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  #1  
Old 01-26-2021, 11:08 AM
fosters fosters is offline
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Default 20 Cal Build----???

Am kicking around re-barreling a 700 that was a 17 Rem to something in 20 caliber......using the 223 bolt face. I want something to do reasonably long shots (max of 400 yds). Thinking 40gr bullets? Keeping it simple to load, I have enough stuff that I have to turn necks for, etc.....just wondering if there were any reason not to do it in a 204? Brass not too hard to find except for right now, but I do have access to a moderate amount, and also have been considering a 20/222.....I have a lot of new 222 brass, but the much less case capacity would limit the velocity and range. I have probably too many 17 Rems, so it sorta makes sense to maybe do a 20 cal just for something a bit different? Also am well fixed with 223's and 2/250's so don't need to fill any gaps there......another question on the 20 cal is twist rate, what's best for the 40gr bullets going fast?

I know there's going to be a bunch of varied opinions on this, but as I have been pretty much focused on 17 Rems and 17 Ah's, the 20 are new territory for me.
Thanks,
Steve
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  #2  
Old 01-26-2021, 12:57 PM
L.Sherm L.Sherm is offline
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I think you answered your own question with having alot of 222 brass. 20-222 if something different then 20VT or 20SCC for more velocity.
Barrel then hands down 3G 11twist if nothing over 40 gr.
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  #3  
Old 01-26-2021, 01:25 PM
SmokinJoe SmokinJoe is offline
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My recommendation would be a Practical, Tactical or AI, they are all pretty easy to deal with and the 223 brass is easiest to find.I have TAC and AI, the AI version can surpass 4000 with a 40gr if you want that much speed.
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  #4  
Old 01-26-2021, 05:24 PM
Wiserfool Wiserfool is offline
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I'm also runnin a 20-223 AI and love it. The Practical is probably a better choice if you don't like messing with brass much. The AI is not much more hassle though, and gives some advantages. I wouldn't focus too much on your 222 brass inventory when making a calibre choice, as 223 brass is EVERYWHERE, from free range pickups to top quality offerings like Lapua.

Last edited by Wiserfool; 01-26-2021 at 05:27 PM.
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  #5  
Old 01-26-2021, 05:32 PM
Hog Patrol Hog Patrol is offline
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A 20BR is another option to reach the 4kps marker.
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  #6  
Old 01-26-2021, 05:46 PM
B23 B23 is offline
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I love my little 20-222 it does everything I ask it to and is easy peasy BUT if I didn't already have a larger capacity 20 and I was looking for one, kind of do all 20, no question about it, I'd have a 20 Practical built and as the others have suggested go with an 11tw barrel.

Nothing wrong with a 204 Ruger it's a good choice as well I just prefer to use Lapua brass when possible and if that means possibly giving up a tiny bit of velocity with a 20 Practical to the 204 Ruger so I can use Lapua brass I'm good with it but I think many 20 Practical shooters stand on the gas a little harder and are pretty much matching 204 Ruger velocities so it's moot anyway.
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  #7  
Old 01-26-2021, 05:55 PM
moorepower moorepower is offline
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.20 Practical is the practical choice. I am getting 3800+ with 40 Vmax and book 8208 loads with my .204. If you get a 1-10 or 1-11 tw barrel, either will work great. As you probably know the Practical is just a necked down .223 case, with no fire forming, inexpensive dies, and feeds like a .223 because it is. IF your planning a repeater, it's a great choice. If you want off the shelf cheap dies the .204 would be a great option. IF you want to wildcat any of the .223 based rounds work. It's nice to have choices. The big thing will be if you want a single shot or repeater and if you want common off the shelf dies.
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  #8  
Old 01-27-2021, 08:12 AM
RareBear RareBear is offline
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223 boltface, 40 grain bullets, 400 yards. 204 Ruger has the largest boiler room mentioned so far at about 32 grains capacity. I will throw in the 20 Nosler with the rebated rim at 39 grains capacity.

204 Ruger............................................. .................................................. ...........20 Nosler
...
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Last edited by RareBear; 01-27-2021 at 08:34 AM.
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  #9  
Old 01-27-2021, 10:36 AM
17VLD 17VLD is offline
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Default Love my 20 Dusters.....

This case is made with 222 brass and has a 40 degree shoulder and is similar to the 20Bobcat.As far as long distance performance I have killed pd’s with the 40Vmax at past 500 yards very easily.The best shot being at 542 yards.I really like the great b.c. of the 40 VMax,as others have said the 11 twist will serve you well.Its pretty simple to make and especially since you have lots of new brass it may be an option.The 20/222 would be a bit simpler to make,but the Duster is a beautiful looking well balanced case.If a coyote at 400 is on the menu perhaps the 204 would serve you better.It all boils down to what you want out of your custom build,I also have 204s and enjoy each of my 20s.Enjoy the journey
20s are awesome.Just had to say when necked down to 20 the 222 size case performs well beyond what the parent case ever dreamed possible when you match the superb .275 b.c. of the 40 VMax it’s a match made in heaven.
Matt
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  #10  
Old 01-27-2021, 10:51 AM
fosters fosters is offline
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Matt, sort of sounds like the 20 Duster is maybe a 20/222 Ackley Improved?
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