20 VT case length

[Bill K]

Getting ready for the 20VT and located two lengths on case/trim. I believe the 221 fireball case is 1.400, but the sized 20VT case is 1.395, is that correct and of course, after resizing ? I find I am shooting my 204 Ruger more and more, over the 223 and 22-250, but am looking forward to getting this 20 up and running. Going to also start with load around 17.5 to 18.3 and the 32 grain bullet. How does that sound ? Just know Rick and some others have good and straight info. Thank you, to all. Bill K

[Neil S.]

Bill- I have read that 1.395 is max trim, but read somewhere else that 1.415 was max trim . Since my formed cases were under 1.39" I didn't worry about it. You did not list what powder you are going to try first, RL-7 perhaps? I have only shot three groups of test loads through my 20VT with 32 sierras , and the very first load I tried produced the smallest group I've ever shot:



It doesn't look like it, but 5 rounds went through that hole . That was with 17.5 gr RL-7 right at a leisurely 3300 fps. I will bump the charge up to give me a little more velocity on the fireform load and see what the accuracy looks like. Good luck with the new toy!

[Bill K]

Neil, yes it will be RL 7 first, then probably H4198. That seems to be the one's most use, with success. I think I will probably trim to the 1.395 measurment and go from there.. Bill K

[Rick in Oregon]

Bill -

My formed 20VT cases run 1.393" - 1.395", and after fireforming they usually end up right at 1.393" or thereabouts. I usually trim to that exact length after fireforming for consistency.

These chambers usually run around 1.407" +/- .002" from what I've seen, so a longer case neck would be even better if we could get it. If your cases come out at 1.395", you should be good to go.

For consideration, both N120 and N130 are about the best in the 20VT, but the stuff is usually a bit scarce and quite spendy for the amount of shooting I do, so with the good availability of both RL-7 and H4198, both my 20VT and I are quite pleased.

[Bill K]

Thank you Rick. I will keep the trim in that area. Will see what my fireform shows, etc. VV is probably good, but like you, it is hard to locate in my area. Reno,NV has it, but I only travel there once a month of so. But, who knows, just might give it a try alongwith the others.. Time will tell. Bill K