Teach me about the 20 Practical

[Gary]

I'm in the early stage of investigating a Upper Receiver build in a 20 Practical for use as a varmint'n tool. Brass forming seems easy and straight forward and I have plenty of 40 gr A-Max to use plus several pwds that should work. Pretty sure I'm going to pull the string on a complete Upper or build one from scratch. This will supplement my Upper selection(s) and fill a line on my Bucket List. First off, NEED plays NO roll in getting one. I just have a hankerin' to shoot one.
Anyone have experience with this caliber?

 

[Glaciers]

Well I have a couple of wildcats. 458x2, 6x47 (the 222 mag case), 35 Whelen long before it was made legitimate, and 338/06 improved before it became the 338/06 A-Square. I won't go to wildcats anymore because there is so many factory cartridges that will do the same job.

I understand wanting something different. But the shine can were thin after awhile. Plus than you have a illegitimate stepchild that you might not be able to sell.

But I do understand the hobby really not needing justification. Anyway your mileage will probably very. Have fun.

 

[Ole_270]

I've thought about this one a few times myself. Have a bunch of range pickup brass to use. I'd probably go with a lightweight bolt gun though, I just have a thing about throwing good brass out into the weeds

 

[Gary]

Mine gets thrown onto a big Tarp so that's not a concern. If any try and escape, I do have a Metal Detector and know how to use it!.
John; this will fit in the space just behind my 6.5 Grendel; my 22 Nosler and will be a welcome addition. Got my Rona check deposit today so I'm actively shopping the Web for "targets of opportunity". Got to get a RCBS Bushing Neck Sizing Die with a couple of bushings and I should be good to go.

 

[Ole_270]

Forgot to add that mine would be used primarily as a calling rifle.

 

[Ian]

They make brass catchers. What does a .20 Practical do that a .223 can't be handloaded to do?

 

[Joshua]

No experience with anything 20cal except for my Sheridan.

I was in the reloading section of two stores over the weekend and noticed that they had lots of .204” and 7mm bullets. Sportsman’s Warehouse had zero .224” .308”, .357”, or .45” jacketed bullets. So, I can see the current availability of .204” components as a benefit, sorta.

 

[waco]

They make brass catchers. What does a .20 Practical do that a .223 can't be handloaded to do?

Sometimes just the neat factor?...I have a CZ527 in .221 Fireball. The same could be said about it I suppose.....

 

[Gary]

They make brass catchers. What does a .20 Practical do that a .223 can't be handloaded to do?

More than likely not a darn thing, However, with that said, it has a nice name and I don't have one. That's enough reason for me + I got my Rona dividend.

 

[Cherokee]

Rona ?? I got no Rona.

 

[fiver]

actually the 204 would be my choice if I wanted a 20 and a 20 with a something more than the 223 can give me.

 

[dale2242]

I have a friend with the 20 Practical in a bolt gun.
He has a Pac Nor barrel.
The reasons he had it built was the availability of 223 brass and ease of forming cases.
It is very accurate. he is very pleased with it.