Here’s a detailed category overview and specifications for the .204 Ruger cartridge:
Category Overview of .204 Ruger
- Introduction
- The .204 Ruger is a small-caliber, high-velocity rifle cartridge introduced in 2004 by Hornady and Ruger. It was designed for varmint hunting, target shooting, and precision shooting.
- Design Purpose
- The cartridge was developed to provide hunters and shooters with an effective round for small to medium game, offering high accuracy and minimal recoil. Its lightweight bullets allow for fast velocities, making it effective for long-range shooting.
- Ballistics
- The .204 Ruger is known for its flat trajectory and minimal wind drift due to its high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets. This makes it ideal for shooting at longer distances.
- Applications
- Primarily used in varmint hunting (such as prairie dogs and coyotes) due to its effectiveness at long ranges and flat shooting characteristics. It is also popular for target shooting and among competitive shooters.
Specifications of .204 Ruger
- Bullet Diameter: 0.204 inches (5.18 mm)
- Case Length: 1.85 inches (47 mm)
- Overall Length: 2.26 inches (57.4 mm)
- Rim Diameter: 0.378 inches (9.6 mm)
- Primer Type: Small rifle primer
- Maximum Average Pressure (MAP): 65,000 psi
Bullet Weights and Types
- Typical Bullet Weights: Ranges from 24 to 45 grains, with the most common weights being 32 and 40 grains.
- Common Bullet Types:
- Hollow Point (HP): For varmint hunting, providing rapid expansion.
- Soft Point (SP): For controlled expansion and penetration.
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Often used for target shooting.
Performance
- Velocity:
- Typical muzzle velocity ranges from approximately 3,500 to 4,200 feet per second (fps), depending on bullet weight and load.
- Energy:
- Muzzle energy varies from about 1,000 to 1,500 foot-pounds (ft-lbs), again depending on the load.
Popular Firearms Chambered in .204 Ruger
- Rifles: Various manufacturers produce rifles chambered in .204 Ruger, including:
- Ruger
- Savage
- Remington
- Tikka
- Browning
Conclusion
The .204 Ruger cartridge is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-velocity, flat-shooting round for varmint hunting and target shooting, combining precision with manageable recoil. Its specifications make it suitable for various applications while ensuring effective performance at longer ranges.
