Thread: 20 Practical

Hey guys / gals,

I want to put one of these together for my father's birthday in a few months. He has always wanted a 20 Prac as he is in central and there are plenty of rabbits and goats. We had one of the first 204 rugers in the country and shot lots of bunnies and goats with the 45gr sp load on the farm.

I know the .204 Ruger makes sense but that's not what he wants.

I was thinking howa 1500 in 223 with an aftermarket barrel and a KRG Bravo stock to use AICS style mags or just the plane jane howa DBM in a hogue stock as I think he has some 223 mags for his 1500 223 rem.

Redding 223 FL neck bushing dies should work a treat and I have stacks of brass.

I see the ADI and Hornady manuals list 20 tactical load data which is pretty much identical and I have plenty of W748 on hand.

Does anyone have any experience with the 20 Prac or Tac and know how one would go in a 24" barrel?

I'd appreciate any advice before I start.

@muzr257

I have one. I'll sort out a proper reply tomorrow night. I've got mine in a GRS stock but still running Howa mags so there's no feeding
issues. Your Dad's gonna love it :-)

Can’t argue with the 223 being a more practical and versatile cartridge but not for bunny exploding at range.

I've had 17 AH , couple of 204's, 20 BR, 22 BR, couple of 6 BR's, 6 BRX, and lastly a ...223

Out to 400m my pick is 223 with 1:8 twist shooting sierra 69 TMK's

Problem with the 20 cal is your only shooting 40g projectile (unless you go to 1:7 or 8 twist and shoot the 55g Berger which havnt landed in NZ for a few yrs now) so its hard to see you misses. The heavier 69g usually kick up some dirt so you can adjust the second shot.