204 Ruger - Bobcat Gun

The .204 Ruger is a neat, fun round. I don’t know in terms of bobcats, but I know it performed well on coyotes when I had one in that it killed them well. I would expect some pelt/internal damage on bobcats. The couple of foxes I shot with that rifle were messy. No holes in the pelt necessarily, but enough jelly-o underneath that they were a nuisance to skin.

Mine was a Ruger American Predator and would shoot very well if kept incredibly clean and the shooter was conscious of how he held the rifle. It was definitely a pretty “needy” rifle to keep accurate and I sold it to buy a .22-250 during covid when ammo got a little bit scarce. I don’t regret doing so at all.

I don’t think you would be dissatisfied with the .204, but in my opinion there’s better cartridges for bobcats, and there are definitely better rounds for coyotes.
 
I've seen several bobcats run off after being shot with 17 hmr. If you are going to use it, 17 grain bullet. Shots limited to 75 yards and under. Aim for the neck .

The 17 fireball is my favorite when running it around 4000 fps .100 yards or less. No fur damage unless hit thin. You have to shake them to find entrance. However, not to be considered for coyotes .
 
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