What’s the value of speed? Does a fast bullet a difference? If a cartridge has other qualities, does it matter if it’s fast?
Like many questions in ammo, the answer depends on your goals.
We can debate the merits of speed, but one aspect is certain: the faster the bullet, the more powerful and flat it will be. More speed, in most cases, is always good.
Many cartridges are considered “fast” or “hot.” But few approach 4,000 feet-per-second (fps). The .204 Ruger, however, can surpass this mark.
If you are looking for speed in a small-caliber cartridge, you may have considered the .204 Ruger. But other than blazing speed, what are its uses? To understand this cartridge, we need to take a close look at .204 Ruger ballistics. But first, let’s examine the history and physical characteristics of this unique cartridge.
.204 Ruger: Ballistics
Velocity Data
| Product | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 100-Yard Velocity | 200-Yard Velocity | 300-Yard Velocity | 400-Yard Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 24-Grain Superformance NTX | 4,400 | 3,667 | 3,046 | 2,504 | 2,023 |
| Nosler 32-Grain Varmageddon | 4,000 | 3,443 | 2,934 | 2,487 | 2,081 |
| Sierra 36-Grain Prairie Enemy | 3,840 | 3,397 | 2,971 | 2,570 | 2,203 |
| Remington 40-Grain AccuTip-V | 3,900 | 3,482 | 3,103 | 2,755 | 2,433 |
| Average Velocities | 4,035 | 3,495 | 3,014 | 2,579 | 2,185 |
High velocity was the intended purpose of the .204 Ruger. By all measures, it seems to have achieved its goal. Numerous products for this cartridge surpass 4,000 fps, a benchmark for the industry. While this is a small sample, it encompasses nearly the entire range of .204 Ruger weights, from 24 grains to 40. The average remains just over 4,000 fps, with the 24-grain Hornady product reaching 4,400 fps.
Downrange, the .204 Ruger remains speedy. Even at 400 yards, it’s cruising at over 2,000 fps, the muzzle speed for many popular rifle cartridges. But is this blazing speed enough to help the lighter bullets compete in muzzle and downrange energy?
Energy
| Ammo | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 100-Yard Energy | 200-Yard Energy | 300-Yard Energy | 400-Yard Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 24-Grain Superformance NTX | 1,032 | 717 | 494 | 334 | 218 |
| Nosler 32-Grain Varmageddon | 1,137 | 837 | 612 | 439 | 308 |
| Sierra 36-Grain Prairie Enemy | 1,178 | 992 | 706 | 528 | 388 |
| Remington 40-Grain AccuTip-V | 1,351 | 1,077 | 855 | 674 | 526 |
| Average Energy | 1,175 | 906 | 667 | 494 | 360 |
While the .204 Ruger is a fast round, the ballistic information shows it’s not extremely powerful. The cartridge starts at about 1,000 to 1,200 ft-lbs, although heavier bullets (40 grain) can reach above 1,300 fps.
Downrange, it drops off sharply; by 400 yards it’s averaging less than 400 ft-lbs. That may be enough for small game like squirrel and rabbit (if you can hit the mark at that distance) but it’s a bit weak even for coyote. The ballistic energy stats support the .204 Ruger’s reputation: this is not a deer-hunting round.
204 Ruger Trajectory / Bullet Drop
| Ammo | 100 Yards | 200 Yards | 300 Yards | 400 Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady 24-Grain Superformance NTX | .6 | 0 | -4.3 | -14.3 |
| Nosler 32-Grain Varmageddon | .7 | 0 | -4.8 | -15.3 |
| Sierra 36-Grain Prairie Enemy | .77 | 0 | -4.7 | -14.8 |
| Remington 40-Grain AccuTip-V | .7 | 0 | -4.3 | -13.2 |
| Average Drop | .69 | 0 | -4.5 | -14.4 |
Trajectory is another selling point for the .204 Ruger. When zeroed to 200 yards, it has a drop of about four and a half inches, give or take, which creates an extremely flat trajectory. From the muzzle to the 300-yard mark, most .204 products have a rise and fall total of about 4.5 to 5.5 inches, making it one of the most accurate cartridges currently available.
After 200 yards, the .204 Ruger starts to drop, but it doesn’t fall off a cliff. A drop of 15 inches between 200 yards and 400 yards is not outrageous. With practice and thorough sighting of the rifle, shooters can make the adjustment and strike a target at this distance.
.204 Ruger: Cartridge 101
| Released | 2004 |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.204 inches |
| Neck Diameter | 0.2311 inches |
| Base Diameter | 0.3764 inches |
| Case Length | 1.85 inches |
| Overall Length | 2.2598 inches |
| Bullet Weights | 24 - 40 grains |
| Typical Firearm | Bolt-action rifles |
The .204 Ruger is a product of the 21st century, which makes it a relative newcomer in firearms. Based on the .222 Remington Magnum case, it was designed through a partnership between Ruger and Hornady meant to create a fast, accurate cartridge that would be effective for varmint and pest control, as well as long-range target shooting. By decreasing the bullet diameter to 0.204 inches, the larger case can launch the projectile at impressive speeds.
Physically, the .204 Ruger is dominated by its case, which takes up the majority of the total length. Looking at the cartridge, you can see this is a fast round, as the case is also far wider than the bullet and takes up a large portion of the total length.
The .204 Ruger may not be the most popular, widespread cartridge, but it has a strong following and decent industry support. Nearly all the major manufacturers offer at least one .204 Ruger ammo option; some of the larger companies have two or three options.
Anyone who adopts this round will have access to a variety of bullet options, but what really matters is the speed, energy, and trajectory.
.204 Ruger: What Are The Uses?
Fast and flat, although lacking in overall power, the .204 Ruger has a variety of uses. While this cartridge won’t be used for whitetail, it is an effective option for varmint and pest control. With accuracy and speed outwards of 200 yards, it can be used for prairie dog control or rabbit hunting at long range. It’s a trusted option for coyote hunting and pest control as well. Property owners who need to cover acres of land will appreciate the reach of the .204 Ruger.
The ballistics also show that this is a great range gun. With this cartridge, you can pop holes in targets at 300 yards or more, adding a new dimension to your shooting experience.
Leave A Comment