Why choose a .20 besides Practical?
- Thread starter Hohn
- Start date
A 20VT IS GOOD FOR ME TO APPX 300 YARDS. A 20 PRACTICAL IS GOOD TO 500+
LESS MUZZLE BLAST WITH A 20VT ALSO
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
I went ahead and am making 20VT brass from LC 5.56, but that isn't simple. Inexpensive for me, as I already have lots of LC brass, but time consuming. For what it would have cost to buy 1000 pieces of 221 Fireball cases I purchased a Leupold scope that's going to adorn the new rifle. That's worth making them, but I'm on a budget.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
My 20 cal., is the 20-222. I maintain that it is sweeter than a Practical in the same way that the 222 is simply more charming and beloved than the 223.
Also, I'm a fairly odd individual, and sort of gravitate toward the path less traveled. Something I learned from F Guffey.
jd
Also, I'm a fairly odd individual, and sort of gravitate toward the path less traveled. Something I learned from F Guffey.
jd
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
I don't find either one difficult, but agree you can say the 20P is pretty easy.
Like the others, I almost always have good 223 brass in bulk to start with. I had to add 221 Fireball since I wasn't a Fireball user before or other than to make 20 VT, so I don't do it very much any more.
I still like the 20 VT, but spend far more time with 204R since I have lots of the brass and the barrels.
I like the 20P and 204R because I also run AR platforms and these two are easy to adapt.
No matter what 20 cal you are discussing, it is always fun to watch when someone who has never experienced one takes their first shots. You see that grin on their face and they all regret not discovering it sooner.
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
“Budget” that’s funny .
The 20VT or other small case cartridges, less powder less heat, longer shooting strings before getting hot.
My initial trial was a 17FB, I can shoot almost triple the amount of shots than my 17 Remington before it gets hot.
I have both 17FB and a new 20VT, 17 uses 20 grain, 20 caliber uses 32-34. I am about accuracy, speed and splat factor with these. I run them to about 200-250 most days past that a bigger cartridge with a heavier bullet.
The 20VT or other small case cartridges, less powder less heat, longer shooting strings before getting hot.
My initial trial was a 17FB, I can shoot almost triple the amount of shots than my 17 Remington before it gets hot.
I have both 17FB and a new 20VT, 17 uses 20 grain, 20 caliber uses 32-34. I am about accuracy, speed and splat factor with these. I run them to about 200-250 most days past that a bigger cartridge with a heavier bullet.
Mark M.
Silver $$ Contributor
Outstanding solution
No! unless you have already had a practical and want to try something else. The only unmeasurable 5 shot one hole group I have ever made was with a 20P.
7315br
Silver $$ Contributor
Totally agree. Just got back from a six day Sage Rat shoot yesterday. 17AH, 20 Mink, 20 VT. As usual I end up shooting the 20 Mink the most. Went through all the 20 Minks I had loaded (1250 rds). Barely a warm barrel including the sun being out. (300) rds between cleaning. Mostly 175-250 yd shots and occasionally 300+ yd shots when conditions were right. No muzzle jump and looong barrel life. Cheap in comparison to other 20's to shoot. What's not to like!
That is the way to go, a 20 VT and a 20 Practical and you are covered for various ranges, Both very easy to form into their given chamber and so much fun to shoot. Both do well with the 32 grain bullets and some of the same powders, so you don't have to add a lot of extra bullet and powder to the supply. Just check some load information and you will see.
RegionRat
Gold $$ Contributor
That's how I ran for a while, but then the 20P turned into a 204R and the 20VT turned into a 17HMR. Covers a span of range, and no reloading on the low end with no fireforming on the high end. YMMV.
It's all good and whatever makes it fun for you gets my vote.
Ledd Slinger
Silver $$ Contributor
I’m having a 20 TAC chambered up right now. Not really a difference in performance over the Practical, I just prefer the steeper shoulder angle to control case growth better and the name “Practical” is pretty dumb. Lol!
I will be using Lapua 223 brass on the TAC. Same process as forming Practical. One pass thru the FL sizer die, load and shoot.
I will be using Lapua 223 brass on the TAC. Same process as forming Practical. One pass thru the FL sizer die, load and shoot.
Mark M.
Silver $$ Contributor
Your right, there is no measurable difference between the tactical and practical except for the cost.
Tactical die set if you can find them, just south of 300.
Fireforming...primer, powder, pill, range time. in my opinion, that's a big price to pay to save on a couple of trimmings.
Practical..common nk die with 2 bushings.. done!
I'd say the name "Practical" is just about right
Tactical die set if you can find them, just south of 300.
Fireforming...primer, powder, pill, range time. in my opinion, that's a big price to pay to save on a couple of trimmings.
Practical..common nk die with 2 bushings.. done!
I'd say the name "Practical" is just about right
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