures" with no luck either. Any advice ?

[xl_target]

Oggie,
Here is the thread on posting photos: http://indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5211

[Oggie]

Thanks Xl - sorry for the delay in getting these up. Have been busy doing inconsequential things like keeping the boss at bay ! Here are the images for the Ruger M77 Mark 2 .204

[Vikram]

Sweet,Ognish. Do let us know how it shoots when you get a chance.

BTW, for the photos to be displayed in your post, copy the "Direct"tag from the image and paste it between . Your photo will be displayed in your post.

Best-
Vikram

[xl_target]

Very nice Oggie!
The M77 is one of my favorite bolt action rifles. I like the looks and the ergonomics.

[Oggie]

Thanks Gents

The way things are looking at work gives me the feeling its gonna be a while before I can get away to the range for a shoot. That is my absolute priority for now. Have had it scoped with a Tasco Varmint 4 -16 x 46 (kept it cheap so that it escapes the wife's radar !) and had it manually bore sighted for now. The real shocker for me though was that since its a Ruger the rings had to be Ruger and the damn duo cost me NZ$ 180 !!!!! That's almost as much as I paid for the scope !

[TwoRivers]

Thanks Gents

The way things are looking at work gives me the feeling its gonna be a while before I can get away to the range for a shoot. That is my absolute priority for now. Have had it scoped with a Tasco Varmint 4 -16 x 46 (kept it cheap so that it escapes the wife's radar !) and had it manually bore sighted for now. The real shocker for me though was that since its a Ruger the rings had to be Ruger and the damn duo cost me NZ$ 180 !!!!! That's almost as much as I paid for the scope !

Did you buy the rifle new? The Ruger 77s come with a set of medium height rings.

[xl_target]

Thanks Gents

The way things are looking at work gives me the feeling its gonna be a while before I can get away to the range for a shoot. That is my absolute priority for now. Have had it scoped with a Tasco Varmint 4 -16 x 46 (kept it cheap so that it escapes the wife's radar !) and had it manually bore sighted for now. The real shocker for me though was that since its a Ruger the rings had to be Ruger and the damn duo cost me NZ$ 180 !!!!! That's almost as much as I paid for the scope !

Did you buy the rifle new? The Ruger 77s come with a set of medium height rings.

Yes, they should come with the rings from the factory.