All.that is required is a bushing die to squeeze the neck ID to .20 cal. The easiest "wildcat" ever. I use 2 bushings in a redding .223 small base die. Change out the expander assembly for .20 cal and you are set.
I have been whacking a lot of them over the last year with my 20 Practical. I was shooting 32g Noslers at 3700 I added another grain of WC844 and got them going 3900fps, 18" barrel. I could not tell a difference between the loads really, neither on target or on animals. I think I am pushing my luck using the 27.5 charge and plan on going back to the 26.5 charge. Its a pretty fun to shoot, about all you can feel is the bolt running when you pull the trigger. Mine is not very heavy either, .750 most of the way to the barrel extension.
There isn’t great brass for the 204, but the stuff there is seems to be okay and shoot week. Ultimately I switched to the 20 tactical though. Lapua was making brass for Dakota at the time, and it’s easy to make off 223 rem. Steeper shoulder, wicked speeds. 35’s at 3950-4100 and 39 blitzkings at 3900-4000
McGowen on my 20 Practical if you are asking me. My WOA 223 barrel hammers also. Same with my Criterion 6.5g. I know WOA has 20 Prac, I don't think Criterion does, but rifle has really surprised me. Its another light barreled hunting rifle too. I choose McGowen because everyone else only had heavier contours for the 20 practical, and i wanted something lighter than SPR.
I went back and forth between 32 bk’s and the 39’s. I tracked hits between the two, and always found my hit percentage went up with 39’s, mostly due to less windage. I dont think there’s a night and day difference between it and the 223 with same weight bullets. A little BC bump, and what seems like a big increase in airtime and explosiveness on squirrels.
I have shot a .204 in a custom bolt gun, for 15 years. I have shot upwards of 1000 rock chucks with 32 g blitz and 32 g Hornady V max. My go to varmint gun. I dont see that changing anytime soon. Having so much fun that I have been neglecting my .222, .223, 6BR guns.
Thank you for the reply appreciate it that helps. When I was searching I couldn’t find anything
I love it and I reload for it although cases are very hard to come by. I have another prospect for you to consider: think about the .20 practical. It uses .223 cases, still shoots .20 bullets and you get almost identical velocities and accuracy using less powder. Internet has uppers for them.
I called redding a couple years ago and they will make dies to order, I think the set was around 300
Kind of pointless when all you have to do is put a smaller bushing and/or a 20cal expander ball in a 223 bushing die.
You have to swap out your 223 expander ball for a 204R/20 cal expander ball
