SmallCaliberCentral

just couldn't resist the temptation. Rick and others have been a good/bad influence, and the lure of another Cooper rifle pushed me over the edge.

I broke in the rifle with some loads of RL7 and 32 gr v-max. I have been working up some loads, and it appears my RL7 may be somewhat slower than others. My loads of 18.7 grs produced a vel of 3658 fps, which is slower than I wanted, but does this load shoot?

Needless to say, I'm pretty happy with my new Cooper.

Keith: Lookin' good there buddy!

Nothing like a nice new Cooper to put a big smile on one's face, eh? Looks like she's living up to the company reputation too, what with a .241" 200 yard group. Sweet!

I've noticed the slower lots of RL-7 too. I just loaded up 200 rounds for Skippy for mine with my 18.5gr load.....might have to run them on the chrono again to check speed. Next time I need RL-7, it will be in a 8 lb. jug for this very reason.

Nice rifle, great shooting, what could be better? Is it spring yet?

Keith- I know what you mean, I couldn't resist either! I would rather not tally up all the money I've spent on redding 20VT dies, neck turning equipment, a new press and a leupold from the custom shop . To top it off I JUST pulled the trigger on a lightly used cooper MTV m38 in 20 vartarg . Should arrive friday, goodbye 4 nights of sleep

Nice looking rifle and great group. Gotta love the VarTargs!

Sidewinderwa wrote:Nice looking rifle and great group. Gotta love the VarTargs!

Very nice rifle indeed.. A question for Rick and others.. Just have save my pennies for one, but what twist, etc are you all using? Mostly I want to shoot the 32=34 grain bullets, but could put some 40-50's down range. Your info and input would be appreaciated. Bill K

I have a 1:11 twist on my Benchmark 20 VarTarg barrel and it shoots 32 and 39 grain bullets great. Careful, the VarTarg may crowd your 204 out for most fun gun to shoot. Then you will need a couple of them too.

Bill K wrote:A question for Rick and others.. Just have save my pennies for one, but what twist, etc are you all using? Mostly I want to shoot the 32=34 grain bullets, but could put some 40-50's down range. Your info and input would be appreaciated. Bill K

Bill: I believe Cooper uses a 12 twist for all their 20 VarTarg rifles, at least mine is a 1/12. Others shoot both the 32's and the 39/40's in their VT's, but I personally consider it ideal for the 32/34 grain bullets to keep the speed up. Using the 40's, you might as well be shooting a 223 with 40's, although the little .20 cal has better downrange ballistics. When I want to shoot the 39/40's at speed, my 11-twist M700 gets the nod, although my Cooper MTV in 204 Ruger shoots the 39 SBK very well indeed with its 12-twist.

I believe you'd be able to shoot the 39/40's okay in a Cooper 1/12, but the 50's would require at least an 11 twist barrel. One thing for sure, a nice Cooper M38 or M21 in any of their configurations will put an immediate smile on ones face.....that I do know.....just ask Keith

Thank you for that info.. I appreaciate your response, fast and direct. Going to talk with my dealer in the next day or two.. Looked at one in NV yesterday, but so hard to purchase, etc back into Kalifornia.. You know what I mean. Thank you Bill K