SmallCaliberCentral

Have you heard of anyone using a .204 on deer?
I bet a 35g Berger in the neck would make a heck of a mess...

Don't even go there. We've been there before........didn't go well at all. The 204 is a VARMINT caliber, period. There are MUCH better cartridges properly designed for that exact purpose, and the 204 is NOT one of them.

Just because it's legal, doesn't make it right. Think: Ethics.

As Rick stated, not the best option

The 204R is one of my 'bestest, favoritest' cartridges. I like it so well I carry one in my pickup 50 1/2 weeks a year. The week and a half each year that you will find it locked in the safe? DEER SEASON. We all know it can kill a deer. Heck, theoretically it could take down a cape buffalo. That being said, there are countless better options out there.


And Rick is spot on. The last time this came up here, well, let's just say it ended up being pretty messy.

No offense to the OP but I would suggest this thread be deleted.

Rick's definitely right, I proved it to myself. I was on the ranch and came across a sika doe with a broken leg and in bad shape. I only had the 204 in the truck to put her down. I was able to get within 50 yards and shot her in the neck thought it would drop her. Was very disappointed and found it took several 39gr Sierra's to get the job done. the 204 is a Varmint !!! rifle for sure.

Unless you are 100 % sure you could hit them in the brain, he answer is NO. A neck shot, will kill them in a period of time probably, as would a lung/heart shot could, but are you able to track them down, would then be the answer.
Many a deer has fallen to the old 22 RF, but is it a good deer caliber, that answer is the same. NO. especially for the average hunter in today's world. Bill K

Why would you want to take a chance and have a deer run off and die a slow death. I love to hunt and have for the last 60+ years and have never lost a deer. Hunt humanely and use a proper caliber..