Craddleshooter,
I did quite a bit of research on .204 vs 22-250. The .204 won out.
- does not jump as much (can see the hits easily in scope at high power)
- less powder
- better ballistics
- better barrel life (does not get as hot)
- It was from people that have shot 1000s of P Dogs that owned both.
They are both nice calibers and the 22-250 is more popular, been around longer. But the Ruger .204 is pretty cool. And I could not pass up on the deal for the Thompson. Brand new gun, 4-12x scope, case, extra rail, 50 box of new ammo for $370.00 only 10 shots down the barrel. (they guy is moving and dumping all his stuff) The same gun with all the stuff would have cost me 1k plus filling out FFA and sales tax.
It came with 1/10 twist (normally 1/12), the 1/12s don't stabilize the 40gr well so most have to shoot 39gr. 1/10 will do 40s and the new 45gr SP.
The good news is I can do any caliber I want. I got a steal on a .204 Thompson Dimension at first I thought it was gimmicky but its built well and shoots great. Last time I bought a gun I was delayed like 5 days for reasons unknown. Cost me 100 miles of extra driving. Sort of soured me from wanting to buy more.
With this Thomson I can order new barrels on the net delivered directly to me, no more FFL forms, no more wait times etc.
So I can do 223, 22-250, 243, 30-06, 6.5 creedmoor etc.
Right now I am very very happy with the .204s performance. If I want more i can go to 22-250 or 243 for more knock down.
I'm topping it off with a 250 Bushmaster for deer. Its down to the new Savage Wolverine (nice synthetic stock) vs the Wood Ruger.
https://ruger.com/products/scoutRifle/specSheets/6837.html
https://www.savagearms.com/search?query=wolverine
I looked at the cheaper savages but the stocks were paper thin, very light gun but almost toy like. I'm a sucker for wood stocks but that Wolverine was much better than expected when holding it. very nice and solid with V block and side action bedding that holds the action from bottom and sides.