20P Barrel lenght

[223Randy]

What is best barrel length for 20P bolt action. I have a 25" blank that is BULL right now. In process of threading and chambering it (threads done, chamber 1/3 depth). Need to make a decision about how log to make it.
In my area a 300 yd shot is a reach, 100-200 are more norm

Thoughts?

 

[pacificman]

I have one that is 28 inch and one at 26... heavy bull barrels. These are shot on the bench only
at prairie dogs mostly. They are both very accurate...but I think the 20 practical is an inherently
accurate round anyways.

 

[6xcshooter]

obviously it's going to be 24 or less. so with that i'd go 24 inches for max speed out of the barrel. If you want less weight go 20 inch

 

[TAJ45]

You don't mention if you walk for your live targets or bench shoot and % of each. How young/old are you? Is this a fling with this chambering or pretty much set in stone b/c of other sticks in the safe? Thinking set back options here.

 

[DogBuster]

with your blank....chamber & thread it as is......finish it & screw it on...

my idea always is...build a 28" full cylinder/large shank Savage...

I do not carry my dog guns...set up a portable table......shoot.....

The 18# set up has no jump.......

 

[Hal]

Randy

Most barrel makers recommend cutting off at least 1" from the muzzle end to remove any "bell" caused when machining the barrel.

You can lube the barrel and run a lead slug down the bore , pushed by a brass rod.
Mark the tight spot and cut and crown it at the tight spot.

Leave it long and if it doesn't shoot the way you want cut it shorter.

I had a heavy barreled 20" .223 that balanced nice. Most heavy barreled rifles are kind of a club to pack around. Depends on your shooting.

Hal

 

[nmkid]

My new 20P will be 28" finished. I don't plan on carrying it very far!

 

[Fast14riot]

My 20p AR has a medium weight (spr profile) 24" barrel and it's not too bad to carry but still be heavy enough to spot hits.

 

[223Randy]

I just shot mine for the first time tonight. I used a Green Mountain 25" .204 SST blank, a PTG 20P reamer, threads by me. Chambered it, threaded it, faced it and crowned it, recessed target crown.

Fired a test round with a string from about 20ft (i never trust any barrel until it has been shot once). then i fired 6 rounds that can be covered by a dime easily. adjusted the scope 1" right -bullseye

This is my second GM build, they out shoot me! What more can i ask?

 

[nmkid]

Very nice for just starting out. What was your load? I just got my barreled action Monday, (20 P). Had to do some stock trimming and then I skim bedded it yesterday. Can't hardly wait to get it to the range.

 

[Hal]

Randy

Looks like you did a great job. It all comes down to how it shoots.

Hal

 

[223Randy]

Hal,
Thanks, i like it, Boyd's walnut stock, bedded w barrel floated, looks good shoots good

Nmkid,
My loads were quite low at 23gn imr4895 with 34gn dogtown bullet. The bullet was .002-.004 from lands, did not chrono them. will work up from there and see what my targets tell me.

Randy

 

[GrocMax]

Those 20 cal 34g Nosler SHOTS/Dogtown/VNE's might have a negative BC but they shoot good and splat fine, good value bullet for short range plinking/PD's.

 

[Wirelessguy2005]

23-24" is a good length for the 20 practical