204 Ruger - Bobcat Gun

[michiganoutdoorsman]

Hi all, first post here. I’m looking into a predator gun. I’m wanting to purchase a 204 Ruger, I hear it can work pretty well on bobcats and obviously is great on coyotes. I’m wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on this? I looked at the 17 Remington as well, but that seems harder to find ammo and the 204 seems to be easier to find. I’ve had my eyes peeled for a Tikka T3 either lite or varmit but I’m still waiting for the right deal to present itself. Until then, I’ll keep researching. I currently use a .223 for my night setup for coyotes, I just think a gun I could shoot bobcats with during our short daytime Michigan season would be fun, as well as trying to kill a coyote or two during the day with the 204R as well. What are your thoughts and opinions on this? Thanks for any help!

 

[wowzers]

A lot of pelt damage should be expected.

 

[michiganoutdoorsman]

What would you recommend for minimal pelt damage and more than enough knockdown power? I have a 22 magnum.

 

[MtnMuley]

I have a 204 Ruger Ultralight I bought when they first came out. Killed a bunch of bobs with the 32gr. V-Max and had no issues with pelt damage.

 

[Kkeene]

32 gr vmax is usually good for minimal pelt damage in raccoon sized critters.

39 gr blitz king or 40 gr vmax for yotes or anything smaller that you want to separate into pieces.

I like 39 gr blitz kings, cci 450, and H4895 at 3,800 fps.

 

[michiganoutdoorsman]

I appreciate the replies guys. I love talking guns and learning from other’s experiences. I am not opposed to another caliber either! I really like the looks of the 17 Rem and the 17 FB but they’re pretty expensive guns to shoot from the looks of some pretty basic searches. I have heard good things about the 35 Bergers also in 204.

 

[6.5Express]

35 gr bergers have worked well for me on coyotes with minimal fur damage until they get out at ~350+. The bullet seems to slow down enough to not disintegrate in them. But at normal calling distances exits are rare.

 

[huntsman22]

17 Hornet......

 

[WCB]

17 Hornet......

I 2nd...my 17 Hornet is one of my favorite guns to shoot. Haven't killed a Bobcat with it but a bunch of yotes and fox. very little damage on most fox unless I hit them back. Anything in the ribs or straight on is just a pin hole entrance. Killed yotes out to 300 with it.

 

[pacoalcracker]

Had a 204 Ruger for longer shots and a 22 K-Hornet for closer shots and less noise. Both highly recommended.

 

[longrangelead]

17HMR is perfect.
low recoil, no pelt damage and ammo is cheap and easy to find.