XP100 to 20 Vartarg

[1raggedhole]

I'm thinking about rebarreling my original XP100 221 Fireball over to 20 Vartarg. Anyone have experience with short barrels in this chambering? I am thinking something close to the factory XP-100 barrel length of 10-3/4", but it wouldn't bother me to go up to 12".
I really enjoy the 221FB on pdogs, but the 20VT sounds even better with slightly less recoil.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

I'm an active ground squirrel and rock chuck shooter, have a good selection of rifles in suitable calibers, but for the past six years, I've been shooting my 20VT more than any other of my rifles, including a wicked accurate Cooper 221FB and another in 204R.

Build it with the 12" barrel, and you'll never look back. It will most likely become your "go-to" rat rig from that day on. With any of the 32gr bullets it will amaze you in the field, and you'll wonder why you did not do it sooner. As far as velocity with the shorter barrel, this may help:

https://www.bullberry.com/204-ruger-velocity-data

Good luck with the project.

 

[17VLD]

Like Rick I shoot a 20VT Cooper rifle at pds and it always amazes me.The accuracy and power of the 32 grain bullet are flat out impressive.I would get an 11 twist for a pistol length barrel,just to be safe,and if you ever try 40s you would be glad as well.
Some of the guys over on the Specialty Pistol site have built XPs in 20 VT
they absolutely love them.Usually they make the barrels between 15-18 inches long.Nothing wrong with a 12" if thats what you want.I have a 15"
17Mach 1V and it is a ton of fun on pds,if the barrel ever goes it will become a 20VT.I have shot my XP in 17ppc and my 284Win to 1000 yards and continue to be impressed with what they can do.You will love your 20VT,have fun with it.
Matt

 

[1raggedhole]

As far as velocity with the shorter barrel, this may help:

https://www.bullberry.com/204-ruger-velocity-data

Good luck with the project.

I am certainly curious about velocity out of the short barrel, but seem to recall reading that was the impetus for the 221FB, to be more efficient in a short barrel as compared to 222/223 class cartridge. Therefore I would assume the 20VT would be better in a short barrel than the 204 Ruger that Bullberry tested?

 

[JASmith]

I am certainly curious about velocity out of the short barrel, but seem to recall reading that was the impetus for the 221FB, to be more efficient in a short barrel as compared to 222/223 class cartridge. Therefore I would assume the 20VT would be better in a short barrel than the 204 Ruger that Bullberry tested?

 

[JASmith]

One can get velocities tailored to the 20VT by using the calculator here: http://shootersnotes.com/calculator/velocity-estimator/

If you happen to be a subscriber to http://Ammoguide.com/, you can easily prefill the reference load information using a load that is close to the one you are interested in using.

 

[1raggedhole]

One can get velocities tailored to the 20VT by using the calculator here: http://shootersnotes.com/calculator/velocity-estimator/

If you happen to be a subscriber to http://Ammoguide.com/, you can easily prefill the reference load information using a load that is close to the one you are interested in using.

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the tip. I will play around with this and post the results.

 

[1raggedhole]

Here is the calculation results going from 24” rifle down to 12” barrel on XP100. Still has quite a bit of steam with the shorter barrel. Really looks like a good idea.

 

[Woodchk]

I have a 18” barreled 11” XP100 , shoot 39 gr . Sierra Blitzkings . This is my favorite woodchk rig .

 

[LCazador]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the tip. I will play around with this and post the results.

Velocity is not a problem in the XP100 in 20VT. Bullet stability is a factor with the shorter barrel 12" and under. I experienced this. I recommend 11 or 10 twist best! Minimum of 15 inches and a rear grip gun so you can install a Jewell trigger. I also recommend selling your old bolt and buying one from P.T.&G. Order cone face bolt face, .700" diameter bolt, .378" bolt face, with .062" firing pin assembly. I own several custom 20 Vartarg rifles and pistols and this is the best way to go. By the way all are Krieger barrels.