• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Best barrel twist for non lead bullets in .20 VARTARG ?

BoydAllen

Gold $$ Contributor
A friend is putting a new barrel on a rifle that currently has an 11" twist barrel chambered in .20 VARTARG. The reason for the replacement is to hopefully get better accuracy with Nosler and Hornady lead free bullets. We live in California. Because he is not comfortable posting on the net, (lack of typing skills combined with lack of familiarity) I am posting the question for him. His current barrel, a Krieger, shoots Berger 40 grain bullets well, but the non lead bullets are erratic and gives 1/2" to 3/4 inch groups, which is not good enough for the tiny squirrels that he shoots in the north eastern part of our state. Will a switch to a 9" twist give him better accuracy with the non lead bullets?
 
Almost positive he doesn't need non lead bullets in that part of the state. No reason to change until he has to. Sad the crap they are making us do in parts of CA now.

JP
 
You might want to check out AB711 (I think I got the number right) It passed the assembly and is in the senate. Given the nature of our states politics, and the lack of common sense of the ruling majority.....
 
Just checked it out briefly --- even if it passes (and I have no idea on its prospects) it won't take effect until 2016.
 
Some time back a law was passed, that makes no sense, but finally came to pass.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2013/05/california-pistol-micro-stamping-requirement-goes-into-effect/
I wonder if someone back then thought that it was no big deal because the preconditions would never come to pass, and that after all its not happening tomorrow. The older I get, the faster time goes buy, and the more I take the long view. On the other hand, best evidence has it that as a nation we tend to react to what is right in front of us, after we start to feel the pain.
 
Boyd,
You may want to try your question over on Saubier.com. Lots of Vartarg users over there that could answer the question rather that debate CA politics.
Regards,

JDM
SW Arkansas
 
My 11 twist barrel shoots the 32 Nosler Lead free great. It also shoots the short 32 and 34 dogtowns great. I will never use a different twist. I have 2 in 11 twist from McGowen. The object is to destroy the varmint, I shoot the lead free because it does it better than the lead cores. Nosler has sales on LF .204 cal bullets all the time and they are in stock and cheaper than most. If you have trouble shooting the Sierra 39's or the Hornady 40's the 12 twist is too slow. The 11 twist shoots all the 26-45 grains fine.

http://shootersproshop.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=71&product_id=1022
 
We are speaking of .20 caliber and no lead bullets, right? While we are at it, in all of your experiences, what has been the most accurate no lead bullet, and how tight are you able them to shoot, on a regular basis.
 
The Nosler 32 .204 dia lead free bullets are very good out to 300 yards for me. It is my go to bullet for Squirrels. 1/2 moa all day.
I use Ramshot X-terminator powder, Norma Brass, fed 205M primers. They are just as cheap or Cheaper that any other bullet for the 20's
but they are Lead free and longer. The 11 twist is great for this setup, I live and shoot in Oregon and occasionally shoot No. California the Lead free is not necessary in any area I shoot.

As a retired timber faller from the 70's and 80's in Ca. anything is possible as far as regulations in ca. These environmental and animal rights groups don't want you shooting critters. They will stop at nothing to make that law. The Condor range is just a ploy to get their agenda in place. The next stage is to discover evidence that Condors were eating squirrels in No. California and So. Oregun 5 million years ago. Then all hunting will be placed on hold while this is verified, (100 year study). Think "Spotted Owl" that bird changed my career.

Don
 
Boyd, I have a Cooper 21, 12twist and 2 pacnor 11twist in 20 practical. the 12 twist will shoot 32 Vmax 39BK very well but does not like the 40 Vmax. In the 11 twist I shoot the 32 and any of the 40 grain pills , but the 40 Berger will do the best. I want to build another 20 Vartarg and it will definitely have an 11 twist so I have more choice in bullets. Then on to a 20BR with a 8 twist . I think you would be happier with the 11 twist but whatever you decide on you will love the 20's for varmints. As soon as I can get some of the new Norma brass, my Vartarg will be doing some Bench-rest work. Good luck on your choice. RLP
 
Hi RLP,
Have any of the bullets you have tried been no lead? I know that for lead core, 11" twist works just fine. It is the no lead that my friend is struggling with. Thanks for the response.
Boyd
 
The 24 Gr NTX will do ok but not as well as the lead , they did better for me when I kept the speed around 3550-3600 if my memory serves. It was well over a year ago when I them.
 
Best bet is to check with the bullet maker's information.

Chances are they will keep the bullet short enough that there versions will stabilize in reasonably common twists. That would likely be the 9-twist used by many for the Berger 55 grain bullet.

I have an 8-twist in my 20 Grendel (http://shootersnotes.com/articles/20-grendel/ because I am looking for minimal wind drift at long range and so 55 & 60 gr bullets are the order of the day.
 

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.

Forum statistics

Threads
165,835
Messages
2,203,964
Members
79,144
Latest member
BCB1
Back
Top