An in-depth comparison of the 223 Remington caliber versus the lighter, faster 204 Ruger.
The .223 Remington and .204 Ruger are two popular cartridges commonly used for varmint hunting and target shooting. They both have speed, flat trajectories, and reliable performance (depending on the target) outward to 300 or 400 yards.
So which is the better option? With this guide, you can make the best choice for your next cartridge selection…
| .223 Remington | .204 Ruger | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 1962 | 2004 |
| Bullet Diameter | .224 inches | .204 inches |
| Neck Diameter | .253 inches | .2311 inches |
| Base Diameter | .376 inches | .3764 inches |
| Case Length | 1.76 inches | 1.85 inches |
| Overall Length | 2.26 inches | 2.26 inches |
| Bullet Weights | Roughly 35 to 80 grains (55 standard) | 25 to 40 grains |
| Typical Firearm | AR-style sporting rifles | Bolt-action rifles |
Similar Cases, Different Bullets
Set these two cartridges side-by-side and you’ll see more similarities than differences. The cases are extremely similar in width, although the .204 Ruger’s case length is slightly longer. They have virtually the exact same base diameter; if you were to hold both rounds in your fist with the bases sticking out and the noses hidden, it would be hard to distinguish the two.
But the neck of the .204 Ruger is shortened, seating a lighter, thinner bullet. This difference in bullet diameter also means the .223 Remington carries heavier rounds. There is a bit of overlap, but overall the .223 Remington packs a heavier lineup of projectiles.
The Market
223 Remington is one of the best-established rifle rounds in the country. With the advent of AR-15 rifles, it’s likely the most used rifle cartridge in America. Therefore, it’s readily available with multiple options ranging from FMJ for target shooting to ballistic-tipped rounds for hunting and hollow points for competition.
The .204 Ruger is not a rarity, it just doesn’t have the same market support as the .223 Remington. Here’s a quick example: when researching this article we have dozens of .223 Remington ammo options in-stock. We have seven .204 Ruger ammo options.
Semiautomatic vs Bolt Action
Some shooters prefer a certain type of rifle. Many Americans now prefer the convenience and versatility of the AR-15 platform, which has helped drive the success of the .223 Remington. However, if you prefer bolt-action rounds, which are considered more accurate and reliable (although modern semiautomatics are improving), the .204 Ruger is your option.
Ballistics of 204 Ruger vs .223 Remington
The .223 Remington is considered one of the faster bullet options available to shooters. So how does its speed and energy compare to the .204 Ruger? And, for that matter, how do the two stack for trajectory and recoil?
Velocity Comparison
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 200-Yard Velocity | 400-Yard Velocity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 223 Rem - Hornady 35-Gr. Superformance | 4,000 | 2,795 | 1,858 |
| 204 Ruger - Hornady 32-Gr. Superformance | 4,225 | 3,137 | 2,272 |
| 223 Rem - Nosler 55-Gr. Varmageddon | 3,100 | 2,380 | 1,768 |
| 204 Ruger - Nosler 32-Gr. Varmageddon | 4,000 | 2,934 | 2,081 |
| 223 Rem - Federal 53-Gr. Varmint & Predator | 3,400 | 2,720 | 2,132 |
| 204 Ruger - Federal 32-Gr. Varmint & Predator | 4,100 | 3,040 | 2,193 |
| 223 Rem - Remington 77-Gr. Match | 2,790 | 2,305 | 1,872 |
| 204 Ruger - Remington 40-Gr. AccuTip | 3,900 | 3,103 | 2,433 |
With a case that is (more or less) similar to the .223 Remington but bullets that are lighter, it’s no surprise that the .204 Ruger is a faster round. In all four comparisons the .204 was a faster cartridge, and this reality was seen at the muzzle, at 200 yards, and at 400 yards.
When the .223 Remington uses a lighter bullet, it can keep up with the .204.
For example, the 35-grain NTX Superformance from Hornady has a listed muzzle velocity of 4,000 fps, which is similar to most .204 Ruger rounds. But this cartridge is the exception; most log about 3,000 to 3,500 fps while 4,000 fps is typical for the .204 Ruger.
Energy
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 200-Yard Energy | 400-Yard Energy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 223 Rem - Hornady 35-Gr. Superformance | 1,243 | 607 | 268 |
| 204 Ruger - Hornady 32-Gr. Superformance | 1,268 | 699 | 367 |
| 223 Rem - Nosler 55-Gr. Varmageddon | 1,173 | 691 | 381 |
| 204 Ruger - Nosler 32-Gr. Varmageddon | 1,137 | 612 | 308 |
| 223 Rem - Federal 53-Gr. Varmint & Predator | 1,360 | 871 | 535 |
| 204 Ruger - Federal 32-Gr. Varmint & Predator | 1,194 | 657 | 342 |
| 223 Rem - Remington 77-Gr. Match | 1,331 | 909 | 599 |
| 204 Ruger - Remington 40-Gr. AccuTip | 1,351 | 855 | 526 |
One might assume that the .223 Remington, which packs heavier rounds and has a military heritage, would be the more powerful round. But this is not necessarily the case. The .204 Ruger was actually more powerful (for muzzle stats) in half of the comparisons.
However, the heavier bullets of the .223 appear to maintain higher energies downrange, suggesting the round is superior for distance shooting and varmint hunting.
Trajectory
| Drop at 200 Yards in Inches (100 Yard Zero) | |
|---|---|
| 223 Rem - Nosler 55-Gr. Varmageddon | 3.2 |
| 204 Ruger - Nosler 32-Gr. Varmageddon | 1.5 |
| 223 Rem - Federal 53-Gr. Varmint & Predator | 2.3 |
| 204 Ruger - Federal 32-Gr. Varmint & Predator | 1.3 |
| 223 Rem - Remington 77-Gr. Premier Match | 3.9 |
| 204 Ruger - Remington 40-Gr. Accutip | 1.4 |
The .223 Remington has a reputation for moderate distance and range capability. It’s certainly not a long-range deer-hunting round, but it can do the job on a variety of game within 300 yards. However, when it comes to placing a bullet on a target, regardless of power, the .204 Ruger looks like the better option.
The round has less drop, although with lighter bullets there is a concern that wind drift will be greater.
Recoil
With similar muzzle energies, the .223 Remington and .204 Ruger have overlapping recoil as well. Muzzle energy is not the only factor, however, for felt recoil. The .223 Remington is also fired from semiautomatic rifles, which absorb some of the backward force, making them less susceptible to recoil. .223 Remington loads with a larger bullet may have more kick, but when selecting one or the other, few will make a decision based on recoil.
.220 Swift of .223 Remington: Which to Choose?
When to Choose the .223 Remington
The .223 Remington is one of the most widely used, versatile, and readily available rounds on the market. Shooters who like the convenience and flexibility of the AR platform and want a capable round for larger varmints and predators, as well as high-volume target shooting, will appreciate the .223 Remington. They will also appreciate the full selection of ammo options for virtually any activity.
When to Choose the .204 Ruger
Two groups in particular should consider the .204 Ruger. The first are target shooters. If you enjoy the satisfying practice of hitting targets at 200, 300, and 400 yards, the .204 Ruger is a fine choice, with greater distance potential than the .223 Remington. (As long as ballistic energy is not a concern.)
The other group are small varmint hunters. The .204 Ruger is excellent for prairie dogs, raccoon, rabbit, and even squirrel. It’s one of the most effective options for clearing a field of prairie dogs.
Affordable Ammo for Target, Varmint, and Home Defense
If you need .223 Remington and .204 Ruger cartridges for an afternoon at the range or a morning at the hunting grounds, visit ammotogo.com.
