20 Practical Build

[LTRDavid]

I built myself another PD gun. This time I wanted to do a lightweight “walk/ride around” rifle. Here are the specs;

Defiance anTix action
MDT Hunter Carbon Fiber stock
Jewel HVRT 1 lb trigger
24” Lija 3 groove, # 4 Contour, 1-11 twist, Carbon Grey Cerakote.
20 Practical, PTG reamer
Weight 6.7 lb
Scope TBD

Unlike the 20 VarTarg build I shared in 2022 (boy time flies) this build was more contemporary. I must say, I prefer the more traditional look and feel. Next step, make up some brass and start load development. I plan to use 32 gr V-Max bullets and start with H-4198.

As always, comments and questions are welcomed.

Thanks for letting me share.
LTR out

 

[Fern]

Man that looks nice. Can I ask why going for the lighter bullets instead of the heavier 35-40s?

 

[LTRDavid]

Man that looks nice. Can I ask why going for the lighter bullets instead of the heavier 35-40s?

Thanks for the kind words. Re: 32 gr. It’s real simple I have a lot of the 32 gr V-Max on-hand already.

 

[JSH]

A good looking rig. Would like your thoughts when up and running on the MDT. I have one,but the action sure sets low to me. Almost like an AR flat top.
Have come to prefer KRG.

 

[LTRDavid]

Tonight I setup the Dillon 550 to form .223 to the 20 Practical. Tomorrow after a small pilot run I’ll take some some cases with bullets lightly seated in place to measure the jam length. Here are my notes from tonight’s effort. Questions & comments welcomed. Thanks
LTR out

 

[JB10]

Nice rifle. I just built one in December and have been playing on some loads. Its a joy to shoot.

 

[Skattergun]

Did you try sizing it down in one wack?

 

[LTRDavid]

Did you try sizing it down in one wack?

That’s a negative Scatter. 3 steps as indicated in my notes above.

 

[Skattergun]

That’s a negative Scatter. 3 steps as indicated in my notes above.

Saw the notes was just curious if you were doing it that was because there was issues otherwise, I sized 50pcs new brass the other night from .224 to .204 one step through full length sizer with no problems

 

[LTRDavid]

Saw the notes was just curious if you were doing it that was because there was issues otherwise, I sized 50pcs new brass the other night from .224 to .204 one step through full length sizer with no problems

OIC, yes I experience excessive runout when sizing necks down more than .004” at a one time. So, I go at it incrementally since the Dillon can perform all 3 steps in a single pull. The final result is a TIR of .002”-.003” and a .200” pin gauge goes in the neck and a .201” pin does not go in the neck. Not bad I think considering the brass I’m using and the fact I’m not turning necks for a PD stick! The bottom line will be the results on paper and I can’t wait to get out there and see… Thanks for your question.

 

[Dale264]

Did you try sizing it down in one wack?

I'm also gearing up for a 20P. Sized some brass this weekend and was not able to go from fired .223rem down to .204 size in 1 shot. It resulted in crushed brass. I'm using a .232 bushing as an in-between step with great success.

 

[LTRDavid]

I'm also gearing up for a 20P. Sized some brass this weekend and was not able to go from fired .223rem down to .204 size in 1 shot. It resulted in crushed brass. I'm using a .232 bushing as an in-between step with great success.

Are you measuring runout?

 

[Dale264]

Not at the moment but I am running an 20cal expander ball in my die on the final size. This will be a high volume varmint gun so I'm not super concerned.

 

[Skattergun]

Measured runout on a couple 1-3 thou tir not gonna worry about it either, sized new .223 brass down in one shot

 

[LTRDavid]

I‘ve updated the forming operation with the addition of a mandrel die and a .200” mandrel. Also, prior to the forming steps I annealed the cases. Then afterwards the cases were trimmed, chamfered, primer pockets cleaned, uniformed and finally the necks were brushed. Now I’m getting consistent neck ID’s and brass that I feel confident with. Next I plan to do some pressure tests with different powders, starting with N133, H335 and Re 10x. Thanks!

 

[JB10]

I use N133 in mine

 

[Hal]

Ltr
It looks like you made yourself custom thumb brush.

Hal

 

[LTRDavid]

Ltr
It looks like you made yourself custom thumb brush.

Hal

Yes, it works quite well removing the brass shavings from the primer pocket uniforming tool head. Plus, it helps improve the motion economy.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have tried several different bullets out of my 22" 20p AR on coyote. Best has been the Berger 40 gr bthp. Quite a streak of drt. I like the BIB 40, but saving what I have for my 204R. Prairie dogs get a 32 gr vmax.

 

[boltfluter]

View attachment 1529777I have tried several different bullets out of my 22" 20p AR on coyote. Best has been the Berger 40 gr bthp. Quite a streak of drt. I like the BIB 40, but saving what I have for my 204R. Prairie dogs get a 32 gr vmax.

Nice shot! Are you saving your pelts this year?
Paul