The only 20 VarTarg I've built (so far) was on a stainless M700 which was purchased as a complete rifle in 17 Fireball (ss fluted in CDL stock). Sold it after a reality check revealed the fact that there are no decent dog towns within easy driving distance, but have missed it ever since, dogs or no. Have been very interested with the possibility of another VarTarg on the Mini action, and so ordered in several Howa mini bbl'd actions - one in 222, plus a couple of 6.5 Grendels (hvy & sptr wt bbls).
However strong the attraction of another VarTarg is, the idea of building a 6RAT (think miniature Dasher, based on 6.5 Grendel case) was much stronger, so that's the first build I've completed on the Mini action. I put the heavy bbl'd 6.5 Grendel action into a Boyds ProVarmint stock wtih adjustable cheekpiece. Have yet to shoot it, but do like the looks of it in that stock. I pulled the sporter wt bbl on the other 6.5 action, then replaced it with a Bartlein 6mm/1-8tw/5R in light Palma contour, with the 1.250" shank turned down to 1.090" to better match the small receiver diameter. Cut 1" off the shank, which was made much longer when turned down, then chambered it with my 6RAT reamer, fitted it to the action, and bedded it into a McMillan Sako varmint pattern stock. I had to send the 222 bbl'd action to McMillan in order for them to model the action inlet, and the Sako varmint was the 1st stock they'd recommended for these small actions. I finished the Bartlein at 24" & threaded the muzzle 5/8-24 for a TBAC CB brake/mount for my Ultra 7 suppressor.
I bedded the McM stock with Marine Tex, even though it was ordered with machined-in pillars. Initial accuracy testing was somewhat disappointing, so I went back in and relieved the bedding under the bbl's shank, leaving only a 1/4" ahead of the front receiver ring. I tried this because it's been my experience that medium/standard Palma bbls don't seem to like having the shank bedded, and I thought the light Palma might be the same. It worked, as the next time I shot it at 505yds, I got a 4" 5-shot group, which was a considerable improvement over the 1st time I shot it at 600yds. Have yet to shoot it at 100yds, aside from three rounds fired to zero the scope prior to moving back to 505yds, so can't comment on point blank accuracy. The load I shot at 505 used IMR 4320, CCI BR4 primers, & Berger 90gr BTHP, which hasn't shot that well in the past for me out of 6 HAGAR AR15, 6RAT AR15, or even a 6 Dasher bolt gun. This was a fireform load in the Mini, using some old Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel brass, which I believe was made for them by Lapua.
I didn't take the time to true the Mini action, as I was in a hurry, and didn't have a mandrel of the correct diameter to use to dial-in on. Even if I had been able to dial it in, there's no way I'd have tried to pick up the tiny 1mm thread to single point it. If further shooting with the completed rifle proves that the first 505yd group wasn't a fluke, I'll be satisfied that this action is just fine as received. I tried a Timney trigger in this Mini, and although it fit the action & functioned fine, the bottom of the trigger housing hits the factory plastic DBM, which is too thin IMHO to cut for that trigger. Again, I was in a hurry to get the rifle finished & put together before spring farm work will prevent me from doing any more tinkering for awhile. I did take the time to degrease & blast the bbl'd action, then CeraKote it in Magpul FDE to go with the McM stock's desert ambush finish.
When I get the 222 Mini back from McMillan, I'll have to make the decision on whether to go with a 20 VarTarg, or 223. I'll have a McM Game Scout stock in the same desert ambush molded-in color to use with it, so am looking forward to getting another build on these actions underway.
It turns out I was a lucky one and mine feeds and extracts like butter.
