.204 For Fur Harvesting...????

[Stringbean]

I have a few questions as I search for MY altimate fur harvesting rifle. I'm looking hard at the .204 after reading how well it loads down to lighter loads. I've always wanted a .17 Rem but this .204 might just be my ticket.

Q. I assume the 1:12 twist rate is what I want for light bullets. Would that be correct?

Q. Will the AR gas systems have any problems operating if I went with that platform with light loads?

Q. Would the lower muzzle velocity of a short barrel be benificial to me if aiming for light fur friendly
round?

Q. How does the .204 like the shorter barrels?

Q. I know from what I've read already that the .204 can be an awesome round for harvesting yote
pelts, but how about fox?

Thanks

[ryutzy]

Buy it now and dont hesitate. Great for saving fur. 1:12 will work for 35 grain and lighter and most work with the 39 grain SBK. Not very many 1:12s shoot the 40 grainers very well. My ideal twist would be 1:11. I would not download the 204 for coyotes esp if you are going to shoot 32 grain bullets. I would recommend the 35 or 40 grain Berger or give CRTs new 34 grain a try. The 39 grain SBK is my pill of choice. You will not have any trouble saving coyote hides with any of these bullets mentioned. Seldom will you have a splash hit that will damage the hide with the 39 SBK. I've shot a number of yotes and have never had a splash hit yet. You will be ok with fox in most cases depending on how you hit them. I doubt the 39 sbk would be good for saving fox hides. I haven't shot a fox with my 204 yet. I use my 17 HMR for fox.