.204 built for 55 gr VLD

[BrentM]

Has anyone built a .204 caliber rifle based on the 55 gr VLD? Wondering about something like a 22-250 or 220 swift etc necked down to send this bullet in the 3800 plus range. With the high BC and some speed behind it, I keep thinking how much fun this rifle could be for varmint hunting.

I think a stock 204 with this pill would only get to 3300-3500 max. Thinking 3300. That is still putting out a lot more energy at LR compared to the 40 gr pill at 3780.

Any thoughts?

 

[roughneck]

20 PDK OR 20 BR

Actual brass available for 20 PDK with correct headstamp.
Better brass available for 20 BR.

 

[BrentM]

Do you happen to have specs on those handy? For example parent case and what to expect velocity wise? I was under the impression these are 223 based cases but I am not positive. 204 is 222 Rem Mag case if I have my info correct.

 

[87predator]

I see a 20-250 in my future. Plus get to use lapua brass. There are some guys building them. I'll see if I can rummage up some data for you.

 

[roughneck]

20 PDK is based on a slightly improved 6.8 SPC case.
20 BR is obviously a 20 BR.

Either will handily outrun a 204... By a long shot.
The 20 BR will be cheaper in the long run, but it's a
Pretty stupid looking little case, but hey what's that matter.

20 PDK would be my choice, but I love that 6.8 case and have it in 6.8 (sold)
6mm (8 tw and 12 tw) and 20 (the PDK).

If you don't mind the case forming and loooong barrels go 20 BR.
If you put both barrels in something huntable like say 22"... There's not gonna
Be a huge difference in the velocity of the two.

 

[CB11WYO]

I'm becoming partial to the 20 cal since borrowing dad's 20 BR for varmints this winter.

Shooting the 55 gr Bergers @ 3500 with a .381 BC! Does a pretty good job of keeping up with the "average" .224 cartridges to my knowledge. (example: .224 55 gr Blitzking = .271 BC)

200 yd "0", 15 MOA (1 revolution on the ol' Leupold) will get me almost 900 yds. (@ 6000' ASL) Have yet to get a yote but sweet on rocks to +850 yds

It's built on a Rem SA repeater. It actually feeds good too as long as I'm quick and smooth with the bolt cycle.

 

[Texote]

20x47 lapua

saubier has a ton of info

 

[BrentM]

Thanks guys.

My wife is learning to shoot LR and the 204 is really nicely set up for her. No kick, accurate as heck, and easy to load for. Staying in the thought process with a high BC bullet, the 204 55 gr pill is in a league of its own for small caliber LR varminting from what I can see. Even the stock 204 Ruger with a 8 twist would be good.

At 3800-4000 it would be good on dogs to a 1000 yards. With my local info I get 1744 fps and 371 lbs energy with 3900 fps from the muzzle. That destroys my swift data. I was able to get 3900 with a 55 gr nosler BT.