20 VarTarg TK Build

[17VLD]

Very well done 788 as others have said already.I am convinced that the 20VT is just about the best small cased Varmint buster out, all day shooting,low barrel heating,and so very accurate if set up right.Todd sure knew what he was doing,he took the case that he loved via the 17 Mach1V and actually made it better.Those 32s hit pd’s hard and with the right bullet all the energy stays in the dog very nicely.
I am surprised Remington didn’t make a 20 Fireball and try to steal his thunder,the 204 may be faster but the VT sure has its place.Thanks for sharing all the pictures and the build of an awesome rifle.

Matt

 

[LTRDavid]

Re: I just wondered as there is no mention of Lapua brass on the print.

232, yes it took me a moment to review the print to find it, but the print does indicate “Lapua
221. This thread has been both a memory and an eyesight test!

Re: the longer neck.
I had not noticed that. I‘ll check it out with my borescope and let you know what I see. Thanks again for sharing your observations.

 

[LTRDavid]

Very well done 788 as others have said already.I am convinced that the 20VT is just about the best small cased Varmint buster out, all day shooting,low barrel heating,and so very accurate if set up right.Todd sure knew what he was doing,he took the case that he loved via the 17 Mach1V and actually made it better.Those 32s hit pd’s hard and with the right bullet all the energy stays in the dog very nicely.
I am surprised Remington didn’t make a 20 Fireball and try to steal his thunder,the 204 may be faster but the VT sure has its place.Thanks for sharing all the pictures and the build of an awesome rifle.

Matt

Yeah, I miss seeing Todd around. He was a great resource and all round nice guy. I wonder if anyone bought the Woodchuck Den.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Yeah, I miss seeing Todd around. He was a great resource and all round nice guy. I wonder if anyone bought the Woodchuck Den.

Not to mention the passing of Todd's Small Caliber News. That and Dave Brennen's Precision Shooting were the only worthy "real" gun mags out there for precision accuracy and small caliber aficionado's. Maybe it's just me, but I always enjoy reading an actual book or magazine in my hands, and not on some computer screen.

If the Woodchuck Den sells, I sincerely hope it's to someone as knowledgeable and motivated as Todd.

 

[232]

LTR

I sure missed that BASIC BRASS - LAPUA 221
I guess my fading mind and eyesight just can't fathom all the details
Glad it is working as should for you and thanks for sharing.

It is a shame that Lapua dropped production of their 221 brass.

 

[bobcat93]

Thats looks about perfect....beautiful build ..

 

[snert]

What is microslick?

 

[LTRDavid]

What is microslick?

Micro Slick is a Cerakote product used to assist with friction areas and shedding of oil. It is used to reduce friction on a variety of internal engine components such as piston skirts, valve stems, and the underside of valve covers. It is also used on firearm components, such as bolts, and bolt carriers. This coating has a max temp rating of 1200°F.

Another Cerakote product that I have bee experimenting with on barrels is Transfer Grey. Transfer Grey is typically used on applications requiring a high thermal conductivity to transfer heat away from the energy source. Typical uses include but are not limited to radiators, engine blocks, transmission cases, heat syncs, intercoolers and anywhere heat dissipation is needed.
Here is a pic is a recent build with Transfer Grey on the barrel. Questions or comments welcome.

 

[snert]

Thank you for the explanation. I didn't know where to google fu

 

[244remington]

View attachment 1295501
I just finished this build and I thought would share the specs;

Remington 788, the original barrel was a .223
22” Douglas 1-11 twist barrel chambered in a Todd Kindler 20 VarTarg dimensioned for Lapua brass (221 Fireball)
Harrells Brake
Timney 1.5 lb. Trigger
Boyd Stock (second grade from eBay), Bedded with Steel Bed and AL pillars.
Cerakote Vortex Bronze and Micro Slick on the bolt
I polished the striker and replaced the striker spring.
Trued the receiver face and had my local machine shop surface grind the recoil lug.

Next steps, develop a load. I have 32 gr V-Max and 35 gr Berger FB Varmint Bullets and AA2200, N120, and H335 powder to work with. Suggested loads appreciated.

Questions and comments welcomed.

LTR out

Are you set-up as a single shot or repeater? Just wondering if the 20 VT will feed from a magazine in the 788. Also, do you have any problems with the case ejecting and hitting your scope?

 

[LTRDavid]

Are you set-up as a single shot or repeater? Just wondering if the 20 VT will feed from a magazine in the 788. Also, do you have any problems with the case ejecting and hitting your scope?

Repeater, and it feeds well. This is with a .222 Rem magazine. Ejection is flawless. Follow-up shots work well and the short throw of a 3 lug bolt helps that a lot. Let me know if you have anymore question. Thanks