SmallCaliberCentral

Hi all, new to the forum and fairly new to centrefires too. Looking at getting either a .204 or .223 for foxes and medium to long range bunnies and feral cats.

My question is - and I have never reloaded before - how much does it cost per round to reload the .204 in Australia? I already have access to a mate's reloading gear but will need to buy the .204-specific reloading equipment if I go down this path.

From speaking to my LGS it seems .223 can be reloaded for about 30c/round here so I'm wondering if reloading .204 is comparable in price.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Cheers Chris.


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First welcome aboard Chris.. Dies, bullets and primers will run about the same cost between the two you mention. The 204 is somewhat harder to locate and will run slightly more per 100. It will use slightly less powder than the 223, so it saves some there.
So the choice is really very slight between them. For what you mention shooting I would go with the 204R. But there is nothing wrong with the 223 and it can be used for heavier varmints, if you come across them. See what other tell you and go with what seems to fit you and your area best. Bill K

Thanks for the info Bill. If the reload cost is very similar then I'm leaning towards the .204, as at present I won't be shooting anything larger than foxes and I like the idea of negligible muzzle jump. If I end up chasing bigger game in the future I can always go for a larger calibre.

As I said pretty new to centrefires so I figure the .204 might be a good introduction.


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You will not go wrong with the 204 R.. It is a very sweet shooting caliber.. You might check out the 20 VT or new 20 SCC also, just for down the road or a second rifle.. I shoot a 204 and a 20 VT back and forth, right now. But have a barreled action coming, for Bob Green, in 20 SCC, to play with, when he gets it done and back to me. Any one of these would work for you, just fine. Bill K

Cheers Bill, I haven't heard of those calibres but will check them out. May be difficult to get ammo in Australia though.

Considering either a CZ 527 or Tikka Hunter, not sure of the scope yet though. Have read good things about both these models.


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Anyone else have any comments on this?


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hazy7 wrote:Cheers Bill, I haven't heard of those calibres but will check them out. May be difficult to get ammo in Australia though.

You will not be able to find ammo for either 20VT or the 20SCC. These calibers are "WildCats" I shoot the 223, 204R and 20VT, and reload for all 3. IMHO, I think the 223 is a little more forgiving for reloading than the 204. If it were me, I would start looking at availability of components you need for each, as a starting point, i;e; Powder, brass and bullets. Both will serve you well for your intentions. Around here, components are still somewhat hard to come by. That being said, I, personally, shoot my 204 way more than my 223!

futuretrades wrote:

hazy7 wrote:Cheers Bill, I haven't heard of those calibres but will check them out. May be difficult to get ammo in Australia though.

You will not be able to find ammo for either 20VT or the 20SCC. These calibers are "WildCats" I shoot the 223, 204R and 20VT, and reload for all 3. IMHO, I think the 223 is a little more forgiving for reloading than the 204. If it were me, I would start looking at availability of components you need for each, as a starting point, i;e; Powder, brass and bullets. Both will serve you well for your intentions. Around here, components are still somewhat hard to come by. That being said, I, personally, shoot my 204 way more than my 223!

Good info Kevin! I see you are shooting a 20VT now. I'm trying my best not to buy one but I'm a weak man!!! Gary

Captqc wrote:Good info Kevin! I see you are shooting a 20VT now.

Yeah, Gary, I bit the bullet a couple years ago. And its a Cooper! If I ever get the picture thing figured out, I will post a couple pics.

Thanks for the info Kevin!


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Hazy I'll find my reloading book tonight and let u know my costs on reloading 204 and 223 here in oz!


Boomer.

That would be great thanks Boomer.


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With Winchester brass about $0.83 with 39 SBK and with Nosler brass and SBK $1.02. That's providing the brass was reused 5 times! Can't seen to find my 223 data but from memory it was around $0.68 with Win brass. And that is just for brass powder projectiles and primers.


Boomer.

Ok thanks Boomer, good info there. Not that cheap for .204 and .223 as well. Certainly more affordable than factory ammo though...


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Worth it in my books!!


Boomer.