20 tactical
- Thread starter nm2602
- Start date
From what I've read 23-24" seems to be where you want to be.. Fred at Bullberry cut a barrel down starting at 26" and trimmed 1" at a time ... Albeit this was for a .204 ruger the optimum barrel length looked to be approx 23".. The .20 tactical seems to have similar if not slightly less powder capacity....
Have you checked out the 20 Practical? I am just curious why you are picking the Tac over the practical?
Geronimo Jim
Gold $$ Contributor
Well put Mr Berg. Todd Kindler makes the case as well for 20 Tac. I have a Bat build gun that shoots great and I love the Lapua brass.
Geronimo Jim
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes Sir Mr Berg
You didn't mention twist rate , which I consider very important in deciding what length your barrel will be . If it's a 12 twist you can chop to 22 , if it's a 10 or 11 than 24 is minimum . I have shot two 20 Tacs and the 22 was a bit short for the 40g bullets . I have experienced much better velocity and extreme spreads with the same loads in the 24 inch since I rebarrelled . I'm with Dave Berg on the 20 Tac over the 204 Ruger or the 20 Practical . Much better brass , and less work !
BigDMT
nm2602 said:
I personally like 22" barrels because you get good velocities coupled with a shorter and handier rifle that is not so front heavy when using a heavy contour barrel (which I assume you are using). I have a 20 VarTarg and a 204 Ruger both with 22" barrels. Building a 20 Tactical here really quick as well and it will also sport a 22" pipe.
My 204 Ruger originally had a 24" barrel until I chopped it down to 22". Didn't lose enough speed to mention and rifle is still every bit as accurate. Big difference... now it is much more balanced and steady when making quick shots off hand on running coyotes. Or even just shooting gophers or prairie dogs from various rests and positions. Much better center of gravity makes the rifle much easier to handle.
For target shooting, I don't think a barrel from 22"-26" will really matter. It'll be accurate and fast enough either way. I think matching the proper twist rate to bullet used would warrant more attention for target shooting. But if the rifle is used more for varmint hunting, you'll definitely enjoy a shorter barrel when in the field.
Just my opinion : )
Take care.
I just finished a 20 tactical on a Remington 788. I went with the 20 Tactical solely on the reason of the availability of Lapua brass at $39 a hundred from Grafs. I just test fired it yesterday for the first time and am impressed. I used a Lilja 3 groove 788 factory contour Chrome moly barrel with a 1-12 twist. I didn't set up my chrono to see the velocity I'm getting but I can hit a golf ball every shot at 200 with it sighted in at 1" high at a hundred. Good enough for the upcoming Squirrelmageddon. I left the barrel at 25" and its pretty skinny. 32gr Hornady Vmax with a case full of 8208 XBR, 26.5 grs.
At last got time to get the new rifle zeroed:
here is the first 3 shits at 100yds (each square is 1/2 inch)
A few adjustments and followed up with this 5 shot group (threw one out but that was me, launched another and it went in the same group) the white diamond is 1 1/2 across.
Took it out in the field last night and mr fox got the good news, good clean kill, and wabbits just exploded.
happy days.
here is the first 3 shits at 100yds (each square is 1/2 inch)
A few adjustments and followed up with this 5 shot group (threw one out but that was me, launched another and it went in the same group) the white diamond is 1 1/2 across.
Took it out in the field last night and mr fox got the good news, good clean kill, and wabbits just exploded.
happy days.
LOVE my .204!The 20 Practical and the 20 "tactical" are both .223 cases necked down to .204.
The Practical leaves the shoulder alone, the neck is sized and you're done.
The tactical moves the shoulder so you have an added step and have to fireform brass.
The performance of the two is identical from everything I've seen.
The Practical leaves the shoulder alone, the neck is sized and you're done.
The tactical moves the shoulder so you have an added step and have to fireform brass.
The performance of the two is identical from everything I've seen.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.