VarTarg vs. 221 Fireball?

[muslmutt]

I have enjoyed 221 Fireball rifes and pistols for several years. I have also been contemplating a 20 VarTarg for a few years. I have had, and have 221 FBs that shoot 30 Bergers quite well. So, if I have a 221 FB that shoots 30 grain Bergers well (and fast) what benefit would the VarTarg have over the FB with light bullets. The 20 cal bullets have a better BC, and I would have more light bullets to chose from, but other than that I am having a hard time justifying the build.

Thanks.
Matt

 

[tjtjwdad]

Matt,

There is a website called JBM Ballistics where one can plug in the numbers. It's pretty user friendly.

HTH,

 

[gtl1946]

I've got both and I noticed on Berger's site that when you compare the same bullet weights, the 20's BC's will ALMOST always beat the 22's . As significant as the differences are here I would suspect that the Vartargs trajectory could substantially beat the Fireballs . Since i can't find my crono data I'm not going to "bet the farm" but I do feel I'm right . Got into a discussion with someone on the merrits of the 20BR w/50 Berger vrs a 22-250 w/50 Berger and the 20 stayed with it or beat it when looking at trajectory and wind drift . This was using my crono'd accuracy loads for both. An added bonus was that the 20BR used alot less powder. Spend some time on Saubier.com and only "waste" time and do some research . The Vartarg may be worth it !

 

[th82457]

I think the Vartarg will beat a .221 in the accuracy department with the right brass and bullet. I think you will see equal or higher velocity with any bullet weight from 32 to 40 grains in the Vartarg as well as higher ballistic coefficient. Plus the Vartarg is just fun to shoot and the bullet selection is very good between 32 & 40 grains. I have had both and currently have a CZ 527 in 20VT. There is a guy on this site that sells reformed L.C. brass for the Vartarg that is much better than standard reformed Rem. Fireball brass. Good Luck if you decide to add a Vartarg to your battery.

 

[AJ]

I've had a 20VT for about 5 years now and shoot it more than any other rifle I have. It is a joy to shoot. It accounts for a few thosand prairie rats each year. It's really best at the 400 and less distances but occasionally when conditions are right (very little wind and lack of closer targets) it's been known to reach out to 500 yards. The little 32 grainers are really out of steam at that distance and are starting to drop out of the sky but it's fun to lob one or two out there just to see what the winds doing. On a few occasions I have made several hits in a row at 450. It's a fun little round and I plan on having a 20VT shooter at the ready for the next charge of little rats.
AJ

 

[RLP]

I have to agree 100% with AJ. I have had my VT less than 2 yr and couldn't be happier. Mine shoots 32Vmax and 39BK both 1/4MOA and will reach out to 500yd. About all I shoot anymore are my 20's (20 practical is the other). I still take my 22-250 for the tougher conditions but "Love the 20's the best". My buddy had a 221FB and made the switch--He is happy he did. Good luck with your decision..

 

[NorCalMikie]

Be aware that with the 20 VT, you "may" have to turn the case necks on your brass.
On a batch of my necked down .221 Fireball brass, 15 out of 50 + cases wouldn't chamber. Tracked it down to the necks being too thick. No way to correct the problem but turn the necks. (almost )That's the only disadvantage to the round. Rather than go thru the process of neck turning, you can get necked down/sized .223 made 20 VT brass.
Or like me, get a reamer and open up the chamber neck so your necked down (fat) brass will chamber. Not all brass will be the same so plan on some work to make sure everyhing is right. Plan ahead. ;D

 

[gtl1946]

Aw Matt, go ahead and do it ! ! I love spending other peoples money as I've run out of mine ! I've often thought of barreling a CZ 527 into another Vartarg but, TWO of them ?!

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Matt - I too also shoot the 221FB and the 17M4 (17FB). Three years ago I added a Cooper M38 in 20VT, and now it's the most shot rifle in my safe. I'm also a fan of the 204 Ruger, have four of 'em, and am now contemplating turning one of them into a 20VT also.

As far as accuracy goes, here's a typical target shot with my 20VT:

And our local rock chucks will testify to it's effectiveness using the 32gr Nosler BT over 18.5grs of RL-7 for 3,725 fps:

Go ahead, take the plunge....no one I know of who's made up a 20VT as ever regretted it. Less wind drift than most any 223 load, quiet, miserly on powder, no recoil, see all your hits/misses, wicked accurate and just plain fun to shoot. What's not to like?

Oh, and for premium pre-formed brass, Adam Bentley here is THE man to go to.....his brass is far superior to the R-P re-formed stuff. But like Mikie mentioned, be aware if you form your own brass, you may have to do a "clean-up" neck turn on your brass.......I know I have to. No big deal, but if you're contemplating the caliber, you should be aware of this one caveat. To me, it's worth the extra effort....what a great little cartridge!

 

[NorCalMikie]

Something else to consider. If you buy or build your 20 VT, think about getting a chamber with a little larger neck so you won't have to deal with neck turning. You'll have to use necked down brass anyway so think ahead and cut out as much extra work as you can. More trigger time and less time spent messing with brass would be the ultimate goal.

 

[bhoges]

I have two 20VT and I have never had to turn any necks. I have shot at least 2k rounds without any issue. I use 221FB brass, 4198 and 32gr Vmax. 18.2grs of powder and mine is a tac driver. Its my go to rifle and it never fails me.

 

[bhoges]

Heres mine. Bay action,shilen barrel and a stock by canyon creek.

 

[ab_bentley]

Mine is built on a Stiller TAC30 action, I used 17FB bottom metal and it feeds w/o issues. I build my own cases and the first picture is what they produce. I have also hit incredible speeds and accuracy with reformed LC 223 cases. Adam