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204 Ruger

The 204 Ruger ammunition is a high-velocity centerfire cartridge known for its exceptional accuracy and flat trajectory. Developed in 2004 by Hornady and Ruger, it features a .204-inch caliber bullet propelled by a small powder charge, resulting in blazing muzzle velocities exceeding 4,000 feet per second. This lightweight, fast-moving round is perfect for varmint hunting and long-range shooting, delivering impressive terminal performance and minimal wind drift. Its small size and reduced recoil make it a popular choice for shooters looking for a potent yet manageable cartridge, particularly for small- to medium-sized game. The 204 Ruger offers superb ballistic characteristics and an excellent combination of velocity, accuracy, and efficiency.

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  • .204 Ruger 32 Grain Hornady V-Max~ The .204 Ruger is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Ruger. in 2004. At the time of its introduction, the .204 Ruger was the second highest velocity commercially produced ammunition and the only centerfire cartridge produced commercially for bullets of .204 inch/5 mm caliber. The 204 Ruger was developed from the .222 Remington Magnum, which has the second largest case capacity in the family that began with the .222 Remington. The .204 Ruger was intended primarily for varmint rifles, which require bullets with flat trajectories but not much mass or kinetic energy. The .204 was “splitting the difference” between the popular .224 varmint rounds such as the .220 Swift and .22-250 Remington, and the tiny .172 caliber rounds such as the .17 Remington and the .17 HMR. The resulting cartridge provides somewhat higher velocities than any of these, giving a maximum point blank range of more than 270 yards (250 m).Hornady’s V-Max Bullets feature a polymer tip which enhances accuracy and promotes devastating expansion. The tip raises the ballistic coefficient for faster velocity and helps to stabilize the bullet in flight. It also acts as a wedge, initiating bullet expansion.

    Choice Ammunition manufactures the .204 Ruger in several bullet selections, all which are 100% hand-loaded for superior performance, reliability and accuracy over “factory” produced rounds.

    Bullet: The V-Max bullet, with its combination of proven materials, innovative design and streamlined profile, the Hornady V-MAX represents the pinnacle of what a specialized varmint bullet can achieve, offering straight-line trajectories, enhanced accuracy, dramatic expansion and explosive fragmentation at a wide range of distances and velocities.  The industry’s leading varmint bullet with polymer tip and streamlined design results in flat trajectories. The concentricity of the match grade AMP bullet jacket provides maximum accuracy at all ranges as well as explosive expansion, even at velocities as low as 1600 fps.

    • Velocity 3920 fps
    • 100% Hand-Loaded
    • G-1 BC 0.21
    Add to cart

    26 in stock

  • .204 Ruger 32 Grain Nosler Ballistic Tip~ The .204 Ruger is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Ruger. in 2004. At the time of its introduction, the .204 Ruger was the second highest velocity commercially produced ammunition and the only centerfire cartridge produced commercially for bullets of .204 inch/5 mm caliber. The 204 Ruger was developed from the .222 Remington Magnum, which has the second largest case capacity in the family that began with the .222 Remington. The .204 Ruger was intended primarily for varmint rifles, which require bullets with flat trajectories but not much mass or kinetic energy. The .204 was “splitting the difference” between the popular .224 varmint rounds such as the .220 Swift and .22-250 Remington, and the tiny .172 caliber rounds such as the .17 Remington and the .17 HMR. The resulting cartridge provides somewhat higher velocities than any of these, giving a maximum point blank range of more than 270 yards (250 m).

    Nosler’s Varmint Ballistic Tip Bullets are designed for violent expansion upon impact. The bullet is tipped with a polycarbonate tip which rapidly drives back forcing the thin jacket to expand and fragment. The heavy base prevents deformation during firing and the boat-tail design increases the ballistic efficiency of the bullet.

    Choice Ammunition manufactures the .204 Ruger in several bullet selections, all which are 100% hand-loaded for superior performance, reliability and accuracy over “factory” produced rounds.

    • Velocity 3920 Fps
    • 100% hand loaded
    • G-1 BC 0.206
    Add to cart

    46 in stock

  • .204 Ruger 32 Grain Nosler Varmageddon HP~ The .204 Ruger is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Ruger. in 2004. At the time of its introduction, the .204 Ruger was the second highest velocity commercially produced ammunition and the only centerfire cartridge produced commercially for bullets of .204 inch/5 mm caliber. The 204 Ruger was developed from the .222 Remington Magnum, which has the second largest case capacity in the family that began with the .222 Remington. The .204 Ruger was intended primarily for varmint rifles, which require bullets with flat trajectories but not much mass or kinetic energy. The .204 was “splitting the difference” between the popular .224 varmint rounds such as the .220 Swift and .22-250 Remington, and the tiny .172 caliber rounds such as the .17 Remington and the .17 HMR. The resulting cartridge provides somewhat higher velocities than any of these, giving a maximum point blank range of more than 270 yards (250 m).Hornady’s V-Max Bullets feature a polymer tip which enhances accuracy and promotes devastating expansion. The tip raises the ballistic coefficient for faster velocity and helps to stabilize the bullet in flight. It also acts as a wedge, initiating bullet expansion.

    Choice Ammunition has taken our 100% hand-loading techniques and produce an extremely accurate, highly dependable round for the .204 in this load. Our loading tolerances are only matched by passionate hand-loaders in their own loading rooms. Consistent seating depths, powder charges and proprietary formulas of Choice Ammunition, make this 32 grain Nosler Varmageddon round the best you can buy on the commercial market today. 

