Looking for a HOTTER 20 Cal 20-250 Perhaps?

[FireBallGuy]

Anyone out there have any experience with this little beast? Have WAY too many 22-250 cases at home and this little number looks promising. Thinking a 1 in 9 or 1in 10 barrel and 50 grain bergers and this would make a wicked LONG range varmint rig. Any thoughts or comments?

[Rick in Oregon]

Small Caliber News had numerous articles on this caliber, as does Todd's excellent book, "The Terrific Twenties", still available from him at The Woodchuck Den in Ohio.

It's an excellent caliber with the usual twist, or a fast twist for use with high BC or VLD bullets now available.

http://www.woodchuckden.com/

If you're not familiar with Todd Kindler and all his work on the small calibers, read up first before deciding on any new build or spending any hard-earned money. You might say he's the Father of the Small Calibers as we know them today. Many of the factory rounds and wildcats we shoot today are the result of Todd's efforts through the years. His books have complete history, case forming info where applicable, load data and field use of these calibers on woodchucks and PD's. The caliber you're interested in is covered. Some of the back issues of SCN would be worthwhile to chase if you're serious about a custom build.

Todd's shop also offers a full line of Redding equipment, custom/wildcats dies, rifles, supplies, and about everything a varmint or small caliber shooter would want. He'll also discuss this, his favorite subject on the phone if you care to call.

One thing though in regard to all those 22-250 cases you have....that's excellent if they're new/unfired, but if already fired in another rifle, best save them for that rifle, as you'll always want new unfired cases for forming to any new caliber such as the .20-250.

[FireBallGuy]

Very informative, I am going to look into this. About half of that 22-250 brass is new so I am ready to go!

[Song Dog]

Todd is a great guy and he can teach you alot. I called him several times on my 17 Tac. I really liked reading his Sensational 17 manual and I would love to buy his Terrific Twenties.
I also beleive if you go to rmvh.com, Dave may have something in there about it, not for sure. If I am not mistaken, but I could be wrong, I thought I read somewhere that the 20-250 is a barrel burner. shoot I wouldn't mind one, myself.

In Christ,

Song Dog

[Fred_C_Dobbs]

This is a pretty good read on the .20s, (at least the wildcat varieties).

You might also consider the .223 WSSM. It'll push a 40-grain pill as fast as a .204 will shoot a 32-grainer.

[Rick in Oregon]

223 WSSM: The premier barrel burner of all time! You'd be lucky to get 1,500 rounds through a barrel chambered for that toad.....

I'd be amazed if we see ammo for this caliber available in another five years. Another big-time marketing flop.

[Song Dog]

I might try the 20-50BMG

In Christ,

Song Dog

[savage rookie]

I've been eyeballing the 5mm/35 SMc, though I haven't been able to find any information on bullets heavier than 39/40 grainers, I believe it could push 50's to 3700+ fairly easily.

[FireBallGuy]

Been doing some reading and while this 20-250 sounds like a LOT of fun.....I am fairly certain barrel life will be nothing this side of crappy? WOuld be a blast to play with but not very practical. I enjoy spending time at the range way too much to make this one last....LOL!

[FireBallGuy]

By the way, I am ordering BOTH of todd kindler's 17 and 20 cal manuals very shortly. As a fan of both diameters, I think I MUST!!

[Rick in Oregon]

FB Guy: If you do get his "Terrific Twenties" book, you may see that there's some wildcat cartridges actually more "interesting" and efficient that are of less powder capacity than the .204 Ruger. The .20 VarTarg gives almost 204 performance will much less powder, less recoil, less blast, more fun, see virtually every hit, and still launch a 32 grainer almost as fast as the 204, but from the 221FB case in .20 caliber.

I know you wanted 'hotter', but I think after some research and more experience, you'll come to where many of us who've been shooting grass rats of one sort or another for over 40 years have evolved to......smaller can be better, cheaper, longer barrel life, and just plain more fun. The .20 VarTarg also gives almost Bench Rest accuracy too....no small matter, and any grass smacked with it would never know if it was a .20 VarTarg, 204 Ruger or a .20-250, I promise.

If you just must have more power than you really need, then look at the .20BR or .20PPC.......

[FireBallGuy]

Very true words rick! That is why I enjoy shooting the 17 fireball so much!! CHEAP to load for, see EVERY hit and just plain FUN!! Don't have thaqt much disposable income that I want to be replacing barrels every year. Have thought about the vartag as I have MOUNTAINS of 17 fireball brass....a quick trip through the sizing die should make what I need. Will give this some thought as well. Thanks rick!