just to use for targets, jackrabbits, coons, bobcats and foxes. I like these 2 because they are a little cheaper to shoot.

I haven't looked it up, but believe someone told me you could legally shoot a deer with a .204, i think thats the route i would go of the two. Being that you didn't mention deer, I would go with whichever one is cheaper.

i am pretty sure that you can shoot deer with any centerfire round legally. I am 90% sure thats what the outdoor annual says.

yes any centerfire is legal for deer. a buddy of mine has shot several with his 204. i like both of them a lot but like my 17 more. only downfall of the 17 to just about anything else it windshift on windy days. still a great target and varmint gun and i have shot a lot of critters with mine.

I have added a 17 HMR to my list of must have guns. That should answer your question.

I think i am really leaning towards the 17

I love my 17HMR and the ammo is much cheaper than 204 ammo. $12.99 for 50 rounds of 17HMR and $16.99 and up for 20 rounds of 204 ammo.

thats why i like the 17 more

Not to highjack, but any specific rifle and/or scope recommendations for varmint contro and target shooting? I've been looking at similar thngs....thanks, and I'll keep following along.

How about a 22 Magnum with V-Max.

I'd go with the 204, the 17 hmr will do the job for any of the animals you listed within 100 yards.......but with the 204 you can reach out further and really kill the hell out of em'.

If reaching out past 150 yards is the goal, the 204 Ruger.

I'd put a 22 mag with CCI +V or V-Max above any .17 for killing power.

Thats why I don't own a .17 anymore.

I'd say you would definitely be limiting yourself by getting the 17.

Well, for me.....I would have to say both! I already have the 17HMR covered. Looking to get a .204 ruger sometime soon.

I have both, If you are limiting yourself to 150 or less get the 17hmr. If you want to stretch it out to 300 or so get the 204.

13-15$ a box of 50 for the hmr. 16$ and up for a box of 20 for the 204.

I'd get both if you can both are great rounds.

204. The cost savings doesn't warrant going to the smaller caliber for what you will be losing in distance. The minute you miss a few longer shots you most likely will wish you had purchased the larger caliber. Both are great rounds but I like the distance factor for varmints.

How much will you be shooting? I see a lot purchase a lower caliber gun because they think they are going to save a lot and end up shooting the gun basically for hunting. Which might be a few shots per time out in the field. Upgrading later will cost you way more than what you might possibly save in ammo.

I've got both and think both are GREAT!
I bought the 17 first and loved it for the accuracy, killed two hogs at 80 yds one shot each. I like 17 a lot better than 22mag.

I got a 204 as a present and love it it's also EXTREMELY accurate and has killed a hog and buck. So far I carry the 204 more often but I do like both.

I guess it comes down to what and how far are you gonna shoot...