16” 204 worth it?

[Mhwash]

My suppressor has been in jail now for about 9 months. One of its intended purposes is a short barreled coyote rifle. I’m thinking 16” barreled bolt action. I currently have a RAR in 204. Before I cut the barrel down, would I be better off using a 223 instead? This suppressed rifle will also be used as a truck gun, so shots on coyotes are likely to be 200-400 yards.

[Rick in Oregon]

Your decision, but you'll get beaucoup muzzle blast and at least 200+ fps loss of velocity, with or without the can, not to mention lots of unburned powder unless you develop specific sub-sonic loads to eliminate both factors. Personally, I'd go with 20" for the intended purpose, but that's me, and you asked.

Good luck with the project, and welcome to the forum.

[Mhwash]

Well, I did it. Cut to 16.5”. With the can, which is very pleasant to shoot, I’m getting 3150 w/40gr V-Max.

[Tom Kat]

I am not a suppressor guy. I like to hear the bang when I pull the trigger.