"A 53g v-max from a 22-250" There lies a problem that you mentioned earlier, ie correct twist rate, most 22-250's are 1 in 14, it is said that the 53g v-max in 22-250 requires a 1 in 12 twist rate ---------if Tikka's were 1 in 12 in 22-250 i might seriously consider getting one, but for the moment i'll stick with my 243 using the 58g v-max home loads, dont know what speed they are doing but there only 3% down on maximum powder weight on a 20" Tikka barrel.
Point being there all good choices.
Dave (warbucks)
Theoben Rapid MK1 177
AA S410 22
Bushnall Scout Range Finder
Hawk 3 x 9 x 40 m.a.p scopes
Deben mini pro lamping system
You can't knock the 204 with 39gr Blitz, chaps. Especially when it's clocking 3,740fps. Still well within book data, too. Not pushing it at all.
.22LR CZ452; .22 Hornet CZ527
Tikka T3 Varmint .223; .204 Ruger CZ527 Varmint;
6.5 Creed Bergara B14 HMR
On my learning curve with fox shooting i started off with 223, what i found was that i was getting "runners" with 40g Nosler, and Hornady factory bullets, this was with some times perfect shot placement.
In my case i found that 50g, 53g, and 55g was stopping them a lot better, now the lads that have heavily put the 39/40g 204r will know exactly how good or bad they are for runners -------but i dont know.
I then moved up to a 243 using 58g bullets in the belief that this would stop them better at range if shot placement wasn't perfect -----and it does to a certain extent but the saying "Ive never had any runners with ANY calibre if you have shot enough just isnt true, the shot placement has to be reasonable and this isnt easy at times when on foot in field conditions at night, although the 1035 foxes ive shot in just under 5 years suggest im not too bad at it ?
I personally like the flat fox shooting calibres 204r, 22-250, 243, it just makes point-n shoot in the dark so much easier, suppose with the 204, and 22-250 you are using a lot less powder for SIMILAR range, which can be a good thing.
Dave (warbucks)
Theoben Rapid MK1 177
AA S410 22
Bushnall Scout Range Finder
Hawk 3 x 9 x 40 m.a.p scopes
Deben mini pro lamping system
I haven't shot that many foxes with the 204, Dave but it does drop them as well as my 223. I suppose if you shoot enough foxes your bound to get the odd runner, regardless of calibre.
Can't get motivated for night time forays these days. Much prefer lazy summer days and early mornings. My 204 is more of a long range rabbit/corvid rifle.
.22LR CZ452; .22 Hornet CZ527
Tikka T3 Varmint .223; .204 Ruger CZ527 Varmint;
6.5 Creed Bergara B14 HMR
Firstly well done Elliot on the group, good shooting. I knew you would come to the dark side eventually and get a 204.
Dave don't ask me why because the answer will simply be "i don't know", however i had far, far more runners with my .223 than the .204. Whether i used 40grn or 53grn it made no difference. After trying my current night vision equipped Supervarmint in 204 for about a fortnight i realised the 223 would remain in the cupboard, so i sold it and bought another Supervarmint for day use. I did briefly try my 243 at night but didn't like the fact that i lost sight picture due to recoil so gave up on it. I use 32grn bullets and rarely get a runner, certainly not if they have been hit in the engine room. They don't often leave any marks on the fox, you sometimes struggle to see an entry wound but on recovery of the carcass it sounds like a bag of jelly.
Sounds similar to my experience with 50 gr z-max out of the .223 AI, apart from my permission n west wakes where the foxes are of slighter build.
Surprised you're losing sight picture with a light bullet in .243, I have no issues with 85s in the creedmoor at 3350 fps, though that a 24" varmint so weight may come in to play.
Thanks for looking
Its not just the recoil from the 243, its the burnt power smoke that drifts up in front of the n/v, some times i see the shot strike some times i dont -----tend to listen for the impact sound.
Dave (warbucks)
Theoben Rapid MK1 177
AA S410 22
Bushnall Scout Range Finder
Hawk 3 x 9 x 40 m.a.p scopes
Deben mini pro lamping system
.22LR CZ452; .22 Hornet CZ527
Tikka T3 Varmint .223; .204 Ruger CZ527 Varmint;
6.5 Creed Bergara B14 HMR