20 cal Winter project

[Pyscodog]

Just a random thought, but was thinking about building some kind of 20 caliber rifle this winter. Nothing wrong with the standard 204 or 20 Practical other than I've had several and want something different. Smokin fast and fairly east to make cases are basic requirements. Going to be built on a Sako 461 action with 223 bolt face and with a CanJar trigger. Not for sure if it will happen but wanted some ideas if it does. Thanks

 

[Cbrown3020]

Check out the Killer Bee.

 

[B23]

I don't know how good their brass is but a necked down 22 Nosler aka 20-22Nosler would have about the same case capacity as a 20BR but with a small bolt face. Brass wouldn't be as good as a 20-223AI since you could use Lapua 223 brass for one of those but a 20-22Nosler would have more case capacity, be a straight neck down, and the case is shorter so it would fit better in something with OAL restrictions.

 

[urbanrifleman]

20 Sploder.

 

[Gabe22BR]

A true 20-221AI…
39BK @3520fps…
Here’s a 5 shot 600yd target in 12mph winds shot by my 9yr old son…back 5yr ago…
It’s still going strong

I also have a 20BRAI that 4 target agg 2” at a IBS match in March winds..

 

[gtl1946]

Of the 223 boltface family the 204 would be the speed king and you put thumbs down on that . When you get beyond that you can theoretically neck anything down to 20 cal. but on my opinion after the 20BR you’re just burning up barrels so in my opinion your case choice has boxed you in. You are saying I need to find the longest 223case In the world to build a cartridge.

 

[Pyscodog]

I know I'm limited due to the bolt face. Nothing at all wrong with the 204, was just thinking about something different.

 

[Matt_3479]

20 tactical
Or 20-223ai

 

[Bill K]

On that action either a 20-222 or a 20 PPC would be a nice addition. The 20 PPC would require a slight bolt face work.

 

[Pyscodog]

20-223AI is interesting and I have a bunch of 223AI brass.

 

[snert]

Get a magnum action, build a redline! 70 gr bullet at 4000 FPS. You said "smokin fast"!

 

[nakneker]

If you have multiple 204s and 20 practicals I think you would have fun with something a bit smaller and 32 grain bullets. You have fast covered. The 20-222 is one Ive always wanted to build, ordered the reamer this week. That would be fun. Theres so many fun choices for that action and the 20 Caliber.

 

[JSH]

Just a random thought, but was thinking about building some kind of 20 caliber rifle this winter. Nothing wrong with the standard 204 or 20 Practical other than I've had several and want something different. Smokin fast and fairly east to make cases are basic requirements. Going to be built on a Sako 461 action with 223 bolt face and with a CanJar trigger. Not for sure if it will happen but wanted some ideas if it does. Thanks

Smoking fast. Cruising around the net, a fellow was running Hammer solid 17’s at 5000 or there abouts out of an AR no less. 17 Stinger if I recall correctly, I would suspect some questionable pressures with a 223/556 case.

Dunno what they offer in a 20.

Speed and easy to get there, I have to vote BR case and a slow twist with a quality bullet.
I thought of a 20 Grendel/PPC and was told case capacity was oh so close to 204R of it to have little if any gain.

 

[SmokinJoe]

I would recommend the 20-221AI as Gabe did. I get 4000fps easily with 32gr bullets and up to 3650 with 40 class. It's also a deadly accurate laser out to 350 yds. where most of your shooting usually occurs and it doesn't build barrel heat very quickly. What's not to like?

 

[Pyscodog]

If you have multiple 204s and 20 practicals I think you would have fun with something a bit smaller and 32 grain bullets. You have fast covered. The 20-222 is one Ive always wanted to build, ordered the reamer this week. That would be fun. Theres so many fun choices for that action and the 20 Caliber.

I HAD 204 and 20P. I don't have either now but I do have 204 brass and dies and a bunch of 223 and 223AI brass and dies. Working with a small bolt face is going to limit my options for sure. I'd just like to have something a little different than everyone else, but still not have to spend hours making brass. Not asking for to much am I? LOL Its just a pipe dream right now but figure if I start thinking about it now it might be an easier choice later if it even happens.

 

[B23]

I think a necked down 22 Nosler (35.5gr H20) is going to be about the biggest case available for a small bolt face action and a 20-22Nosler would be a straight neck down so brass prep would be simple as it gets.

If you want to go smaller case capacity a 20-222 never disappoints.

 

[JSH]

If Nosler would only come out with their 20 as planned a bit longer case, they may have something. At least without changing any bolt face.

 

[dfrosch]

If Nosler would only come out with their 20 as planned a bit longer case, they may have something. At least without changing any bolt face.

Yep, they baited us with 20 Nosler drawings and increased case capacity over the 22 Nosler, then ghosted us.

FWIW, Roberson sells brass for $5.15/pc <gasp> and data is available.

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20 Nosler Load Data

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[Rick in Oregon]

Going to be built on a Sako 461 action with 223 bolt face and with a CanJar trigger.

I've also got a Sako L461 currently barreled to 17M4 in a Boyd's T/H lam stock that is asking for a new barrel in a different caliber (done with .17 CF's). I'm pondering the same conundrum.

I'd suggest maybe going the other direction, as you've already about reached the velocity envelope in .20 cal with what you already have. Have you considered "more fun with less"? I've had more pure rat shooting fun with my 20VT than all my other rat rifles in calibers from .17 to 6mm. Truth be known, I've sold off most of my varmint rifles that burn more than 30 grs of powder....don't need that much to launch a rodent out to 500 yards.

So even though I've got a wicked accurate 20VT (Cooper VR), that little Sako might soon become my second VT, but in repeater form. The caliber is that good IMHO.

 

[chuckshooter]

I've also got a Sako L461 currently barreled to 17M4 in a Boyd's T/H lam stock that is asking for a new barrel in a different caliber (done with .17 CF's). I'm pondering the same conundrum.

I'd suggest maybe going the other direction, as you've already about reached the velocity envelope in .20 cal with what you already have. Have you considered "more fun with less"? I've had more pure rat shooting fun with my 20VT than all my other rat rifles in calibers from .17 to 6mm. Truth be known, I've sold off most of my varmint rifles that burn more than 30 grs of powder....don't need that much to launch a rodent out to 500 yards.

So even though I've got a wicked accurate 20VT (Cooper VR), that little Sako might soon become my second VT, but in repeater form. The caliber is that good IMHO.

I agree with Rick, It has been more than five years since I took any rifle in a larger caliber than a 20 cal. on a sage rat or prairie dog shooting trip and the most fired cartridge by a long shot is the vartarg. if you are shooting all day, recoil and heat are not your friends.