Extremely fast .20 caliber varmint round. Joint development between Hornady and Ruger. Less wind drift than .17s, flatter than .22s. Perfect prairie dog round.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 2004, United States
Parent case: .222 Remington Magnum
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.204" (5.18 mm)
Case length: 1.85" (46.99 mm)
Overall length: 2.26" (57.4 mm)
Max pressure: 57,500 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:12
Muzzle velocity: 3900–4225 fps
Muzzle energy: 1000–1350 ft-lbs
Effective range: 450 yd
Common bullet weights: 24, 32, 40 gr
Primary use: Varmint, Target
Production status: Active
Also known as: .204
History: Jointly developed by Hornady and Ruger in 2004 as modern varmint cartridge. Based on .222 Remington Magnum case necked to .204. Designed to provide .220 Swift-like velocity with less powder, barrel wear, and recoil. Quickly gained popularity among varmint hunters. Fills niche between .17 and .22 calibers. Excellent ballistics with minimal recoil and barrel wear.
Notable firearms: Ruger M77, Savage Model 12, CZ 527, Thompson Center Venture
Similar cartridges: .17 Remington, .20 Tactical, .223 Remington