I need some help understanding what im reading in various threads. I see a lot of back and fourth which is better from a forming standpoint. They seem to have identical performance. I see the argument being made that 20tac dies are expensive and 20prac only requires bushing. This is true assuming one already had a bushing die? Since I dont have a bushing die im looking at a $120 redding die, the $20 decapping assembly for .20 cal, and the cost of bushings. I see hornady has a $60 20tac die set available… both use 223 as parent case, 20tac has sharper shoulder and longer neck, should require less trimming and maybe slight edge in accuracy. so what am I missing?
20 practical vs 20 tactical
- Thread starter Bowhunter-tw
- Start date
I shoot both. Performance is identical in the real world. I feel my PRACTICAL is a tad better than my TACTICAL for accuracy. I also feel the PRACTICAL feeds a skosh better.
Type S FL sizing dies are about 70 bucks from Precision. The 204 decapper is about 20. I use a Hornady 20 cal seater.
I just built a REMAGE 20 PRACTICAL with a Tactical Ordnance barrel l. It is like a magic wand for groups. I have the ARs in both. Getcan adjustable gas block if you go that route.
Type S FL sizing dies are about 70 bucks from Precision. The 204 decapper is about 20. I use a Hornady 20 cal seater.
I just built a REMAGE 20 PRACTICAL with a Tactical Ordnance barrel l. It is like a magic wand for groups. I have the ARs in both. Getcan adjustable gas block if you go that route.
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
I started with the 20P and that is what I have continued with. Mostly due to no advantage of having both and the complexity that brings with it.
But my situation might be slightly different than others. I needed a significant volume of brass for my annual month long prairie dog hunt. The 20P seemed to offer a slight edge in that regard for me. Also I use an AR for a good bit of my shooting and I knew the 20P could possible feed with less issues.
For your decision, I consider trimming a non factor. I also see a much wider range of barrels available in 20P than the Tac. That could be a deciding point for your decision of what you go with. It certainly wouldn't be the cost of the dies. But then I have 3 dedicated 20P FL sizing dies (non bushing) that I use.
You are probably right, dies might not be the deciding factor. Whered you get dedicated 20p dies? Are they custom made?
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
I got 2 from CH4D (catalog item but the wait is significant) and 1 set from Whidden custom with a 0.224" neck diameter.
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
I purchased several hundred cases formed to to 20p. I already had a RCBS fl 223 and a Redding 223 neck bushing die. So I 2 step for my AR. 223 fl gutted die, .224 neck bushing gutted. I have seated with a 223 seater and my 204R RCBS competition seater, I prefer the 204 com because of the window.
nmkid
Gold $$ Contributor
You don't need a custom die. A standard .223 bushing die will work just fine along with the .204 stem. Also, the bushings will cost around $17 each. But, when you buy the stuff you'll need they will probably outlive you. The 20P is accurate and so much fun to shoot.
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L.Sherm
Silver $$ Contributor
This is exactly my set up also.
Don't over think this, they call it a 20 Prac for a reason.
Ive seen that statement made too. Its only practical if you already have a bushing die… otherwise its like any other new cartridge requiring additional dies. Although a simple neck down is easier than shoulder angle change, set back, and neck down
JohnD
Silver $$ Contributor
I have 2 Practicals and here’s how I do it. Forster .223 ultra seater, Redding .223 SB body die and a modified Lee collet die. As a matter of fact, I do this for several of my more accurate rifles. Also, I have nearly an unlimited supply of Lake City brass.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
John
Good luck with whatever you choose.
John
Either way, dies have to be purchased. One is a standard production die with a different stem while the other is a custom die. With no real difference in performance berween the two cartridges, the Prac is a no-brainer. And as a fan of Todd Kindler’s work it isn’t easy for me to admit a preference for the Prac.
L.Sherm
Silver $$ Contributor
You were asking about dedicated 20P dies and if they were custom, so you must not have been aware a 20 Prac is nothing more than a necked down 223.
Theres alot of 223 dies out there if you can't find a bushing die the regular FL 223 die can be converted to a bushing die if you get desperate for a die
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What barrel lengths are you shooting? Im thinking 20”, but would I be loosing a lot in this cartridge?
Fast14riot
Gold $$ Contributor
Don't forget all the other 20 cal stuff you will need if you dont shoot small caliber already. Cleaning rods are generally 22 cal, powder funnel, patches, jags, etc. I ended up in that exact situation when I built my 20p.
It is soooo worth it, though!
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