20 Vartag

[Rocksniper]

Looks like I will need to order some redding dies. I don't want to get into neck turning and will be ordering a custom reamer for my build. Thanks.

 

[SS427]

Any reason you don't want to turn necks? I avoided it for as long as I could, but once I did if for the first time realized how easy it is to do it.

The problem with not getting set up to turn necks is you can't control the thickness manufacturers make their brass. If they change their specs and make it thinner or thicker you have lost control of your neck clearance with your custom reamer.

 

[pacificman]

Redding Type S FL sizing die and a Wilson seating die. That will give you the best ammo short of paying for custom dies.

These are the exact same dies I am using ...thanks Otter! I also agree that for this caliber it is a plus to be able to turn the necks on any brass as this gives you complete control for chambering but also I think turning the necks makes for a bit better accuracy. For my 20VT I have used only .223 brass and the necks must be turned to fit chamber. With the accuracy I'm getting I don't want to change a thing. I turn the necks to about 0.12 thou then I use a .228 bushing to fit my .232 chamber. I hope this info might be of some use.

 

[wmdron]

I hate to admit this but I have pulled a good one and may have close to a no turn on my .20 vartarg after all, the reason my case necks were measuring .233 right out of the die was that I didn't have the die adjusted properly and it wasn't sizing the necks like it should. I knew something wasn't quite right . My lesson learned in this is to read the instructions.... and I thought I knew something, HA!!!

 

[CM21VE]

So as I understand it now, with my Cooper M38 with a .232 neck I will now have to neck turn all lapua brass as it's measuring .233?

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

the Lapua brass mic's at a .2315 -.232 neck loaded. If your rifle is truly chambered with a .232 neck it would be a very good idea to neck turn your brass. I like to have a minimum of .002 thou clearance on my varmint rifles.

So as I understand it now, with my Cooper M38 with a .232 neck I will now have to neck turn all lapua brass as it's measuring .233?

 

[CM21VE]

the Lapua brass mic's at a .231 neck loaded. If your rifle is truly chambered with a .232 neck it would be a very good idea to neck turn your brass. I like to have a minimum of .002 thou clearance on my varmint rifles.

So as I understand it now, with my Cooper M38 with a .232 neck I will now have to neck turn all lapua brass as it's measuring .233?

I agree, I like .002 as well....

 

[wmdron]

My Lapua brass is measuring .2305-.231 (for sure) loaded with 32g Hornady Vmax. Looks like I am good to go with my .233 neck chamber.

 

[tclaunch]

Thanks to wmdron for starting this post!
I'd like to know which dies work the best also.

My experience with a Hornady FL sizer is that it works great on Remington brass but on the 221 Lapua it was leaving a small ring near the base just above the extractor groove. I called Hornady and they told me their die at the base I.D. is .372.
My lapua brass is measuring about .3735

My Hornady dies just arrived and are .369". Tight as a tick. I will see what some lathe time and 320 grit wrapped on a hardwood dowl will bring.

 

[wmdron]

Anyone using 35g Bergers with their .20 vartarg I am looking for a H4198 starting load thanks.

 

[SS427]

I started at 18.1 grains and worked up to 18.6.

18.1 load shot some tiny 3 shot groups at several seating depths.

 

[wmdron]

Thanks Otter !

 

[tclaunch]

I polished my Hornady die out till I got .372" thats .003" larger than it was. Lapua measures ..374" out of the box at the base.

 

[L.Sherm]

wmdron 18.0 of H4198 is my forming load and 18.6 is where I end up after forming shooting a 34gr. V-nightmare bullet. I make my own brass from LC-09. If you have AA2200 it would be worth a try too.

 

[Rocksniper]

Nice, I'll try to polish my FL die also to see if it gets rid of the ring.

 

[wmdron]

Thanks L Sherm, I've been looking locally for AA220 haven't had any luck yet.