20BR... 55gr Berger

[Gunslinger1]

I am building a 20BR with an 11 twist shooting 39gr.

I am thinking about chambering an 8.6 twist barrel as well and loading the 55 as well.

Can you tell me the benefits of shooting the 55 over the 39gr. Or what if any differences in performance. The rifle will be used for target shooting and prairie dogs shoots.

Long range accuracy with low recoil are my priorities.

I have searched and can’t find any comparisons.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[xswanted]

Wind bucking capabilities and more energy delivered to the target are the biggest gains.

I can’t say I’m my experience the 55s were overly explosive if you’re looking for the gore factor on prairie dogs but they are a darn good bullet.

 

[7315br]

Gunslinger1...My $.02 worth. I've shot 20 BR's for a number of years. To me without a doubt the 55 gr Berger is about ideal for long range with the 20 BR. I just today put a new Bartlein 1:9 twist on mine. My old barrel (a 1:9 twist Bartlein also) went 1500 rds and still was shooting around a 1/2-3/4 MOA at 100 yds. The barrel in its early life shot a number of (3) shot groups at 500 yds of 1 1/2". All with the 55 gr Berger. It shot in the mid 1's to low 2's at a 100 yds. I have shot the 55 gr Berger in the 1:9 twist at elevations of less than 1000' to as high as 6500' with no problems. I still like the 1:9 twist the best. To me if one is going to the 39 gr Sierra in the 1:11 twist...the 20 PPC is about ideal. I always felt the the 20 BR gives about another 100 yds or so range over the 20 PPC if shooting the 55 gr Berger. The 20 PPC is a good 5-600 yd. GS rd with the 39 gr Sierra and the 20 BR will go 700 yds on PD's. And then there is the 20-22/250...LOL!! Best of luck on your decision.

 

[Terry]

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/th...he-20-caliber-55-grain-burger-bullet.3952418/

 

[searcher]

Yikes! Only 1,500 good rounds shooting the 55's? If that is reality - I'm changing my mind about doing a barrel for them. I shoot that many rounds in two and a half days during the early spring.

 

[Tommie]

Yikes! Only 1,500 good rounds shooting the 55's? If that is reality - I'm changing my mind about doing a barrel for them. I shoot that many rounds in two and a half days during the early spring.

A .20BR with 55 grainers is a specialized combo for the longer shots. “Lesser” cartridges can take care of the close targets.

 

[B23]

Yikes! Only 1,500 good rounds shooting the 55's? If that is reality - I'm changing my mind about doing a barrel for them. I shoot that many rounds in two and a half days during the early spring.

1500 sounds pretty good to us 20-250 shooters, I don't know that I'll get 1500 rounds from both of my barrels, combined.

 

[7315br]

searcher, as both Tommie and B23 commented...the 55 gr Berger is mostly for longer range shots for 20 caliber rds. A waste of time to shoot that bullet below 450 yds in my opinion. Too many great 20 caliber wildcats out there for the shorter range work. Actually I was kinda proud that that last particular 20 BR barrel I just changed went 1500 rds...LOL! That is unusual. I usually figure 900-1000 rds. B23 is correct. If the 20-250 went 600 rds...I'd think that was great! On the other side of the fence I have a 20 Mink that is still going strong at 6800 rds. I expect it will go 10,000 rds in the squirrel fields. Just depends on one's shooting requirements. 7315br

 

[searcher]

I guess if 1500 rounds is "good", I don't feel so bad using my custom 7 MM Rem Mag on the squirrels when I do. Ha!