20-222 or 20VT ? ? ?

[Shooter32]

I have read the threads about the 20-222 and the 20VT but was still trying to decide whitch one to build i have a 222 that i am going to re-barrel and was leaning toward the 20-222, but was wondering if the 20VT wasnt the better all around cartridge giving more velocity and accuracy ? Some thoughts from you guys that have info on the two as acomparison will be alot of help,
Thanks !!

 

[Fireball]

My two .20-22s are very accurate. I like them so much I will be screwing on a .20-222 barrel on my Panda soon. See my post just below about the experiment I did last week with the .20-222. I reloaded a single Winchester case sixteen times at the range to 4000 fps and it grew only .005" and had a tight primer pocket at the end. No need for the Vartarg Turbo version in my humble opinion. Just use your standard .222 dies and save yourself some money.

 

[Shooter32]

Fireball thanks for your reply that is probally what i will do . Did you use a pac-nor barrel? And if you did did you let them do the chambering ?

 

[Fireball]

I used a Lilja 1-12" 3 groove stainless, all my 20s have this barrel except one that has the same barrel in 1-9" twist.

I had my gunsmith chamber the rifles.

 

[Shooter32]

Fireball who do you use as a gunsmith? The one that i use does not have a 20/222 reamer but has the 20VT that was the big reason for thinking of going that way or i may just buy my own reamer

 

[Fireball]

My gunsmith is currently retired. I sent him the reamer when I did the rifles. I think purchasing your own reamer is a good idea. Here is a link to a previous post where I posted the reamer print:

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/6mmbr/vpost?id=1257268

 

[caroby]

My two .20-22s are very accurate. I like them so much I will be screwing on a .20-222 barrel on my Panda soon. See my post just below about the experiment I did last week with the .20-222. I reloaded a single Winchester case sixteen times at the range to 4000 fps and it grew only .005" and had a tight primer pocket at the end. No need for the Vartarg Turbo version in my humble opinion. Just use your standard .222 dies and save yourself some money.

Yes, Yes and yes.....I to am in love with my .20-222..... I have found what you have said to be "dead nuts".
My barrel is a PacNor 3 grove 1-12" I have shot several .1's and .2's with Vmax 32's.....Geeesh! Thats impressive to me!
I really think the .20-222 has HIGH potential for point blank Benchrest...! Am considering it.

Good Shoot'n
CaleR

 

[Shooter32]

Thanks for all the input, but i still have not made up my mind, but you have all give me some good fedback .

 

[bhoges]

I have a trued 700vs with a Hart barrel in 20VT.I use 18.2 grs of 4198 w/32 Vmax. I have to say its my favorite rifle right now. You cant miss with this thing. I have 2 custom rifles both Nesika and even on a windy day this gun will shoot into the .4's. On a nice day .3-.2 is no problem. Its a pleasure to shoot with no recoil and an ease to load. The first powder and bullet combo worked. So far my longest kill was a chuck @299yds. That was my first day out with the rifle. A real flat shooter and the exit wound was about 4in. The chuck went right down. The bullets go about 3500fps which is a light load but hey it works wny mess with it.

 

[caroby]

<<The bullets go about 3500fps which is a light load but hey it works wny mess with it. >>

Yes......I feel the same with my .20-222. Shoot'n 32's at 3720...Easy on brass, VERY accurate and destroys little critters!
could go faster.... Think it's not needed...Critters don't know any diff.!

CaleR

 

[Forum Boss]

You guys are making me more and more convinced to go with a 20VT over a 20 BR, though the latter would be a simpler solution for me in terms of dies.

I like the idea of loading up a bunch of brass on my RCBS 2000 progressive with a moderate load, maybe 3550. From what the VarTarg guys tell me, both H4198 and VV N120 are great choices.

 

[Fireball]

The .20-221 or .20-222 will do the same thing as the Vartarg if you already have bushing dies for the Fireball or Deuce.

 

[bhoges]

Making the brass is no big deal just get Hornady dies. They sell a set for around $50. I bought a redding to do the neck size w/a 227 I think.My smith said the v120 is too slow. The 4198 gives you full case at 18.2 The book says you can go higher but I doubt it will fit. Heres a pic of my gun and some groups.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid211/p78218a0b666bcd00ea015bb634fb9c1e/ed7e3896.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid212/paccdf3befba647e2ec2abae09b8837a3/ed62f576.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid212/p15a74c8e437fd9c635cd291f82007c95/ed62f901.jpg
Keep in mind this was the first groups out of the gun the first day I got it. Both groups fired at 100 yds 5 shots on a windy day and still measure under .4!! I got some in the .2-.3's last week. Im only using a 16x scope with a VS stock.