A smaller 20…….thoughts input

[No manches"]

20-223 Ackley and be done.

 

[JSH]

I have a 20br and a 20-250 they are both 9 twist barrels and both shoot the 55gr Berger with RL15 very well, they are a absolute hammer on groundhogs, try Blaines Blackhole 45gr cupbase .204 bullet I can get over 4000 fps with it in my 20br and it's devastating on groundhogs

What is the idea behind the cup base? I have looked at his offerings, I am sure I will try some at some point.

 

[JSH]

You gents have any input on barrel length? I did a search and it pretty much goes with what I thought.
Tossed around the idea of a rechamber of a 204 Ruger barrel. Then start chopping of 1” at a time just looking at speed. I know short barrels can be as accurate as a long one, scoped any way.

 

[rich44]

What is the idea behind the cup base? I have looked at his offerings, I am sure I will try some at some point.

Bullet Designs

corbins.com

A good explanation

I went with a 24" barrel on my 20VT with AA2200 and a 32gr SBK Im getting 3800 fps with reformed LC brass

 

[urbanrifleman]

20-223 Ackley and be done.


View attachment 1308046

YESSSSSS!!!!

My reamer should be here in a few more weeks.

The 20 SLODER

 

[No manches"]

You gents have any input on barrel length? I did a search and it pretty much goes with what I thought.
Tossed around the idea of a rechamber of a 204 Ruger barrel. Then start chopping of 1” at a time just looking at speed. I know short barrels can be as accurate as a long one, scoped any way.

I started long with a 28" tube.. cut back to 25" 10 twist.

 

[Matt_3479]

I think if I wanted smaller then 204 ruger (or my current 20 tac) then I’d probably try a 20-222 or 20-222ai. Always thought it might be a fun gun.

 

[urbanrifleman]

20-22tcm

 

[7315br]

20 Mink on left. Less than 10 grs of pistol powder at 3150 fps with 32 gr V-Max. 8-10,000 rds of barrel life. 250 yds range to 300 + yds in good conditions. Low bbl heat, no muzzle jump, 300 rds between cleaning, and super accurate. Best GS round I've found for shorter ranges. 7315br

 

[SBS]

20 Mink on left. Less than 10 grs of pistol powder at 3150 fps with 32 gr V-Max. 8-10,000 rds of barrel life. 250 yds range to 300 + yds in good conditions. Low bbl heat, no muzzle jump, 300 rds between cleaning, and super accurate. Best GS round I've found for shorter ranges. 7315br

I think I'd have one of those if I was in GS country. Or maybe a shortened Fireball like an acquaintance owns -- has about the same capacity.

 

[Steve morgan]

Inventory on my 32-34 grain bullets makes me think I should build a smaller than 204R rifle.

I am setting pretty well on powder that will work well in a 221 size case. BUT the 221 brass is as scarce as ever.

I then look at the 20-222/20 Turbo,just because brass is some what easier to obtain than the 221. I have not looked hard here to see what powders are used with best results.

I see there is an option on 221 brass made from 5.56/223. I have read some mixed review on it.
I am surprised Starline doesn’t offer 221 brass, even 20VT stamped I don’t see a huge problem.

Actions, maybe another XP. I wouldn’t have to think twice I could find a good price on a Howa Mini. Tossed around the idea of a Bergara, if the CF is as slick as the RF action I would be happy.


I know there are a number of gents here with the above mentioned or variations of. There has to be a fair number of folks that don’t speak up as well.

Look forward to input from all

I have thought about a 20 cal on 5.7- 28 brass

 

[JSH]

I have read numerous times of brass issues and sizing.

 

[B23]

Not that 5.7x28 can't be reloaded but it definitely takes special care and is delicate stuff. When I think of quality brass or what I would consider decent brass 5.7x28 isn't one that comes to mind. It's to bad the brass for the FN is so quirky because it'd probably be a great replacement for the 17 Hornet and certainly feed better.

 

[No manches"]

20-22tcm

View attachment 1308429

Now this I would definitely be interested on...
Plenty of brass and seems a 223 bolt head would work..

 

[No manches"]

Hell, I can buy a 22tcm rifle for cheap*. The actions are a bit cavernous and their trigger is like a shotgun. But with little work it can turn out to be a good shooter.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Now this I would definitely be interested on...
Plenty of brass and seems a 223 bolt head would work..

That's what I thought. Tons of cheap brass.

 

[SongdogHunter]

don't overlook the 20 Viper more efficient than the Vartarg if you don't mind forming

 

[Sniper338]

20 badger

 

[drewh]

I have a 20 TCM , 20 Viper and am in process on a 20/30 Carbine. The 20 TCM is a great deal of fun, but the fact that the cases are so short makes everything harder. The capacity is very similar to a 20 hornet and am not sure I wouldn't go that route if I wanted something similar again. The Armscor brass is not real consistent and I ended up having to skim turn for the chamber I was using. I have since made 100 cases each from 300 BO federal and LC .223, just haven't gotten to the range with them. Both the 20 TCM and the 20 Viper need to have new loads developed for 32 grain bullets since I was living in CA at the time and was using 24 GR NTX bullets. Both worked well on squirrels but I think the powders I was using were too slow for the NTX. The 20/30 Carbine should be done sometime around April or May and I look forward to comparing the 3.

All of that being said I shot the Vartarg quite a lot as well and it would be the easiest, factory dies are available(sometimes) and brass is pretty easy to form.
Drew

Left to Right in the Pic 20 TCM,20/30 Carbine, 20 Viper, 20 VT

 

[No manches"]

That 20 TCM really catches my eye..