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20 Vartag Turbo or 20-222 ?

Goatsnguns

Goatsnguns

Gold $$ Contributor
I am trying to decide which caliber for new rifle build. I currently have a 222 Rem and two 20 Vartargs and plenty of brass for both. I picked up a Shilen 20 cal barrel in a trade and I have a Rem 700 action. So why not build something different. What is the difference between the VTT and the 20-222? I would appreciate any info or help on case forming and performance.
Thanks,
Gary
 
The 20-222 will definitely be easier from the die sourcing standpoint. The difference from the varmints opinion won't matter much. FWIW I have 3 Dusters which have 40 degree shoulders and use 222 brass one is built on a BAT SV and 2 are Sakos. The BAT has taken pds in excess of 500 yards regularly with the 11 twist and 40vmax. I am sure the 20-222 will do so also. If I had to do it over I would definitely keep it simple and not deal with custom dies, as I get older I realize how wise the KISS concept really is. Don't get me wrong if you have a hankering for something different, go for it just my .02. I happen to have a VTT Wilson seater if you decide to go that route all you would need is a sizer, perhaps you could use your VT sizer to get the neck and shoulder where you want them and your 222 die may have the right diameter for the base. Of course you probably could find a VTT sizer out there still.Good luck with your project, 20s are definitely great fun for varmint shooting.
Matt
 
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Actually, you can use your 20 VT dies to work with the 20VTT. Just adjust them up slightly for the longer length in the brass. Even a 20 VT bushing die will do the same.
 
Goatsnguns said:
I am trying to decide which caliber for new rifle build. I currently have a 222 Rem and two 20 Vartargs and plenty of brass for both. I picked up a Shilen 20 cal barrel in a trade and I have a Rem 700 action. So why not build something different. What is the difference between the VTT and the 20-222? I would appreciate any info or help on case forming and performance.
Thanks,
Gary
Click to expand...
AFWIW...(which ain't much). If you want something different in .20 cal...the .20 JI (Javelina Improved) is a really efficient .20 cal wildcat. It's a .222 case shortened .160", necked down to .20 cal, and blown out to a 40* shoulder. On about one grain more powder than the .20 VT, it will produce another 200 fps with a 32 gr V-Max bullet. For some reason (unknown to me...the barrel will go about as long as the .20 VT's which is important to me in the squirrel fields). It will make 500 yds easily. I have one in a XP-100 pistol also. I've made shots on PD's to 550 yds with it. Super accurate.
 

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Imo the 20-222 hands down. Especially for that action. Will feed like butter also if you wanted. Im w 17vld, keep it simple. You dont need lapua brass to shoot tight w this cartridge either. I shoot a no turn .232nk w winchester brass and use a redding 222 type s bushing die. I have a 788 rebarreled to this cartridge and with simple easy cheap components ive been blown away buy its performance. Havent shot my 204 ruger since. Crow lazer!
 
VTT is shortened and diff shoulder angle. 20-222 is just that a 20-222. Todd kindlers 20 book describes all the 20’s well. As wonderful as the 222 was and is i never felt i needed to try and change it. I do one pass w a .228 bushing load and shoot. I have bushings .228,227,226 i play w. I use .226 bushing nk measures .228 loaded. I use a 20 cal seater stem from a 204 lee collet die set in a 222 lee seater die.
 
Both are very good and easy to make shoot accurately. It boils down to which one you want to have.

The 20-222 may be slightly easier to form, as you mention. But the 20 VTT is not much more work either.
 
RegionRat said:
There is an old thread on your exact question that I will link here.
Also, there is a little comparison data on this web site that shows the case capacity comparison.
https://tripledeuce.net/Cartridge_Comparisons_0SJN.php

View attachment 1615623

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/20-vartarg-turbo.3976866/

While I really liked the 20 Vartarg, I found myself migrating to the 204 Ruger for the extra range, so I will defer the other folks who still shoot it.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Click to expand...
Thanks for posting the chart! Some of the data might be off (only .3 grain difference between 20 BR and 20 Dasher?) but still very interesting stuff.
 
Cutter1 said:
I just had Kevin Weaver build me a 20 BobCat on a Defiant action in single shot. I have dies for
it and can't wait to build som vv133 loads with 32Vmax and #(gr Blitzkings. Has a 11" twist
Kreiger that's fluted Sendero
Click to expand...
That thing is gonna be your favorite rifle i bet. Sweet!
 
I built a 20/222, its fun and economical and all that. But in hindsight, and likely in the future ... I'll build another but using the 204Ruger run in short to 222Rem length, and have the 204Ruger dies cut short at the same time.
 
I have a 20-222 built on a tikka action, ODCR rifle. No regrets. I have a ton of 222 brass and some vintage 222s so it was the easy button for me. No regrets, simple to neck down, load and shoot. Very accurate rifle I might add.

That being said I don’t think there’s a wrong choice between the two. Both chamberings have a big following. Starline is offering 222 brass so that may factor into it.
 
Cutter1 said:
I just had Kevin Weaver build me a 20 BobCat on a Defiant action in single shot. I have dies for
it and can't wait to build som vv133 loads with 32Vmax and #(gr Blitzkings. Has a 11" twist
Kreiger that's fluted Sendero
Click to expand...
Hey cutter1 post a picture of that bad boy. Bet the guys would like to that one. Sounds like a killer set up!
 
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