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hows the barrel life on 20 practical?

They put threads on barrels for a reason.....Throttle it up.....


Phil.
I'm with Phil on this one. If i could hit 4000fps in mine that's where it's going to run. I would estimate at least 2500rds @ 3850. I ran my little 20vt @ 4100fps for well over 2500rds with 34gr bullets and when i sold it, it would still go 5 for .5" @ 100.
 
What a great thread..
I want to build an ar15 with a 20 practical barrel..who should I go with?
Also what twist and how long?.. I was thinking about a mid length gas system on an 18" barrel w/ 1-10 twist..for 32 gr bullets

Drop Jim Skinner a line at Apache Gun Works. He's a great guy and does outstanding work. Word gets around . . . . he's really busy these days.

The .20 Practical is a hoot on an AR platform - you'll love it. The ultimate predator rifle, IMO, and a lawn mower on a prairie dog town.

Here's a link: http://apachegunworks.com/index.html
 
I have a .204 R with over 2500 rounds through it and can hit pop can size steel at 300 yards on a calm day 80% or more of the time. I have used IMR 8208 powder. There might be some differences in powder burn temps, like IMR 8208 vs. .223 CFE. I try to keep the barrel cool or not frying hot and shots timed and clean every 50 rounds thinking this would help.

I expect my .20 P would be the same.
 
I have been using WOA 204 ruger barrels which are PacNor blanks, 10 twist 3 groove. They shoot the 32 gr bullets better than the 40 gr, but hot life is about 3000 rounds, then flyers start. My dads dpms 12 twist preferred 40gr, but his hot life was also about 2500-3000 rounds. Any of the 20s based on 223 family case should be about the same life.
 
The Tactical has a longer neck which should aid accuracy and barrel life, and has Lapua manufactured factory brass available from Grafs. On the down side it uses expensive cartridge specific dies, vs easily adapted cheap 223 dies for the 20 Prac.

+1. 20 Tac is awesome and is a much better design than the rest.
 
Just stumbled on this thread and it's just what I was looking for. My next rifle will be a 20 Practical. Matter of fact I just got a great deal for brass from a member.
 
Thank you for the link I will give him a call.
My pleasure. BTW, you may want to think about a 20" Hbar, 1:11 twist. That twist will handle 32 and 40 grainers (I favor the 32 V-Max and the 39 BlitzKing) and the Hbar profile will give you a barrel that is plenty stiff. That .204 hole doesn't remove much metal.

Good luck with your build!
 

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