20VT Suggestion

[bhoges]

Even with a long drop tube how are you guys getting so much powder in the case? Im using 18.2 grs of 4198 and its a compressed load with a 32gr head.

 

[JSH]

Even with a long drop tube how are you guys getting so much powder in the case? Im using 18.2 grs of 4198 and its a compressed load with a 32gr head.

IMR or H 4198. I think the H is a shorter kernel and more will fit. Also brass type can make a huge difference in case capacity.
I found this out with the 17 Hornady Hornet. All Hornady brass but there was a big spread in case weight which in turn the heavies would over flow, where as the lighter ones were at the bottom of the neck. So as is preached by many with these small cases go up slow, especially with faster powders. That’s why I look for a compressed load on many I tinker with.

 

[Knifeman]

They WILL SPLASH on bone hits inside of 75 yards. Berger 40gr will Anchore them. It’s the only bullet I trust. Heard guys having good luck with 35gr Bergers but I’ve never tried them.

 

[CubCouper]

I won a 2-Gun shooting Sierra 32s and 19.3gr of RL7.. that barrel loves the Sierra 39s even more, but I didn't have enough to get through the match. Berger 40's also run at the same charges -- 19.1-19.8 of RL7 or H4198.

I've got 2 20VTs that shoot these loads into .1s and small .2s -- funny difference is that one rifle gets about 3650 and the other is running 3950.... Wilson vs Krieger barrels. Super easy to tune -- just watch the primers. It is only .1gr between hot and popped!

 

[6BRAIman]

I’m guessing the brass has to be trimmed after fire formed. What y’all trimming to?

 

[L.Sherm]

1.390

 

[chuckshooter]

1.390

yes

 

[6BRAIman]

Thanks everyone for all the advice. It’s been very helpful!

 

[ricco1949]

CFE BLK & 40 VMax

 

[20VarTarg]

View attachment 1313016
CFE BLK & 40 VMax

Did you ever run any of these loads through the chronograph? I have developed some crazy accurate loads using CFE BLK and 40 grain Berger's but have no idea what kind of velocity it's producing.

 

[NWnewguy]

What is everyone’s thoughts on the 32’s or 39’s pinning a coyote to the ground? I realize it’s about shot placement but hate watching them run off.

Unless the coyotes in your area have crossed with Chihuahuas, the 20VT isn't optimum if the shots are going to be on the long side. I will even switch out my 223 with 53gr VMax for a 6Br and 87gr Vmax if the ranges could be long. If you want them to land where they started out, you need impact velocity and reasonable shot placement.

Both the 223 and 6br loads are still pleasant to shoot with just about any can I've tried them on. Recently a 5.9" Rex MG7 has been my go to. It's been great and the price is amazing.

 

[ricco1949]

Did you ever run any of these loads through the chronograph? I have developed some crazy accurate loads using CFE BLK and 40 grain Berger's but have no idea what kind of velocity it's producing.

Those are Chrono tapes below in the photo but are illegible in the photo.
17.8 = 3354
18.0 = 3405
18.2 = 3429
18.4 = 3454
18.6 = 3514

Primers are CCI 400's.

 

[20VarTarg]

Those are Chrono tapes below in the photo but are illegible in the photo.
17.8 = 3354
18.0 = 3405
18.2 = 3429
18.4 = 3454
18.6 = 3514

Primers are CCI 400's.

What kind of brass? I'm running the 40 Berger at 18.9 grains with RP Brass in my Dakota Arms. The Lapua Brass would need to be turned to run it in that rifle. I'm guessing I'm probably right around 3600 FPS. Can't wait till weather improves and I can chrono some of them and get a real good reading on the load.

 

[ricco1949]

What kind of brass? I'm running the 40 Berger at 18.9 grains with RP Brass in my Dakota Arms. The Lapua Brass would need to be turned to run it in that rifle. I'm guessing I'm probably right around 3600 FPS. Can't wait till weather improves and I can chrono some of them and get a real good reading on the loa

Reformed Lake City....neck turned.

 

[Trooper836]

I recently put a new shilen barrel on a savage striker custom pistol. 18.5 grains of RE 7 and a Hornady 32 grain vmax yielded this result during a seating depth test. Barrel is 18 inches long and I have not chronographed as of yet.

 

[JSH]

My Mcgowen prefit for large shank Savage arrived today. Now to get it spun on and see what all the fuss is about, ;-).
Plenty of 30-34 grain bullets, along with AA2200.
My first go with the 20VT. Just had try it as I was really happy with the 17FB.
Ordered this on a whim while I await my 20BR. Not a betting man, I will guess the 20BR shows up in the near future.

 

[tjtjwdad]

RL-7, H4198, AA2200...take your pick. Mine prefers loads up around 18.5 grains, I'm using Lapua brass, Remington 7 1/2 primers and Nosler 32gr BTHP, velocity is around 3850 give or take. Mine was built on a 17 Fireball Remington 700 action.

I shoot 39SBK out of my 204 Ruger at about the same velocity but with significantly more powder. You won't be disappointed with this round.

FWIW, a 221 Fireball is just as much fun to shoot too; same case just necked up to 22cal.

 

[bridgeport]

Love my .20 VarTarg rifles, and prefer using the .32 Sierra bullet with H 4198 Powder and a BR-4 primer.
Accuracy is amazing, and hitting power is plenty for Squirrels, Jacks and even yotes as long as the shots aren't too far. For Brass I'm using the Nosler good stuff -pre prepped, and find it to be very consistent. Also shoot .221 Fireball and .17 Fireball, but .20VarTarg is best of breed in my opinion. Recently I've been experimenting with a lead free load for .20 VarTarg, and so far the results are impressive using the Nosler .32Gr ballistic tip 4198 powder, and either the BR-4 or Win SRP for ignition. The lead free bullet, which is comprised of some sort of compressed powdered metal surrounded by a copper jacket and then the plastic tip, appears to give off a lot of energy on impact as it really does a number on the jacks. I've also tried lead free for the .221 Fireball using the .36gr Varmint grenade, and it also has been working well both for accuracy and striking power. Downside with the lead free is distance shooting, and the fact that lead free bullets are long for their weight, but interesting none the less.

 

[Steve K]

I also have great results in my Cooper 21 with 18.0 grains of H4198, 32 Gr V-Max, and Remington 7 1/2 primer. Woodchucks never know what hit them.

 

[6BRAIman]

I’m looking for accuracy with this rifle but a little speed would be nice also. It looks like 18.2g to 18.7g of H4198 is where I need be and looks to be getting the average speed of everyone else.