20 Vartarg case capacity question

[waterfwlr]

Finally got around to loading some Vartarg cases this morning for the first time. After a bunch of research, I settled on H4198 powder. When I got to 18.0 grains of H4198, the case was filled up into the neck. Is this normal?

 

[L.Sherm]

Yes it is on most brass I think Lapua and Norma may have a little more internal volume

 

[Charles]

I'm using 17.2 of N120 excellent groups and room left in case.

 

[chuckshooter]

I have gotten as much as 18.7gr of h4198 in my cases which are made out of rp223 cases. but I have settled on either 19.5 gr of 2200 with CCI 400's or 18.3 of RL 7 (some really old stuff inherited from dad)..Todd Kindler's latest update is saying good things about RL7 for 20 VT and I also use it in my 20 ackley bee's

 

[Dan Hall]

I also used formed Lake City brass but you should try 18.5 grains of Rel 7 with 32 gr. V Max or Nosler. This is a very accurate load in my gun.

 

[waterfwlr]

Thanks, I'm using Lapua brass. I've heard good things about the RL7, but with a brand new 8 lb jug of H4198, I'm going to stick with that. Can't see how to get 18.5 to 18.7 in that case. Must be compressed.

 

[L.Sherm]

It is compressed 18.3 -18.5 will be around the sweet spot

 

[SS427]

I got 18.5 grains of H4198 into my Lapua cases after fire formed. With 32 grain bullets it wasn't compressed but I did have to drop it very slowly. My sweet spot ended up being 18.1 grains.

 

[chuckshooter]

let us know how it works out. also it would be nice to know your barrel maker/twist and length please, I like mine so much I'm going to build another
good luck

 

[waterfwlr]

It's a 24" x-caliber prefit for my Savage target action. 12 twist. Looking forward to shooting it.

 

[SShooterZ]

It is compressed 18.3 -18.5 will be around the sweet spot

Pretty sure I've found the same to be true L.Sherm.

 

[1raggedhole]

Put your finger over the case mouth and tap on the bench to settle the powder. That extruded powder doesn't poor worth a darn. Same problem with varget in my 6br cases.

 

[ab_bentley]

Do yourself a favor and switch to AA2200.

Typical speed with a 40gr bullet is 38xx

Adam

 

[LCazador]

Finally got around to loading some Vartarg cases this morning for the first time. After a bunch of research, I settled on H4198 powder. When I got to 18.0 grains of H4198, the case was filled up into the neck. Is this normal?

That's quite normal with H4198, and about the same with Re-7. AA2200 is the best powder for full velocity loads. By the way if your chamber was cut with Todd Kindler's chamber dimensions, your Lapua brass is going to be larger at the head than the chamber dimension there. Lapua 221 brass is .3755" and the Kindler reamer dimension is .374", just an FYI.

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

That speed might be the exception, it sure isn't the rule in a standard 20vt. Typical speed in a 20vt with a 40 grain bullet is closer to 3,400- 3,500 fps to keep it safe and not ruin brass.

Do yourself a favor and switch to AA2200.

Typical speed with a 40gr bullet is 38xx

Adam

 

[chuckshooter]

I agree with wirelessguy, my brass was too hard to make. If I want more speed i'll move up to the next choice

 

[ab_bentley]

That speed might be the exception, it sure isn't the rule in a standard 20vt. Typical speed in a 20vt with a 40 grain bullet is closer to 3,400- 3,500 fps to keep it safe and not ruin brass.

I have over 15 loadings on standard Lapua @ that speed. Not reformed brass.

Adam

 

[chuckshooter]

I may have to get me some Lapa for my next build

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

That's great that you are able to get those speeds, again the exception not the rule. Most guys won't see anywhere near that velocity out of a standard 20vt.

I have over 15 loadings on standard Lapua @ that speed. Not reformed brass.

Adam

 

[ab_bentley]

That's great that you are able to get those speeds, again the exception not the rule. Most guys won't see anywhere near that velocity out of a standard 20vt.

Everyone I've recommended that load to has seen those velocities or within 3% of that 3800 mark. Typically 20.5-21gr will end up being maximum. A CCI450 primer is needed, a good chamber is also needed. Even the 15" xp100 20vt I built a local guy is seeing 3700 with 39gr BK.

ADAM