20 Vartarg Question

[afret]

To form 20 Vartarg brass from 221 Lapua brass, is a 20 Vartarg full length non bushing die needed in the process or will just a Redding full bushing S die work? Thanks.

 

[Bill K]

Either can do the job. But I like to use a bushing die and take the 224 mouth down in two step ( with a bushing) to less the chance of belling the shoulder of the brass.

 

[afret]

Thanks! That sounds good. Just have to wait for the Redding bushing die and comp seater die to come back in stock somewhere.

 

[Bill K]

I know Redding makes a good set, but have you checked out Whiddens Dies. They are very good also, and John probably has a set all ready to go.

 

[afret]

Thank you for the information. I'm definitely not in a rush since I just ordered a 221 barrel and will use it to replace a 223 barrel on one rifle and play with that first after the barrel show up. And I absolutely don't have any more room in the safe for even one more rifle so I'm thinking of getting rid of my 1710 Annie to make some room for a Vartarg build. Problem is that I absolutely hate selling stuff but I have too many 22LR rifles. LOL

 

[Skunce]

Be sure the reamer you use is for Lapua brass. I would also recommend having Whidden or someone else make a custom die if using Lapua brass. Also the common .050" free bore length is longer than needed.

 

[L.Sherm]

If you wanna run Lapua brass on a Vartarg I would get the reamer that's a little bigger at the .200 line than the " normal" one I believe its .002 bigger. Zero freebore is the best in my opinion.

 

[afret]

Thanks guys for the advice. I like to just get prefits if possible so I've been trying to get Vartarg chamber spec diagrams from Shilen and Criterion. I got a diagram from Shilen sent by James of NSS for their 221 chamber and the specs were good for the diameter using Lapua 221 brass at the .2 line from the bolt face so I ordered a 221 barrel awhile ago. Hopefully the Vartarg chamber will be the same at the .2 line. I'll probably just ask James at NSS to try and get the info since they will be more responsive to his request.

 

[1raggedhole]

I’ve had good luck just running the 221FB brass through FL Hornady 20VT die.

 

[afret]

I’ve had good luck just running the 221FB brass through FL Hornady 20VT die.

Thanks, that's good to know. I've had good luck so far in my very short reloading "career" with Redding dies so I'm trying to stick with those as much as possible.

 

[6xcshooter]

I’ve had good luck just running the 221FB brass through FL Hornady 20VT die.

Second this it’s what I do. I have redding dies also but i like the hornadays for necking down. It gets the whole length of neck