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Common uses: Varmint
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 32gr Hornady Superformance Varmint V-MAX |
| Muzzle velocity | 4225 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1269 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.21 |
| Case length | 47 mm |
| Overall length | 57.4 mm |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4225 | 1268 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 3634 | 938 | 0 |
| 200 | 3121 | 692 | -1.2 |
| 300 | 2663 | 504 | -5.9 |
| 400 | 2247 | 359 | -15.7 |
| 500 | 1873 | 249 | -32.3 |
At 1,000 yards, .204 Ruger (32gr at 4225 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 36.8 MOA / 10.7 MIL, retaining 896 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2663 | Supersonic | -5.9 | 1.9 | 0.55 |
| 400 | 2247 | Supersonic | -15.7 | 3.7 | 1.09 |
| 500 | 1873 | Supersonic | -32.3 | 6.2 | 1.80 |
| 600 | 1542 | Supersonic | -59.0 | 9.4 | 2.73 |
| 700 | 1272 | Transonic | -100.6 | 13.7 | 3.99 |
| 800 | 1086 | Subsonic | -163.7 | 19.5 | 5.68 |
| 900 | 974 | Subsonic | -256.2 | 27.2 | 7.91 |
| 1000 | 896 | Subsonic | -385.5 | 36.8 | 10.71 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
Small-game/varmint context — the deer- and elk-sized energy references aren't applicable to the cartridge's listed uses. When a downrange table is available, its retained-energy column can provide context; verify the exact load and follow local game regulations for legal methods.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .204 Ruger is a dedicated varmint and predator cartridge prized for its very flat trajectory and light recoil, driving small-diameter bullets at extremely high velocity. Popular loadings run light 32- to 45-grain bullets, and the resulting speed gives a forgiving, laser-like trajectory that appeals to prairie dog, ground squirrel, coyote, and fox hunters. Its fast, frangible bullets tend to be explosive on small game, which makes it effective for pest control but limits it to lighter quarry rather than deer-sized animals. Recoil is minimal. It has held its niche as essentially the only mainstream 20-caliber option, favored where reach and low recoil matter more than terminal power.
The .204 Ruger was introduced in 2004 as a joint development between Hornady and Sturm, Ruger & Co., debuting in Ruger's Model 77 (MKII) bolt-action and No. 1 single-shot rifles. It is built on the .222 Remington Magnum case necked down to accept .204-inch (5mm) bullets, making it the first factory-produced centerfire cartridge in that bore diameter. At launch it was among the fastest factory cartridges available, and it remains essentially the only mainstream commercial 20-caliber round.
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