20BR and 55 gr. Berger

[Bubba]

Hey guys I need some help. I just received a Shilen 1:9 20 BR and a supply of 55 gr Bergers. I have searched several forums and can't seen to find any load data. The powders I have on hand are Benchmark, RL10-X, H4895, BL-C,2), Varget, TAC, and AA2230.

If anybody has any experience with the 55 gr. Berger in this chambering I'd appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks,
Bub

 

[topwater225]

Bubba-

I love my 20BR and 55 grain Bergers. I haven't tried any powders that you mentioned, but 30.5 grains of RL15 and 55's are absolutely incredible in my rifle.

30.5 grains is on the hot end for me at 4900 ft and 90 degree temps, so be careful. I know they'll be fine in cooler temps, but I get a little sticky bolt in these hot summer days.

N540 shot just as well, but RL 15 is WAY more readily available.

 

[Bubba]

topwater225,
Thanks for the reply. I'm on my way to pick up some Reloader 15 right now. What kind of velocity are you getting with your load?
Bub

 

[RJinTexas]

Bud, Here's some data for 50gr Bergers sorry I don't have data for 55 grainers. I took the following load data from Todd Kindler's book 'The Terrific Twenties' Loads were tested in 1/9 twist Douglas 26' barrel chambered with .237 no turn neck, bullet seated,unturned) is around .235 which gives about 0.002 clearance. Shooting 50gr. Berger BT .290 B/C - coated with SPL Ballistic Conditioner. Using Lapua 6mmBR Norma brass reformed.
Chronograph: Oehler 35P - Temperature: 72-82 degrees F

Note: All bullets were coated with SPL bullet lubricant.
---------------------------------------------------------------

20 Lapua BR
Berger 50gr BT
Hodgdon Benchmark
Federal 205 Primer
Lapua 6mmBR Brass
27.6 gr = 3451 fps
28.4 gr = 3584 fps
29.2 gr = 3615 fps
30.3 gr = 3711 fps
31.1 gr = 3797 fps

20 Lapua BR
Berger 50gr BT
Hodgdon Varget
CCI - 450 Primer
Lapua 6mmBR Brass
28.5 gr = 3285 fps
29.6 gr = 3374 fps
30.7 gr = 3509 fps
31.5 gr = 3598 fps
32.4 gr = 3701 fps
33.4 gr = 3786 fps

* All loads listed are safe in this test rifle. These publication nor author are not responsible for these loads in any other firearm. Start loads at least 10% less then those listed.

Hope you find this helpful.

 

[topwater225]

topwater225,
Thanks for the reply. I'm on my way to pick up some Reloader 15 right now. What kind of velocity are you getting with your load?
Bub

I'm getting right at 3600 fps with the 55's with a 25.5' Lilja 1-9 barrel. I'll tell ya....compared to a buddy's .204 ruger shooting 35 grain Bergers, this 20BR is one flat shooting motha

 

[Bubba]

RJinTexas,
Thanks for the info. I'll give Varget and Benchmark a try and post my results.

topwater225,
That's good news. I have a 204 that is sure death out to 350 yards in the dogtowns and can't wait to try and extend the range with the 20BR.

Later,
Bub

 

[KevinL]

Try AA 2700 thay list it in thear book for 50s and think it would do good for the 55s I use it to fir form with 40s with good resuults
Good Luck Kwvin

 

[dawe11]

Am still waiting for my 20 BR 8 twist barrel,but?
Have on hand IMR 4006, Big Game and RL 15 and would like any loading info from any one.
Have tried IMR 4006 ssc in my existing 20 BR with a 12 twist barrel, just to see what the pressure would look like.
Using the 55 grain Berger's I got.
30.0 grains with easy extraction
30.5 ' ' ' '
31.0 same again with easy extraction and ? pressure
31.5 some bolt lift sign.
All the bases measured the same after firing and all the primers looked the same with some flatness.

 

[SongdogHunter]

I'm using Ramshot Big game with Berger 50's in a 20 Dasher.

SDH

 

[Alycidon]

Any results on testing yet?, accuracy, velocity, primers, loads, pressure signs, etc.

Hopefully we may get some 55s over here soon, I do have some on order to try through my 1 in 9. Looking to use N150 with 205s and/or BR4s that I use under the 50s.

A

 

[Bubba]

So far I have only tried RL 15 and Ramshot Big Game. Big Game provided the best groups but velocity was only 3350 before I started to experience signs of high pressure. RL 15 gave respectable accuracy and velocity. Three shot groups were in the high 3's and low 4's and velocity was around 3600 fps with 30.0 grains of RL15