i know this has been fairly highly debated, what are all of your thoughts on shooting whities with the 204, no not little yearling does either, im asking bucks, any distance restriciton, use hte 50 gr berger or the 45 grain hornady??
thanks

If I havn't done so before welcome to the forum mthunter. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

No, all the bullets designed for the 204 are highly frangible bullets designed for varmints up to coyotes. Shoot deer with a cartridge designed for big game. I know that some folks are using .224 chambered rifles, but my personal minimum is the 243 and I consider that an experts rifle. We simply owe it to the game to use an appropriate caliber and I just don't believe the 204 is it and I shoot a 204 for varmints.

My 2 cents.

I agree with Faucettb (he is a man gun wise beyond even his years lol). I believe the 243 is the smallest rifle that should be used for deer (It was the smallest LEGAL rifle in TN for years and years up until 1/07), and then you should be an experienced, accurate shooter. There would be a lot of wounded deer out there if people were hunting it with a 204. If you really really really want to deer hunt, why not power up to a 270? That's a fine all-round deer caliber, from whitetails to mule deer.

I have to agree. I would never consider using a .204 on deer.

I'm sure it can be done. In fact, I have a friend who has killed more than one deer with a .22 Short with behind-the-ear headshots on deer in his suburban backyard. I'm also sure I wouldn't do it, or recommend it to anyone else, unless killing something or starving were my only options.

That is my thought also. In a deprabation situation where close head shots are taken it would be great but so is the .22 rimfire for that purpose. I am looking for a rifle that can take that huge buck at most any angle if I am serious about deer hunting. Why would you limit yourself if that is your goal. Now if you are looking for a challenge and want to limit yourself on taking whitetail and are willing to pass on the marginal shots for your chosen weapon, I say, do what you want. Far be it from an old traditional bowhunter to talk about such things.

i have to agree i would never use anything less than a .270 on whiteies. i yuse a .30-06 and fully believe in a humane kill. the point of hunting is not to take a long shot or test the smallest calliber on an animal, it is to make a humane kill and fill your freezer! NO .204!!!!

204 bullets just aren't up to snuff, they aren't designed for penetration

thanks guys, the last few years ive been usin my 30-06, i thought i might change it up this year, but now ill stick with my old trusty 06

Good choice. In my mind, there is no better caliber for deer than .30. With that said, a new rifle is always a good thing and if you have the appetite for a new one other than your '06 take a look at the .25-06. It performs outstanding on deer and can be used for a bunch of other game. It is a wonderful cartridge.

plus i dont know how 1 in 12 can spin a 50 grainer as good as a 32, but i might try mine on a doe in the pupil or sumthing, but strictly no neck or body shots, on any deer, i dont even shoot deer in the front shoulder unless it has any chance of ening a wall-hanger, but i would suggest not trying it, stick to crows, and groundhogs

A 204 is light for Coyotes! Much less deer. Sure head shots no problem but who's just doing head shots? Pochers maybe but they sure won't be using a 204..this things "LOUD"..
Like the guys have said these bullets just flat come apart..I have and do use a .224cal on deer and while it is light I use the TSX and my shots are 100yrds or less. I wouldn't go any less then a 223 and only use the TSX's, pick your shot( lungs or heart shot only) and keep your range around 100 yrds...
just my 2c worth

PS: my cartridge of choice for everything...257 WBY I run 100g TSX's as well and she flat gets the job done

plus i dont know how 1 in 12 can spin a 50 grainer as good as a 32, but i might try mine on a doe in the pupil or sumthing, but strictly no neck or body shots, on any deer, i dont even shoot deer in the front shoulder unless it has any chance of ening a wall-hanger, but i would suggest not trying it, stick to crows, and groundhogs

The 1-12 twist won't stabilize a 50 grain 204 bullet and many won't stabilize the 45 grainer's. Stick with the 06 for a big game rifle.

I'm with the crowd who says stick to the '06. Great round for them and you'll be able to take a deer at any distance most of us have any business shooting and still have the horsepower for a clean kill regardless of angle. I'm not sure why there's this movement to see how minimal of a gun you can use to take something....:confused:

It seems not a day goes by when the question isn't asked. What would compel you to want to use the absolute minimum "anything" for hunting ?
It takes a 1-9 twist to turn a .204" 50 gr. Berger fast enough to stay straight. But they stay straight for a very long ways.