please help .20 descision-

ogre · Member Joined: Jan 15, 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Melbourne

HI
I have re-ordered a .20 cal barrel because the vendor claims they have no record of the order being placed even though I have a lay away card for the order.

Please help me settle which .20 cal chambering I get built- it will be a walk around varminator- shots from 25 to 250+ yards

Action- Sako 461 sporter
barrel- S/S upto finished length of 26 inch 1:10 twist
Game/varmints: Rabbits, foxes, dogs ,cats etc

MUST FUNCTION AS A REPEATER!!!!!!!!!!!

Smith I'm going to use has reamers that might be considered usefull in, 204R, Body reamer for 223AI, 17 MK4 , 222 min spec match body reamer, various straigh reamers in the 226 to 234 size.

Plan to use the 39 BK or 40 V-max.

I already own dies in 17mk4 (standard), 222 (standard and bushing), 223 standard and bushing , 223AI small base body die, 6x45 and 6x47 Rem (standard)

max range will be dictated as to where ft-lbs drops below 400.

So guys-- put foward your suggestions about what .20 cal chambering i should get made.

Thanks

later
P

Arizona Hunter · Member Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 275

Have you looked hard at the .204 Ruger? Every month more manufacturers are making components for it. Heck, it might become more popular than the 22-250 soon (but the .223 will remain most popular).

My friend has one and so do I, each of our rifles (his a CZ 452, mine a Howa 1500) shoot everything at least good to great (factory & reloads)-and these are off the shelf guns, not a custom job like your going to have.

For both of us RL 15 powder is the best with 32 and 40 gr. Hornady V-Max and 39 gr. Sierra bullets.

Also tried H335, BLC(2), best we could get were 1.0" to 1.25" groups. And also W748 was about the same,just a little better.

Handloader · Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:03 pm Post subject: Re: please help .20 descision-

ogre: your collection of dies indicates experience with a notable range of cartridges, all of which have "varmint" written on them. We have been pondering the same decision, you and I. In your case with a 20 cal barrel on order, the easiest choice would be the 204 Ruger chambering. That will be my choice, too.

You mention the project will be a walkaround varminter and you have chosen one of the premiere actions, the Sako. Given the reduced diameter of the 20 cal, however, it would suggest the barrel diameter will be scaled down from heavy barrel size and that the length need not be more than 24". The 204 Ruger should extend your threshold energy considerably beyond the 250yd range, especially, with 40gr V Max pills launched around 3,700fps.

As Arizona Hunter mentions, the availability of 204 Ruger components makes it the easiest choice. Unless you wish to engage in some wildcatting or exotica, this cartridge should fulfill all your intended needs.

What brand of barrel did you order? What chambering will it be?

ogre · Member Joined: Jan 15, 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Melbourne

HI
I would use the 204R as is but the magazine length avail in my Sako is not long enough for a cases based on the 222 Rem Mag case as the 204R is or I would just get a 6x47done.

I need something shorter, so it can fit in the magazine and function as a repeater.

please keep the suggestions coming

thanks

later
p

skb2706 · Member Joined: Apr 10, 2006 Posts: 269

20 BR........all the smoke.....probably more than... the .204 in a shorter package

ogre · Member Joined: Jan 15, 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Melbourne

skb2706 wrote:

20 BR........all the smoke.....probably more than... the .204 in a shorter package

love to-- but wont fit in a Sako 461 Action which this project is being built on and still function as a repeater.

Going to be building something on the 222/223 case size.

If this project works out I'll probably build a 20 ppc or a 20 BR on a Tikka Whitetail action.

thanks

later
p

Dimitri · Super Member Joined: Nov 25, 2005 Posts: 5946

Possibly the "20 Tactical" which to me looks like a 223 based case:

And the 223 Remington

Dimitri

Handloader · Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 9:19 pm Post subject: Re: please help .20 descision-

ogre wrote:

HI
I would use the 204R as is but the magazine length avail in my Sako is not long enough for a cases based on the 222 Rem Mag case as the 204R is or I would just get a 6x47done.

I need something shorter, so it can fit in the magazine and function as a repeater.

p

ogre: I am left wondering if you have a blocked magazine as my Vixen in 223 accomodates any factory rounds. If you have a magazine that is blocked for 222 length, it should be easy to modify for the longer case of the 222 Rem Mag, 223 or 204 Ruger.

Perhaps, I am missing some information?

ogre · Member Joined: Jan 15, 2006 Posts: 79 Location: Melbourne

Thanks handloader- I'll have to have a look at that- never noticed a mag block B4. it's a factory 17 rem now

later
p

VARMONTER · Rookie Member Joined: Sep 24, 2006 Posts: 3

two bad 204 ruger was the #1 selling die last year.
mine shoots real well Not a bench rest but a sporter .
COAL for 204 ruger is 2.25 .