Originally Posted By: ICU22-250What's the better mouse trap Greg? And how does it fair in comparison to the 204 as far as velocity? What barrel length and contour would you guys suggest to get the most accuracy, speed but still versatile for hunting. I'm not a fan of carrying around a lead weight..
The 20 Practical is by far the better MT in my opinion. A straight neck down from 223 to 204 is as easy as falling off a log. Cheaper more available brass. You can use a Redding bushing die with one bushing for case forming. Velocities are virtually identical. You can use heavier/longer bullets at magazine length.
The dozen plus I am familiar with all shoot lights out. For a generalized hunting gun I would go standard weight 22" or if weight is uber-important I would go with the lightweight contour. 20's are cool but speed is what makes them killers.
The barrel length gets you all you can get. My 20's, of which I own over half a dozen, are 24" and longer. The BHW barrels I shoot are faster than standard barrels I shoot and compare them too and the difference is a 22" BHW I get from Ritch is as fast if not faster than any 24" we see in the manuals with same same loading. No brag just documented performance.
Just my experience but on the 20's I do have my toes wet..
Greg