20 caliber for distance ????

[mikeinct]

I built a tac 20 a few years back..it handles the 39 gr SBK really nicely...I finally got to a place where I could shoot it past 500 yds...& it was an eye opener...The bullet barely impacts the dirt at that distance!!!....We were comparing it to a 243 winchester using 88 grs of bullet...Anyone here use that bullet on varmints past 500 yds & would you reccommend it ???? I have my doubts about it in the Tac 20 case...When I built this gun I had pretty much decided it was for use up to 500 yds..Now seeing the bullet strike at 720 yds it was interesting..I dont think it would do a GH or a PD any good but it was not real impressive...mike in ct

 

[DogBuster]

I'm shootin' a 20 Practical w/40 V max....using it on p/dogs from 3-500 yds with devastating results...its my recycled 204R barrel thats actually faster than the original 204R chamber..by 150 fps...go figure...

 

[SnakeEye]

I built a tac 20 a few years back..it handles the 39 gr SBK really nicely...I finally got to a place where I could shoot it past 500 yds...& it was an eye opener...The bullet barely impacts the dirt at that distance!!!....We were comparing it to a 243 winchester using 88 grs of bullet...Anyone here use that bullet on varmints past 500 yds & would you reccommend it ???? I have my doubts about it in the Tac 20 case...When I built this gun I had pretty much decided it was for use up to 500 yds..Now seeing the bullet strike at 720 yds it was interesting..I dont think it would do a GH or a PD any good but it was not real impressive...mike in ct

I would recommend the 40 gr. vmax or Berger. I've made several kills on groundpigs out past 600 yds. Now 700 yds will be stretching it unless you go with a heavier bullet.

Varmints For Fun

 

[DogBuster]

The 20 cal 40 V max is awesome....comes out of my 12 twist 20 Practical @ 4026 fps,moly) looking for fur.....

 

[204shooter]

Can't say for sure about the tac 20, but seeing the way my .204 blows up milk jugs at 500 yards, it should be up to the task.

But remember, that any wind will wreak havoc on the tiny bullet at that distance. There are better suited cartridges for that job.

 

[Rodbolt]

DogBuster,
Could you share your load and barrel/length/action setup that getting over over 4000fps in a 20/223? Thanks!

 

[RJinTexas]

DogBuster,
I second Rodbolt's request for your 20/223 load data as my 20 Tac has yet to live up to my expectations. It won't shoot with my 204 in the wind but in all fairness I'm shooting 40 Vmax in the 204 and 32's in the Tac, maybe I just haven't found the right load yet.

RJ

 

[F224]

I have tagged a bunch of prairie dogs well past 500 yards, but have made no hits beyond 600. I see the 204Ruger as a viable 400-600 yard cartridge for prairie dogs, but not in the same long range league as the 6mm and bigger calibers. It's cheap to shoot compared against the 22/250 without the blast and recoil, but for pure splat factor, you need bigger bullets beyond 400 yards.

 

[Ogre6br]

me too for the 20 prac data please- I want to get 3800+ with 39-40's but if i can get 4K that would be sweet.

mines going to be a short run 204R match reamer to use 223 brass.

9/10's of a 20 Tac really.

Just going to get a set of 204R dies shortened to suit

later
p

 

[DogBuster]

Loads safe in my rifle..
Pac Nor 12 twist 3 groove
25.75" x 1.055" no taper SS SM
,rechambered 204R barrel)
S/shot Savage action
26 grs H4895 or Benchmark
Lapua or Win 223 case
40 gr moly V max
Rem BR primer
Redding bushing neck 223 die w/.227 bushing
Forster BR 204R seater die
4000 fps