20 Br with 55 gr bergers? or 22/243???

Terry Scott

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Joined
Aug 31, 2010
Messages
317
Location
Reno Nevada
Ok Guys I need a little input, I already own a 240 AI, a 260 AI and a 7mm LRM
I love them all. They are all set up for long distance.
I am looking for a new project.......:)
Considering a 20 BR set up to shoot Bergers 55 gr or a heavier .20 bullet.
BCs for the berger are in the high 3s and it looks like I can get them to around 3700fps. And I understand it has decent barrel life, as well as being a BR case is very accurate. The ballistis actually look fairly impressive even at 1000 yds for such a small bullet. out to 800 for sure.
Or I could go to something like a 22-243 and try to get the 70 ish grain bullets to shoot. since I already have the 243 there is no reason to shoot real heay 22s... I have owned one, set up for shooting the 50-55 gr bullets they are truly impressive, but alas barrel life was pretty short.
Since I love to shoot things far away (300-1000yds) Does anyone think this is feasible? Ive got a Stiller action on the way, but thought I would see what I could dig up for ideas before ordering a barrel.
Obviously I won't be killing anything bigger than a Coyote, or a metal gong,
and I want to have fun here, so I would greatly appreciate your thoughts.:D
Thanks
gun)
 
I wouldn't really consider the 20 BR a longrange cartridge. On the other hand, the 22-243 with an 8 twist will easily take you out to 1,000yds. An 80gr .224 bullet will have a much better BC than a .243 80gr bullet of similar design. The 22-243 with a fast twist barrel is no slouch. Barrel life is probably better than most shooters think providing that you don't shoot it hot and keep the bore reasonably clean. I put over 1,000 rounds through my 22-243AI and it still shot tight groups. Eventually I set the barrel back and started all over again. I dropped 5 bullets into about 1.25" @ 300 yds the other day so I think she's got plenty of life yet.
 
+1 on 22-243
22-243
RBros signature action ( Defiance )
Jewell 1.5 oz
Broughton 26" 8 twist 7 contour
HS Stock
NFX 5.5x22 Npr1 zero stop
75 A-max 3500 fps shoots in the 3's and smaller at times

Mike
 
I say go for the .20 BR. You'll be suprised at how well the 55 gr .20 bullet will carry at long range. I have a .20 SPC (6.8 SPC necked down) in an AR15 that hits a 700 yard steel everytime, and it does a number on coyotes!:D

But if you want a 22 cal cartridge - look at the 22-284................
 
Another vote for the 22-243, that is a VERY popular coyote wacker 'round these parts, most guys are using the 75 & 80 grn A-Max @ ~3500fps. Flat shooting is an understatement... I just had my 22-250 re-chambered for 22-243 (so the heavy bullets are out for me) but, I tell you what, I sure would like to see what a 40 Blitzking @ 4700 would do to a coyote!
 
Thanks everyone.... I really appreciate the input.:) Pretty one sided support, is there anyone shooting the 20s that can come up with another side of the story here? ( I already have a 22 -6mm twisted for lighter bullet)
Also I will run the ballistics, does everyone that shoots a 22-243 think I can run 3500 fps with a 75 or 80 gr bullet? If so what loads are you using with barrel combination? Bergers? Amax?
 
That Depends,
Barrels, and Chambering, Pac Nor, or Gunwerks. Metal, triggers paint and Stock work a friend of mine and I do together. We have put together some pretty cool long rang rifles. Do you get to the Palamino Range much?
 
This year i have been out there like 5 times, but it was only because I bought a new rifle and really wanted to dial it in on cement benches with a Led Sled. 26 inch 243 rem SPS varmint rifle

Out in the hills we have out metal targets out to 600.

What I need done is a 270 custom with a new 26 inch. Like a heavy sporter.
 
I beg to differ or argue.....The 20BR with 55's is the much better/funner choice. :D

I honestly think the "neigh sayers" have NO experience with the combo, and one would naturally think that the .20 caliber would take back seat. That may be the case with a 39 grain bullet...........but DEFINITELY NOT with the 55's!!

The 20BR just begs for a 55'er!!

I have a lot of experience with the combo, from targets to coyotes and would be happy to talk to you.

Just took second place in a "Steel Hunting" type shoot that included prairie dogs, ravens, coyotes, foxes....from 275 yards out to 900+ with 12 mph winds. I was the only .20 caliber shooter on the line. Most were shooting bigger boomers.....

I love the combination so much that I just sent parts to the gunsmith for a more "custom" build.

One caliber you might want to consider as well is the 20X47. Although I prefer the 20BR, the 20X47 will feed better....if that is an issue with you.
 
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