I tried a 204 in an ar platform and ran into too many feeding problems. It also loses too much velocity for the cartridge over the simplicity and speed of a standard 223 at 16 or so inches.I’ve always wondered how a 20practical might do in a short barreled AR or bolt gun. I built two .000 freebore slow twist 223s for this purpose, an 18” ar and 20” bolt gun. They both still shot 52smks way better than 40vmaxs.
I just always kinda figured they made that cartridge with the idea of like tearing up the hide less, with the lighter bullets. Especially for the smaller than coyote predators. While also giving the high speeds for less drop and more likelihood of "remote wounding" effect.MJspeers nailed it. Also the gun was specifically built for mostly prairie dogs and at the time I could get super cheap varmint bullet blems from midway compared to .223 varmint bullet. In shorter barrel lengths .204 is not a good option like I did. In hindsight .223 in 18.5” is the better option.
Though somewhat limited to Midwestern coyote hunting, regardless of caliber, I’ve never had a broadside coyote that didn’t exit….I just always kinda figured they made that cartridge with the idea of like tearing up the hide less, with the lighter bullets. Especially for the smaller than coyote predators. While also giving the high speeds for less drop and more likelihood of "remote wounding" effect.
But now Hornady makes those 35gr NTX for that in .223 Rem. Says it does 4000fps.
What’s the bolt gun ? I like itThe 223s for this years calling season
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Tikka t3x 223. Stockys verticle grip ultra carbonWhat’s the bolt gun ? I like it
Just catching up on this thread. 22cm all day. 69SMK from a 17” tube with Nomad LTi hammers. 3340 fps.
How have you liked your LTi? I have one that I am patiently waiting for.