I just bought this powder and I'm wondering if it's different than what others have bought? I just sighted in the scope on a new gun and started the loads at 18.0 and worked up. I was hoping the last rounds at 21 would be too much but the fps was only in the 3550's or so. I'll keep going up trying to get the 32Vmax round into the 3700-3800 range. I have read others have hit the 20.5 max load??? Maybe the new stuff is different?? Does anyone else have a great load for the 20 VT?
20VT with Accurate 2200. Already at 21 grains & 3550 fps
- Thread starter Colt Kodiak
- Start date
The two powders I tried ...RL7 and h4198 were both very good with great accuracy. I got a bit more
speed with h4198 so that is what I use the most.
Seems with 32 gr. bullets you should be able to get at least 3600fps. or more in a 20VT. With only 18.0 grains of
h4198 I'm getting 3770 avg. fps. Just something to consider.
speed with h4198 so that is what I use the most.
Seems with 32 gr. bullets you should be able to get at least 3600fps. or more in a 20VT. With only 18.0 grains ofh4198 I'm getting 3770 avg. fps. Just something to consider.
Last edited:
When I got my first 20vt I tried H4198 and have stayed with it. I was shooting a Cooper model 38 varminter with a 24" barrel. The 32's were 3800 with 18.8 gr and the 40's were 3500 with 18 gr. Last year I shot a savage with a 20" barrel and a suppressor. I have backed off to 18.6 gr of H4198 with the 32's and am still getting around 3675 and very good accuracy. On my last trip I shot a Ghog at 512 yds and another at 446 yds with this combo. There may be faster powders but I won't be making any changes.
Thanks. I will load some RL7 and H4198 and we'll take another look. I know the accuracy lies between 3700 & 3800 with the 32 grain bullet.
Something else that I noticed is there quite a difference in volume between brass being used. 221 Rem fb brass vs brass made from 223 win brass. I haven't compared velocity between the two but I am sure there would be difference.
If it's a new barrel that is likely part of the reason. You could get as much as 100 fps increase when the barrel settles in.
Some barrels are slow to begin with.
I've had/friends too, F1 chrony's that never did give correct velocities. Bought a Oehler and the mystery of my dope not lining up previously was solved.
Mine was chambered to use the thicker Lapua 221 Fireball brass.
Rick in Oregon
Gold $$ Contributor
In both of my 221FB's and my 20VT, A2200 gives great accuracy like RL-7, but lags behind RL-7 about 300 fps for the same charge in both chamberings using the same brass (Lapua).
No, just loaded the new Lapua brass this time. Do you think it will make a difference? Free bore is zero, I think. I'll ask the gunsmith.
I will have to reload the fired brass with a lower load and find out. Thanks again.
When you are fire forming, some of the energy of the load is used to form the brass so velocity is impacted. IIRC, my 20VT loads are 20.5 grs AA2200 w/ 32 V-Max & Fed 205 in Lapua brass. Make sure that you have adequate neck clearance using Lapua, it is a couple thousandths bigger loaded diameter than most other brass. IMO, chamber neck needs to be minimum of .233, and if you aren't planning to turn necks, chamber neck should be .234/.235 for safe no-turn use.
Yes, I neck size with Redding .230. I'll have to try the post fired rounds with a lesser loads. Today, I noticed AA2200 is just about into the neck at 21.50 grains so I stopped there.
The two powders I tried ...RL7 and h4198 were both very good with great accuracy. I got a bit more
speed with h4198 so that is what I use the most.
h4198 I'm getting 3770 avg. fps. Just something to consider.
Today, I loaded up H4198 and that is the load I'm going with. On my 22" barrel, I get 3755 avg. fps with 18.7 grains with the 32 grain Vmax. Good speed and great accuracy. I also used RL7 with the Berger 35 grain varmint with 19.25 grain. The RL7 was a 100 slower than the H4198. Now I'm wondering what IMR4198 will do???? Does anyone have a clue????? Have to try it as I have 8lbs of it.
Prose
Silver $$ Contributor
Have you ever been on saubier.com? There is a thread with 20VT load data that is very good. 18.7 is probably .2 grains more than most people fear to tread. You may see some pressure signs once it warms up a bit more. Consensus would be that H4198 is the better performer vs. IMR, but every rifle is different.Today, I loaded up H4198 and that is the load I'm going with. On my 22" barrel, I get 3755 avg. fps with 18.7 grains with the 32 grain Vmax. Good speed and great accuracy. I also used RL7 with the Berger 35 grain varmint with 19.25 grain. The RL7 was a 100 slower than the H4198. Now I'm wondering what IMR4198 will do???? Does anyone have a clue????? Have to try it as I have 8lbs of it.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.