I'm till wanting to shoot, but need to keep pain to a minimum.

[kernel gadaffi]

Afternoon all (or morning, evening, depending where you are), because of failing health and on the advice of my doctor, he's told me to stop firing the heavy recoil guns (heavy recoil?? I shoot, 7-08, 6.5X55, .243, .223, .22 Hornet and .22 LR), he's not a shooter, but can appreciate my love of shooting and the dilemma I have, the 7-08 and 6.5 are not really used a lot, so don't affect me much, I could live without one of them, as well as most of the others apart from the .22LR and 1 other. The .223 is a Remington 700 VSSF, so is a heavy lump of a gun to lug about, I'm very tempted to sell it and get another in sporter configuration, maybe a CZ or Howa, but, I'm also drawn to the 204R, I see the powder used by the 204R and the .223 is about the same, with give or take a little, similar performance, I also like the .22 Hornet as the powder it uses per round would take 2-2.5 times as much to feed the other two, money is not an issue but the cost were paying over here for powder etc, is criminal, I've heard of 1 dealer in the UK, charging in the region of $150 per kilo of Vihtavouri powder!!!!! a disgrace. I know that I can get 6-700 rounds from a pound of powder for the Hornet, but only, 230-250 rounds to feed the .204R/.223.
I know the Hornet can push to 3,000 fps and the other two can add another 1,000fps to that, but......is it worth it for the extra 1,000fps?

I've not shot much over 200 yards before but, do want to and maybe out to as far as I can, without going down the heavy bullet route, this is were the .204R/.223 choice hits me again.

I cannot make my mind up, an suggestions please?

 

[samnev]

I would go with the 223/556 especially if you intend to shoot over 200 yards, money is not a factor and intend to keep you shooting to a minimum.

 

[Sherrick5]

.204 Ruger is an amazing little cartridge, just get a limbsaver/whatever you're comfortable with, and a well made tactical/side port brake to help with any recoil, I mean the brake on my .260 takes recoil down to .223 or under levels, I've never had to before because I want recoil down enough so I stay on target through the shot, so with 223 and lower i've never needed it... but I'm guessing it would take it down to a 22 lr or 22 mag level with a brake on the .223/.204

 

[Harvey]

I've never tried the sport myself, but maybe air rifles hold the answer. They also have a huge following and offer a variety of calibers with incredible power and range.

Just a thought.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

No, I don't think it's worth it to get the extra 1000fps. In fact, of marksmanship is your primary concern, there shouldn't be any need for anything beyond the .22LR. If you feel a real need for shooting beyond 100yd, the .223 should be extremely versatile and satisfying.

Greg