204 or 223

[Robert 1974]

I want a 527 but want the quietest of the 2.  I farm and when riding in my truck don't always have time to put in earplugs when a varmint pops out

[10-96]

I have both and shoot them from the truck as well. Honestly, I can't tell the difference.  I've never tried them side by side, and I guess the bad is on me as I don't plug up even when driving through a pasture poodle town, but neither one bothers me to any uncomfort.

[Bearcat]

Considered a  22 Hornet?

[M1A4ME]

Isn't a .204 based off the .223 case?  Lighter bullet, similar amount of powder, higher velocity, similar muzzle blast??

I'd stick with a .223 (ammo availability/variety) and put a set of ear muffs in the truck.  Much quicker to put muffs on vs. working ear plugs in and waiting on them to expand fully.

Or, go through the paperwork and fees for a suppressor and get a rifle with a threaded barrel.

[jameslovesjammie]

Isn't a .204 based off the .223 case?  Lighter bullet, similar amount of powder, higher velocity, similar muzzle blast??

It's a .222 Magnum necked down.  Same OAL as a .223, but with a bit more powder capacity since the shoulder is a little farther forward.

As far as noise goes, the .204 will be a little louder since it is burning a little more powder.  If you want quiet, then the .22 Hornet that Bearcat mentioned would be the best bet, followed by the .17 Hornet.

[Diamond Jim]

The .22 Hornet is plenty loud enough to permanently damage your hearing - even a .22LR will do that. You won't notice it at first but it will be happening. It's a bit like smoking, when we were kids we never thought it would hurt us, now we know better. Hearing damage is similar, it creeps up on you little by little. Buy the best set of muffs you can afford and keep them in your truck.
I recently bought a .223 and family has owned a Hornet 50+ years. I find the .223 is a bit stout for varmints up to fox size if you want to keep skins but it is several steps up from the Hornet. Plus, where I live, .223 is much cheaper than factory Hornet ammo. I've never seen a .204 in use so can't comment.

[M1A4ME]

Head shots guys, nothing but head shots.  Or do they use the fur on the head for something, too? 

I did hit a groundhog down in the shoulder one day, not quite sure how I managed that as it wasn't that far away, had to cut him off at the ribs and throw the whole front end away.  What a mess.  No spoiled meat with head shots though (and the fur from the neck down is perfect.)

[Diamond Jim]

Shooting is fun.
Hearing loss is not fun.
Tinnitus is not fun.
Having your kids/wife/friends have to repeat stuff over and over before you understand is not fun.
Laughing in a social situation because you don't know what the person speaking to you is saying to you is not fun.
Whatever you decide, wear hearing protection - whatever calibre you choose. Seriously.

[staggsofdryvalley]

I have both 204 and 223  in 527 , 204 is sporter barrel and 223 is euro varmint , I frequently shoot them side by side , wearing hearing protection I would not know the difference .  When I am hunting though I never wear hearing protection and I never notice the noise or the recoil , of course just one shot deer hunting is different from hunting prairie dogs   

[DWARREN]

Both are loud to me, sensitive ears. I would stick with .223 REM just for availability and cost.