    The Bullet:

    Made with a lead-alloy core, Nosler Varmageddon bullets feature an extremely thin jacket at the tip that gets and progressively thicker towards the base.

    The bullet also features a flat base design. This does indeed slightly lower the ballistic coefficient of the bullet when compared to a bullet with a boat-tail. However, Nosler’s reasoning was that most predators and varmints are shot at short to moderate ranges where the difference in BC was not enough to make a difference.

    FEATURES

    • Hollow Point. Designed for optimum flight and expansion characteristics.
    • Metallic Black Polymer Tip. Nestled in the jacket mouth is the streamlined polymer tip.
    • Ultra-Thin Jacket Mouth. Assures violent expansion at either end of the velocity scale.
    • Varmint Jacket Wall Design. The uniform, gradual thickening at the bullet’s mid-section is designed to keep the Varmageddon® bullet together until impact — at any velocity.
    • Flat Base. Bench rest accuracy out of a varmint bullets

     

    • Velocity 3,905 fps
    • 100% Hand Loaded
    • G-1 BC 0.135
  • .204 Ruger 40 Grain Berger Varmint BT~ The .204 Ruger is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Ruger. in 2004. At the time of its introduction, the .204 Ruger was the second highest velocity commercially produced ammunition and the only centerfire cartridge produced commercially for bullets of .204 inch/5 mm caliber. The 204 Ruger was developed from the .222 Remington Magnum, which has the second largest case capacity in the family that began with the .222 Remington. The .204 Ruger was intended primarily for varmint rifles, which require bullets with flat trajectories but not much mass or kinetic energy. The .204 was “splitting the difference” between the popular .224 varmint rounds such as the .220 Swift and .22-250 Remington, and the tiny .172 caliber rounds such as the .17 Remington and the .17 HMR. The resulting cartridge provides somewhat higher velocities than any of these, giving a maximum point blank range of more than 270 yards (250 m).Hornady’s V-Max Bullets feature a polymer tip which enhances accuracy and promotes devastating expansion. The tip raises the ballistic coefficient for faster velocity and helps to stabilize the bullet in flight. It also acts as a wedge, initiating bullet expansion. Choice Ammunition has taken our 100% hand-loading techniques and produce an extremely accurate, highly dependable round for the .204 Ruger in this load. Our loading tolerances are only matched by passionate hand-loaders in their own loading rooms. Consistent seating depths, powder charges and proprietary formulas of Choice Ammunition, make this 40 grain Berger Varmint Boat Tail round the best you can buy on the commercial market today. The Bullet: Berger Varmint Bullets were designed specifically for the varmint hunter looking for an accurate bullet that will deliver extreme accuracy, consistent instant expansion and devastating results. The large nose opening expands instantly upon impact dumping all of the bullets energy into the target causing extreme expansion creating the highest possible opportunity for a one-shot kill. This bullet is not recommended for the varmint hunter who is looking for a bullet that will not damage the pelt.

    • Velocity 3,670 fps
    • 100% Hand Loaded
    • G-1 BC 0.225

buy 204 Ruger Ammunition 

Choice Ammunition has a great selection of .204 Ruger ammunition for sale. Find the best 204 Ruger ammo for varmint and other shooting and hunting needs. Choice Ammunition offers 204 Ruger ammunition for a powerful centerfire rifle cartridge. Order box and bulk ammo online at Choice Ammunition for quality products at great prices.

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204 Ruger FAQ

The .204 Ruger is a high-velocity, small-caliber cartridge that excels at delivering explosive expansion and precise shot placement on small targets. When it comes to deer hunting, the .204 Ruger may not be the ideal choice due to its limited bullet weight and energy compared to larger calibers commonly used for deer hunting.

The amount of bullet drop for a .204 Ruger at 500 yards will depend on various factors such as the specific bullet weight, muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, and environmental conditions (e.g., altitude, temperature, and wind).

As an approximate estimation, let’s consider a typical .204 Ruger load with a 40-grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of around 3,900 feet per second. Assuming standard atmospheric conditions, the bullet drop at 500 yards could be in the range of 12 to 16 inches.

The best bullet weight for a .204 Ruger can vary depending on your specific shooting needs and preferences. Generally, bullet weights for the .204 Ruger range from 24 grains to 45 grains. Lighter bullets, such as 32 grains, offer higher velocities and flatter trajectories, making them ideal for varmint hunting and long-range shooting. They deliver explosive expansion and minimal wind drift, maximizing the cartridge’s potential for small game and varmint eradication. Heavier bullets, like 40 grains or 45 grains, provide more kinetic energy and are suitable for larger varmints or predators. It is recommended to experiment with different bullet weights and select the one that provides the best balance of accuracy, terminal performance, and suitability for your shooting application.

The effective range of a .204 Ruger can vary depending on several factors, including bullet weight, barrel length, shooting conditions, and shooter skill. However, as a general guideline, the .204 Ruger is considered effective up to approximately 400-500 yards for varmint hunting and target shooting.

The cartridge’s high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory contribute to its longer effective range. With proper shot placement and a suitable bullet, the .204 Ruger can deliver accurate and lethal performance on varmints and small game within this distance range.

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