Enjoying some benchrest with 20 Vartarg

C

chubcobear

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We changed our 222 Rem barrel on our 700 short action to 20 Vartarg to try to get some different accurate shooting in. The round has turned out to be a pleasure to shoot and also extremely accurate. Not as easy to find a sweet spot as a 222, but the challenge is always fun. We are currently working with a 10 twist PacNor barrel and using mostly 39 and 40 grain bullets, Sierra and Berger. Powders are H322 and Benchmark. Both are giving .1 and .2 groups. Is anyone else working with a set up like, or near this, and is there any input or experience? Thank you.
 
Headed that way

I have a Kreiger 12" twist barrel in the lathe now-----for a 40X action bedded into a HS Precisison stock with 3" for end.

I suspect the 12" twist will limit me to 32 gr bullets.

I hear a lot about how much folks enjoy the Vartarg----hope I can say the same.

A. Weldy
 
Lapua brass

Lapua Fireball brass needs a larger chamber base, if you are cutting your own chamber. Most reamers do not take this in consideration.

Perhaps Berger 35 grain will go in your 12 twist.

Faster powders for fireform, RL7 & H4198, also work well with 32 & 35 even with this twist 10. In fact, we have not found an appropriate powder that does not work well, not as steady as 222 Rem, but damn close.
I run slower speeds for accuracy, but the fast speed boys do well, too.
You will enjoy it.
 
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Discussion in Mar 2015

In this discussion on Accurate Shooter in 2015, "John Henry" discusses the difference in the reamer base needed for Fireball brass when it is Lapua.
http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/20-vartarg-reamer-specs-design.3868876/
Where to go to get your version of the wider base? Many reamer makers are now aware of the wider base needed when Lapua Brass is the primary brass used. Specify it and they will do it.

My barrel likes 3250-3350 for 32 grain, and 3100 for 39/40. Those are very slow speeds, but my barrel is 10 twist. 12 twist will want something faster than that, I think. I'm using slower powders.
 
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20 VarTarg used in IBS matches

The 20 VarTarg used in the last couple of years of IBS matches at Dunham's Bay had a Hart one in twelve barrel and was successful with Berger 40 grain bullets over LT-32. Cases were made from Lapua 222 match brass with necks turned with 0.002 clearance on the diameter.

Harold
 
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