So I'm new to .204's and this was my first squeak hunt to the wilds of NE California for the (not-so) elusive Belding's Ground Squirrel. Brought out the .17 HMR the first day since I forgot my bench and was nailing 'em out to 125 yds with pretty good accuracy. On day two I brought out SQUIRRELZILLA (Howa .204 ruger, seen here)
![Image](http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/fishcop444/IMG_0394Large.jpg)
and that thing is almost "unfair" at anything under 200 yards. Just aim the crosshairs dead on and then watch 'em fly...literally. I also used my Stag Arms 24" Varmint BBL in .223 with my hand loads while my dad used his favorite Savage .17 HMR at the close stuff.
![Image](http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w498/fishcop444/IMG_0392Large.jpg)
Tried the new 40 grain (.224") Varmageddons and the results were equal to the V-max as witnessed here ( Skippy did about a 10 foot launch before what was left hit the ground)
By the looks of things it will be a banner year for skurrels up that way. Lots of numbers and the babies aren't even out yet.