To build or not to build a new 20

[tacgnut]

That is the question I have.

Hello, new here but have lurked here for a while. Looks like a great forum with lots of knowledgeable folks. I thought what a better place than to ask this question here.

I already have 3 other 204s, one in a stock XR100 that shoots incredibly well and a couple ARs that can hold their own as well.
What I'm thinking of is a rifle that is made specifically for the bench, quality trigger/action, heavy barrel and target/varmint style stock.
Since I already have 204s,very happy with them) should I switch to a 20 tac/prac or go with a 20 BR?
I like the idea of using the 223 case, that way I don't run the chance of mixing 204 cases and the thought of a 40 gr. bullet from the 20 BR traveling at 4000 fps + really gets me to thinking or red mist floating through the air.

 

[skipper]

I'm kinda partial to the .204 Ruger. I built a custom 204 on a Panda action with a Shehane Tracker stock, Lilja barrel and Jewell trigger. I topped it off with a NightForce Benchrest 12-42X56 mm scope. I was amazed at the accuracy. You might be surprised as well.

 

[tacgnut]

Skipper,
Your rifle is VERY similar to what I have in mind.
Where did you have it built and did they do the stock for you?
Very nice set up.
Whats the reasoning for such high rings?

 

[300meter]

You can expect to post a nice group like that without someone like me asking what load your using! Care to share? Thanks.

 

[skipper]

Sorry, guys. The rifle was built by Stick of SG&Y rifles. It is a tight necked,.228) .204 Ruger. I finished the stock myself. It needs to be refinished by a professional, though. The rings are high but it doesn't seem to affect the groups as long as I keep the rifle level. The stock tracks like a dream.

The load is 35 gr. Bergers with 26.4 gr. of Benchmark, Norma cases turned to .011 and CCI BR-4 primers with the bullets jammed .015 into the lands. I use a .223 bushing for a little extra neck tension. It seems to work well for me.

 

[Catfish]

I only have 1 .20 cal. rifle, a .204 CZ. Great LITTLE round for groundhog and would be nice for fox, but since mine like the 32 gn. bullets and not the heavy one it`s to lite for coyote. I have toyed with the idea of a .20 BR set up for 50 gn. Bergers but when with a .22-6mm instead, at least for now. Now a .204 upper for an AR would be fun. Wouldn`t matter if I killed the coyote as long as I can slow him down to where the dogs can catch him.

 

[Craigyboy]

skipper what length is that barrel on your rifle, I am doing a tac20 and trying to get some idea as to what length I am going to make the barrel, originally I was going 26 inch for most velocity but would love to go down to 20 inch as it will get used as a fox rifle in the winter and a walk around varmint in the summer, dont want to lose too much velocity though.

 

[skipper]

That is a 26" barrel. Speedy recommended that length and I agreed. When the man makes a recommendation, I listen. He also had me send the reamer back to PT&G to have the free bore reduced to zero. Good move.

 

[Ogre6br]

if it was me I'd consider the idea of fluting it so it weight'd closer to what the weight would have been at 20 inches but still keep the 26 inch length.

just an idea
P

 

[Quigley284]

I saw some information on Bullberry's web site about 204s and barrel length. They started with a 24 inch barrel and shot 5 shots for an average. Cut off 1 inch and did it again. The difference between the 24 and the 21 was only about 60 fps. The extreme spread was better with the 21 inch. Running a little shorter barrel may not matter that much. It doesn't say but I think this test was with the lighter bullets for the 204. Mike