Small Caliber Options

[TrentWilson]

As much as I like the .22 caliber options, that's a different discussion. I'm looking for information on 17/22 Hornet and 204 Ruger. I'm looking for a target/small game caliber for less that 200 and less yardage and these are the options I've narrowed it down to. I've heard negative things about sub-22 caliber rounds being horrific, as in pattern more than group. Anyone had experience with these calibers? I've already run reloading data and know 204 would be the only round I could get a return on.

 

[Art Eatman]

The only hands-on that I personally know of is a local guy who kills coyotes out to 250 yards with his .204. That happy soul will chatter for hours about his fun.

 

[TrentWilson]

The 204 really interested me at about 65c a reload. If memory serves me right, if I bought a redding 3 die set, it only took 260 rounds to pay for them over the equivalent bullet weight factory loads. 17 hornet lost money on reloads, and 22 hornet took 1200 rounds to pay off the die. I have seen what a 17 hornet will do to a squirrel. Almost as nasty as my 260 Dingo.