TAC 20 introduction

[tooter]

Folks,

I just purchased a new Cooper 21 Varmint Extreme w/26 in. 1 in 12 twist barrel plus Redding comp die set and 300 new pieces of Dakota brass. All should be in my hands next week.

My surfing/research tells me H322, H4198, Benchmark, H335, N133 (have all on hand) are likely powder choice candidates for load development, but can anyone comment on this cartridge's disposition for bullet seating depth; on/off lands? 32 to 40 gr. bullet preference?

I know every rifle has a personality preference, but I'm very interested in your shared experiences, especially with a sinilar Cooper rifle. My window for range time opportunity here in northern New England is closing fast and any shared experience to get me started is greatly appreciated.

Best to all,

Tooter

 

[MarkS]

Tooter,

RL 10X is the powder. I shoot a 39 gr Sierria BK at 3900 f/s and super accurate.

Mark Schronce

 

[Ohio1]

MarkS, Do you find the 10X to burn dirty?

Steve

 

[tooter]

Mark/Steve,

I have 10X on hand as well, but have not achieved good results with other rifle/cartridge endeavours. Again, rifle personalities.

Mark, are you on or off lands with the 39 gr. BKs?

Tooter

 

[ab_bentley]

H4198 is another good one, Ramshot Xterminator, TAC, all great powders for the TAC. Adam

 

[mattri]

I'm using H4198 in a 20 Practical, which as you know is the ballistic twin of the "Tactical" and getting great results. Very accurate, very clean and have no trouble getting the 39gr SBKs over 4kfps although my go to load is right at 3860fps.

 

[SmokinJoe]

In my 20TAC's, I got good results with Benchmark & 8208XBR with the 40ish bullets. My field load runs about 3850 with either, but more is available to over 4K, your results may vary. Interesting that H4198 is giving good results with the 40's for some of you. I would think it was a little too fast for that application. I have a lot of H4198, so will have to try it. Any load guidance?

 

[tooter]

Men,

All great input!!

Tks --- Tooter

 

[mattri]

23.1 is working the best for me. I don't know how much, if any moving the shoulder will affect your load data. 23.5 gave pressure signs. The only other powder I've tried id H4895, it shot well but was really dirty. 23.1grs of H4198 and 39grs SBKs just into the lands have shot very very well for me.

 

[MarkS]

tooter
The 39's are 0.005" off

Steve, 10X is a little dirty. I can get to 4000 f/s but the accuracy is around 3900 f/s.

Mark Schronce

 

[ChuckMiller]

I have 3 Tac20's, best accuracy H322, highest velocity H4198 and RL10X. All of my rifles are repeaters so I load all of them to fit my magazine, rem 700 and Sako L461. All three have Douglas 1-12 barrels.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

In my 20TAC's, I got good results with Benchmark & 8208XBR with the 40ish bullets. My field load runs about 3850 with either, but more is available to over 4K, your results may vary. Interesting that H4198 is giving good results with the 40's for some of you. I would think it was a little too fast for that application. I have a lot of H4198, so will have to try it. Any load guidance?

Joe I shoot a lot of TAC 20. With the 32 gr. Sierra bullets I've shot a .184 at nearly 4180 fps.
The H4198 seems in my rifle to be the very best powder in 34 gr. and lighter bullets.

I've had some pretty good luck with RL7 in the 40 gr. bullet class and H322.

Oh thanks again for helping me on my 30BR.

 

[kapac]

Well it hasnt been mentioned yet but i too shoot a 20Tac and shoot the 40gr Hornady bullets just touching the lands and am using 2230 powder. I am getting excellent results, maybe not the speed eveyone is looking for but enough for me as i go for accuracy over speed.