20 Practical 32 or 40-grainers?

[Mike in Oregon]

Now that I have decided to convert my LRVP 204 to 20 Practical, I need to choose what bullet weight will work best with the already 12T barrel. I'm guessing the 32-grain will be my best choice.

Also, what neck diameter and how much free bore is recommended?

Mike...

 

[Alguapo]

I shoot the Vmax 32s Powder is the key. My favorite is 8208 but that's like looking for Unicorns.

 

[JLT]

Zero free bore. You don't need any more than that unless you're looking at the Berger 55s.

A 1:12" twist will be iffy with the 39 and 40 gr. bullets. 32 gr. bullets are the ticket if you don't want to risk instability. N-133, RL-10X and 8208XBR will make 'em rip.

 

[Hal]

Al

8208 XBR is be made.. SCHEELS had some on the shelf a few weeks ago.

Hal

 

[JB10]

35gr bergers did well in my 204 with H4895 with 12 twist. My 20p i went with a 10 twist to shoot the 40gr bullets. I use N133 with very good results.

 

[Alguapo]

Al

8208 XBR is be made.. SCHEELS had some on the shelf a few weeks ago.

Hal

I saw some yesterday at Sportsmans but......... it was $65.00 +per pound. I still have 9 lbs. It's getting a lil tough on the wallet.

 

[Hotshot]

With that cartridge you won't notice any ballistic difference out to 400 yards maybe an inch or two trajectory and maybe two or three in a 10mph wind.
Use what ever bullet groups best and have fun. Past 400 is entirely different. The bc of the 39-40 grain bullets really starts to shine.

 

[Rick300]

The Sierra 39BK out performs any other in my rifle. 40 BIBS will also make you smile!

 

[varmintshooter]

A true 12 twist will shoot 39 and 40 grain bullets. Some so called 12 twist are more like 12.5 twist. To be safe some guys go with a 11 twist

 

[chuckshooter]

I'm a 32gr vmax fan. In my opinion, bullet drop, wind drift, bc, are all irrelevant. that's not what this bullet is for.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Gophers 32 vmax, coyotes 35 Berger.

 

[AWS]

32gr V-max for varmints and 40gr NBT for coyotes. I've had some luck with Nosler 32gr HP's(discontinued) on coyotes also.

40's

32gr HP's

 

[TheCZKid]

I shoot the Vmax 32s Powder is the key. My favorite is 8208 but that's like looking for Unicorns.

8208 XBR is in stock currently, so getter while you can!

 

[searcher]

If most of your shots are within 250 yards or so, I'd use the 32 V-Max on squirrels and sage rats. Beyond that, I prefer the 39 BK's and 40 V-Max overall. Since you will be getting dialed in again with a new load - you might want to try Accurate LT32 powder with any of these bullets if you have not already done so.

 

[B23]

I'd use the 32 V-Max on squirrels and sage rats.

Factory 12tw barrels generally shoot those 32's so darn well this would be my choice too.

Now, if Sierra would ever stop being such tightasses about those 36gr BK's they, only, put in their 204 Ruger loaded ammo and sell just the bullet then I could be inclined to have a different opinion on this but until they do, for the above targets in a 12tw particularly a factory 12tw barrel, 32 Vmax would be my first pick.

 

[5spd]

I used 32g bullets, 1/11 tw when I had a 20p, 40g bullets never were as accurate.

 

[Tommie]

Either 32 or 40 will work. Field experience tells me the 32 is well-balanced on the 223 case. The Prac thrives inside of 400 yards. Of course 40 grain bullets can (and are) used but truthfully a little more boiler room is better with the 40’s. Obviously people have made crazy long hits with the Practical and I guess a mile can be done with a 22LR. Again from my experience the 20 Prac is best suited out to maybe 350 yards and 32’s rock in the Prac.

 

[Alguapo]

8208 XBR is in stock currently, so getter while you can!

Picked up a 8208 for the 20 Prac and a H322 for my 204's. Local little pawn shop that caters to shooters. Cheaper than the Big stores but the both came to $127.+ Ouch.

 

[L.Sherm]

AA2230, V133 are ones that work well in the 20 Prac

 

[TheCZKid]

I recently found mine likes H335 with Berger 35 FB-HP bullets, but the 40 Nosler do well with 8208