I am currently running the Thompson Center Venture Predator, chambered in 204 Ruger. It has not been a great year for hunting for me as I have not had a lot of time afield to truely give you a run down of how well the gun has worked. I build my own reloads and aim for utmost accuracy in all my firearms. I changed the matching scope (a TC 3-9X40) for a Vortex Diamondback of the same magnification. But, we're not hear to talk optix. Thus far, I have taken one Badger and two coyote using the TC Predator 204. Both coyotes were dead before he hit the ground (DBHHTG), shot exactly where I wanted them hit. First was taken at 221 yards, hit in the center chest. Second was taken at 160, hit right in front of the right shoulder (quartering shot) and was DBHHTG. I use a 39 grain Sierra Blitzking to dispense my death and it seems to be working. The Badger was much closer, 40 yards, and running away. I wasn't going to dispense, but he pissed me off by sniffing my caller. He did not fair well! I have missed one coyote thus far, a 316 yarder. Sent my bullet just past his left ear, miss judged wind, and that is the only problem I have seen with the gun or caliber, the 204 is light and easily effected by wind. Most of my called ins are with in 100 yards, so its no big deal. Two coyote and one badger later, I am totally liking the caliber and rifle. I aim to continue dispensing death with it.
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You don't need a .243 to take coyote, you don't need pretty either. If you want pretty, you can't get it here. This is the ugly, thin, three round death dispensing department. You need a gun you can pack on an all day run, that can blend in like you can, it must be reliable and accurate and one that you can shoot well. The only thing I need now is more coyotes to take care of.
