load data for a 20 practical

[RonS]

Can someone help get me started with my new project bolt gun? It has a 26" barrel with a 10T. Can I use reduced 223 loads? If so how much do I reduce them to get started?

 

[rcw3]

Go on the Hodgdon website and use the loadings listed for the 20 Tactical - the two cartridges are almost identical as far as loadings go.

Robert

 

[A_Gamehog]

Great article right here with load data.

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek061.html

 

[rcw3]

Great article right here with load data.

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek061.html

A word of caution - - most of those loads in that article are quite hot. I tried some of them in rifles I tested and they were "over the top" and accuracy fell off and they were not good for continuous shooting without being backed off quite a bit. Maybe they work in those guys rifles but they were no good in mine without lowering the powder charges.

Robert

 

[RonS]

Hey guys, I read the article and compared it with the Hodgdon data, I am not trying to push the 32's or 40's to 4200 fps but 3700 -3900 fps sounds more realistic for me as long as the accuracy is there.

 

[Hal]

Ron

Check over on the saubier.com forum

Hal

 

[redrockranger]

What powders do you have on hand. Might get more response.

 

[mattri]

My 20 would hit 4000+ but accuracy was unreal at 3860 so that's where I left it.

Believe it or not H4198 was by far the best powder I tried and the 39gr Sierra Blitz Kings shot better than the Hornadys.

Like Hal said- tons of good information over at saubier, pm if interested in load data.

 

[rcw3]

FWIW - I have found the Sierras (32 and 39 gr BlitzKings) to be my bullets of choice. It just seems they are more consistent and shoot consistently better than many of the other bullets I tried. The Hornady V-Max bullets seemed to shoot great but then it seemed like there would always be a way out flyer that would wreck the great group so I stopped using them because of that.

Robert

 

[BradY]

Using remington cases, 26gr Benchmark 8208 (sold as IMR 8208 in the USA), CCI450 primers with 39gr sierra blitzkings. Chronographed at avg 3880fps in my lothar walther 12 twist 25" barrel. Just got in this evening from a trip out spotlighting foxes and didnt miss one. All 4 clean one shot kills with the 20 practical, the other two to a 6mmBR. I usually aim for between the eyes or a just under the chin. Longest shot of the evening was about 250yards and the bullet hole was right where my weaver scope was pointing. Shoots flat and hard and does an awesome job on foxes. I dont bother with 32gr bullets- they get blown around too easily.

Please work up to this load, dont assume its safe in your rifle.

 

[DogBuster]

My 20PT is built on a Savage solid bottom s/shot & 12 twist Pac Nor tube..original chamber was 204R then had it whacked off & rechambered to PT..bbl now has 4K+ rds out and is just an awesome shooter..my only load is 26/H4895 & moly 40 V max (safe in my rifle...work up in yours)..which I have clocked @ 3900 fps...don't have time for the 32 V max...the 40 V is far superior at longer range...this rifle has many confirmed p/dog kills at 700+ yds..

 

[coupalr]

I use 24gr of RL 10x behind a 39gr SBK for 3900 fps out of my 24" McGowan.

 

[RonS]

Okay guys you asked for it so here goes. My project starts with a Savage Axis in 223 with a camo stock. My 20 Prac barrel is a 26" Shillen SS select match with a 10T and a heavy varmint contour. Trigger will be a Rifle Basix Sav1. The powders I have on hand are Varget, Benchmark, H4895, H4198, H335, H322, BL-C(2), CFE223, RL 7, RL 10X, RL 15, IMR 8208 XBR, IMR 4895, Accurate 1680 and Win 296. Primers CCI 400, 450, BR4, Rem 6 1/2, 7 1/2, Fed 205 and Win WSR. I shoot a lot of Sierra bullets and will be ordering the 32's and 39's, it seems the majority agrees they work the best. As far as cases I have a ton of LC and a few Remington, Winchester, Hornady and Noslers. I hope this is enough info for you guys to help me get started. Looking forward to your comments and suggestions.

Ron

 

[redrockranger]

I'd start with 4198. 24 gr was to much for Pac Nor 11 twist. If memory serves me correctly 3850 FPS with a 40 Nosler BT. 23 was good.

8208 XBR looked to have potential .I'd look at 25gr for a start.

Please remember your results could be different and work up with care. It might not be safe in your gun.

 

[mattri]

In my Savage sporting a 26" Criterion 1:11 barrel 23.5 of H4198 showed pressure signs but 23.1 was safe in Win and Lapua. 3860 fps and more accurate than you would believe. As always- be safe.

 

[woolenmammoth]

4198, 10x, and N133 have all been fabulous in my T20. The 39 sierra and 4198 turns out to be a perfect match in my barrel, krieger 1:11. 10x is definitely the dirtiest of the three, 4198 the slowest.

 

[BradY]

I have found that changing to a hotter primer sometimes helps keep powders burning clean. Reloader 10X was just as good as Benchmark and 8208XBR. I use CCI450 primers (use them for 308 palma cases and 223 varmint loads as well so buy a couple of thousand at a time) Nice hot ignition burns it up good.

 

[RonS]

Hey guys thanks, great info. I think I can safely develop an accurate load and enjoy many years of fun with this gun.

 

[anrew]

what works best for me is No Name bullets 40. Vmax and sierra shoot great, 10 shoots at a 100 cover them with a dime. Gun is 204 ack 27.5 H4895 speed is 3950 shilen select grade match 28 1.250 strait barrel. Kills dogs all day long. my best is just over 700 yards

 

[RonS]

hey guys, finally got my 20PT put together, did it myself, but I'm having trouble getting picture to post. Also I have about 200 pieces of LC brass formed prepped and ready to be loaded. I would like to thank everyone for all your comments and suggestions, trust when I say they were very helpful.