What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Another Dang 9
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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I'm a big fan of the obsolete stuff and have had lots of fun with my .221 Fireball.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Kevinbear,
I decided on the Savage model 12 in .204 Ruger. The gun is in stock and ammo is not a problem. I will need to get Redding dies. Also, I might take my AR with me. Thanks.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Jerry G,
I will be taking the AR and the Savage in .204 Ruger. Don't plan on hunting coyotes.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Another Dang 9,
What about the .222 or 22 Hornet? Have those?
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by kevinbear »

whale wrote:Kevinbear,
I decided on the Savage model 12 in .204 Ruger. The gun is in stock and ammo is not a problem. I will need to get Redding dies. Also, I might take my AR with me. Thanks.
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Good choice, wear plugs and muffs when shooting a 204, they have a loud bark for such a small cartridge.
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Trent
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Trent »

Kevin, I don't know where you heard that but you've been saying that since before I bought mine. It simply isn't true. It's barely louder than a .223, and absolutely no louder than a short barreled AR-15 (M4) in .223/5.56.

With a 26" barrel it is extremely tame.

Where did you get this idea that it is so loud?
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by kevinbear »

Trent, several of the guys at the club have them, to me there is a significant difference in muzzle blast, keep in mind that I'm making that judgment from standing to the side. About a month ago I was at Ben Lomond and as usual there were many AR's on the line including carbines as well as a 204, you could pick that 204 out blindfolded.
Don't feel that I'm picking on one of your favorite calibers Trent, I'm not, I really don't care how loud the 204 is or isn't, it's just my observation, if you think I'm wrong just say so and move on.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by whale »

Trent,
After visiting the 204ruger.com website, I wanted to know if you had problems with the older reloader 10 before they switched to reloader 10X? I don't have either. However, I have some benchmark and a friend of mine says he has reloader 10.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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I've only used RL-10x, sorry.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

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Trent,
No problem. Just picked up 1 pound of benchmark. Thanks for the link. I just have to buy a new scope and rings.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by whale »

Trent,
Just received my .204 Ruger ammo by Hornady. Also, received my Savage rifle in .204 Ruger. Last but not least I ordered my Redding dies for the .204 Ruger. I will let you know about my varmint hunt when I get back. Thanks again for all your help and the spreadsheet.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Jerry G »

Both of thoes guns will take down a coyote unless they are smuggling drugs. Have a great time shooting them litgtle fellers. It's a hoot. :-bd
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Another Dang 9 »

Whale good luck on your hunt. Let me know what distance you were shooting from. Im curious as to the effectiveness of the .204 at distance! Also the Triple duce and Hornet are good choices. The hornet is effective out to 150 yards after that I would want more punch from my gun.
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by Leadlobber »

Good info, here I am looking to add a .204 most likely Savage 12 ...have scope on the way.I was impressed with a friends success out in the panhandle . Interesting some claim 400 yds max others I know have connected out over 600 yds. I blame the wind ...I used ear plugs and muffs , jet engines have robbed me of upper frequencies ....what was that you said dear ??? It does have advantages at times
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Re: What caliber for varmint hunting?

Post by malinois »

If i get a chance to shoot varmints...I will load 40 grain v-max's in the old ar...should be good out to 300 yards...
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