20 VarTarg bullet weight

[Sidewinderwa]

OK all you 20 VarTarg shooters I have a question for you. I just built one and trying to determine if the 32 or 39 grain Sierra bullets will work best for sage rats and prairie dogs. I am getting good groups with both weights but want to fine tune the weight bullet that works the best. Which weight is your favorite and why? I put a Benchmark barrel on a Savage target action, right bolt, left port, single shot. I got it to give skippy flying lessons. I am having good luck with Ramshot X-Terminator powder.

[Joe O]

I would load both.Most calm days,(wind under 15mph),The 32gr will give spectacular results on skippy.The 39gr has great wind bucking ability,and shots beyond 400yds are possible.It may not stay with the 204ruger,but only gives up a couple hundred FPS.

[Sidewinderwa]

I have a couple of 204s that like the 39gr Blitzkings. So the 32gr bullets give better air time? I am after maximum red mist effect!

[mrmarmota]

I have built three 20 vartargs on Savage actions.All three are very accurate with the 32 grain Sierra's and 19.5 - 20.0 gr RE-7.If I wasnt so picky I would use Dog town bullets.They generally shoot well under one inch,but I am spoiled by those less than dime size groups.Also, Berger 30 gr may have a slight accuracy edge with the same load.Muzzle velocity runs between 3700-3850.I have not tried any 39 grainers in the vartarg. I figured the 204 will consume plenty of those.I have used only Douglas barrels so far and have no complaints.I have not shot the vartarg at any fur balls yet. I plan to very soon .SD next month before the VHA Jamboree.
Good luck with your vartarg.It is a hoot to shoot.

[Sidewinderwa]

You have 3 VarTargs and have not shot any fur with them? You just target shoot with them? I have got some groups under a 1/4 inch while testing. Will know more when I shoot more groups, I could have just got lucky a couple of times. I have high hopes for it, unlike my 17 Fireball.

[mrmarmota]

I just got into the vartarg last fall.I had to replace a 223 barrel and talked to Todd Kindler about 20 caliber options.I settled on the vartarg.My original vartarg built on an old Savage long action is the most accurate rifle I have ever owned.I have never shot a group less than a 1/4 with any gun.Most generally around 3/8.Then my wife wanted a vartarg.Then my best shooting buddy wanted one.You see where this is going.All three are very similar in load and accuracy. So far only paper but next month that will change.Look out prairie dogs!!!!!!!

[Sidewinderwa]

If you have not gone after prairie dogs before, you will get hooked quickly. Especially with the little 20 calibers. I love my 204s but have to give the 20 VarTarg a go. You always need a couple of good skippy getters!

[mrmarmota]

Oh Yes,!!!!!!!We have been hooked on prairie doggin for a while now.Have been to the Rosebud
and Standing Rock a couple of times.Planning a extended vacation this year and hope to hit several different locations.Our vacation has been delayed this year because I am still recovering from surgery on my achilles tendon.We usually shoot the week after Memorial day weekend,but we are hopeful that the shooting will still be good that late in the season.This will be the first outing for the Vartarg's and a couple of 204's.We no longer have .223's and have retired our Swifts.