20 VarTarg TK Build

[LTRDavid]

Harrells muzzle brake.

 

[LTRDavid]

On the mill inletting the barrel channe.

 

[LTRDavid]

Completed bedding

 

[LTRDavid]

Being a sub-caliber chambering developed by the man I’d assume the “TK” would mean Todd Kindler but it sounds like you did the build yourself. What’s TK mean?

Todd developed the reamer with JGS to work especially with the new Lapua .221 Fireball.
So, you’re right TK stands for the man’s name, Todd Kindler but I did the build.

 

[snert]

Thanks! I wasn't trying to guilt ya.

And that is the nicest rendition of a 788 I have ever seen. Period.

 

[LTRDavid]

No problems here Snert. Moving on to load development. I loaded up 3 rounds to check out the rifle and to pressure check the max load. Specs are: 32 gr V-Max, N120, new Lapua brass. I think the pic pretty well details out the rest of the story. Oh yeah, I think the gun is going to be a shooter - all three rounds went into the same hole! Oh I should mention I have a XP-100 20 VarTarg build in the queue, so I’m going to try one load that will work in both guns, that’s why the N120.

 

[LTRDavid]

Love to see your 20VT XP-100 pistol when you get it done. I've had several 20 VT rifles through the years. Attached is my XP-100 20 VT pistol. One of my favorite GS rigs. Lotsa GS kills out to 400 yds and slightly further. Hard to believe that a pistol will do that...but they do! Only thing better is my XP-100 pistol in 20 Javelina Improved. About another 100 yds range...Lol!! Very nice job on the rifle build. 7315br

Cool! What’s the barrel length?

 

[LTRDavid]

Here is the best load I came up with;
18.0 gr N-120, 1.937” COAL, (.001” off the lands), 32 gr V-Max, 3650 fps
Of course I’ll want to see what kind of results higher temps will produce, but at this point I can say the rifle is performing as expected. Next l have some A2200 and Berger 35 gr FB to try.

 

[LTRDavid]

I’m getting around to sharing this. This was shot with subject rifle. Apparently @ 400 yds the little 20 VT looses it’s explosive effect.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

View attachment 1388166
I’m getting around to sharing this. This was shot with subject rifle. Apparently @ 400 yds the little 20 VT looses it’s explosive effect.

True, but you still nailed the grass rat at over 400 yards with less than 18grs of powder (nice!). It may lack the multi-chunk aerial effects we all like, but it's a dead PD no matter how you slice it. Love the little caliber, and I'll add that your 788 is one of the nicest I've seen.

 

[LTRDavid]

Thanks Rick. Here’s a pic of my setup. I’m starting the reloading process for next year’s PD trips and I guess I’m getting a little anxious. Gosh, I love being out on the prairie, especially at sunup. So, thanks for letting me share.

 

[75vmax]

How much you want for it?

 

[LTRDavid]

How much you want for it?

PM sent.

 

[232]

Did you post the correct reamer print for 221 Lapua brass formed to 20 vartarg with no turning?

 

[LTRDavid]

Did you post the correct reamer print for 221 Lapua brass formed to 20 vartarg with no turning?

 

[LTRDavid]

Hey 232. Yes, this is Todd Kindler's (The Woodchuck Den) reamer. This reamer cuts the neck to .233" - .204" = .029" total clearance. That would leave .029"/2 = .0145" clearance per side. My lot of Lapua .221 Fireball Brass runs .0120" to .0125" thick. That leaves .002" min. clearance per side. Is this why you ask? Or am I missing something here?

Here are my notes from my reloading setup. Comments & Questions welcomed. LTR out

 

[L.Sherm]

LTR your Lapua brass is the thinnest necks ive seen, the ones ive measured have all been .2305-.231 loaded round.

 

[LTRDavid]

LTR your Lapua brass is the thinnest necks ive seen, the ones ive measured have all been .2305-.231 loaded round.

Good catch Sherm. That’s what I get for going by memory. As you can see in the pic the neck thickness is .0141” & the loaded round neck thickness is .231” on these samples I just pulled. Thanks. That’s the beauty of a forum - constant checks & balances.

 

[232]

LTR,
I just wondered as there is no mention of Lapua brass on the print.
If I remember right, my loaded rounds came out .231 to .2315 (maybe faulty memory). Been a while, and I don't use Lapua anymore for my vartarg.
Other than a few having EXP (experimental) the prints for Lapua brass usually state so on print.
Others also have any where from .234 to .255 necks for Lapua brass.

The print looks to be a fine fit.
I did notice a longer neck dim?

 

[Evan]

LTR,
I just wondered as there is no mention of Lapua brass on the print.
If I remember right, my loaded rounds came out .231 to .2315 (maybe faulty memory). Been a while, and I don't use Lapua anymore for my vartarg.
Other than a few having EXP (experimental) the prints for Lapua brass usually state so on print.
Others also have any where from .234 to .255 necks for Lapua brass.

The print looks to be a fine fit.
I did notice a longer neck dim?
View attachment 1388685

That looks like my print! It works wonderfully for Lapua brass and 40gn on up bullets.