20-222 ready for faster bbl

[master_photog]

Hello, I recently received my Kevin Weaver 20 Extreme (wildcat off of the 222 case) and I'd like to now build another 20 Extreme with a faster bbl for heavier bullets. This is the Krieger 11 twist which has super accuracy with quality bullets below 40 grains.

I like the cartridge so much, that I'd like to build one dedicated to some heavier .204 bullets, somewhere north of 40 grain and less than mid 50s.

Do I need to be looking at twists below 9, such as a 7.5 (which was recommended) or is a 7.5 too quick for a 20-222 wildcat?

Just curious what other 20-222 sea level shooters are using for a bbl twist with bullets in the 40s and 50s.

 

[JSH]

If I went heavier than a 40, I would want more case capacity myself. I would lean towards a 20 BR.

 

[B23]

I understand we all have different ideas about things but I'm with JSH and if I were to go heavier than the 40's I'd want more horsepower driving them. Of course it's all about trade offs and with more horsepower comes shorter barrel life too.

The 20BR is probably a really good choice. I went one step further and had a 20-250 built with a 8tw to shoot the Berger 55's. It compliments my 20-222 with it's 11tw quite nicely.

 

[Dale264]

Not speaking from experience but if you can push them to ~3100fps they would be on the better end of marginally stable with an 8twist. That's likely what I would choose but I shoot at 1000' of elevation or more.

 

[TAJ45]

To answer your question, imo a 9 should do it. I have an uninstalled, used 20 BR I bought from Gene Anderson here, (ganderson) iirc. Seems he was shooting the hvy Bergers but don't remember if it was 50s or 55s or both.

 

[Tommie]

What are you wanting to accomplish?

 

[master_photog]

What are you wanting to accomplish?

I want to have the ability to shoot 40 to 50 grain bullets in a faster twist 20-222 wildcat, I think that's asking too much from my 11 twist.

 

[linebaugh]

Will be a very efficient cartridge. I did not want to go full custom or I would for sure be running an ackleyized 20-222.
The twist rate calculators are out there to figure needed twist. Otherwise I just wanted to support your idea and hope you post results!

 

[master_photog]

The twist rate calculators are out there to figure needed twist. Otherwise I just wanted to support your idea and hope you post results!

I agree, the twist rate calculators are out there, but finding a bullet with a thick enough jacket to stabilize in that fast of a twist (7.5) can cause reason for pessimism.