Don't really want to start a slanging match over comparing apples and oranges or apples and apples etc!

BUT...for those that have the experience of shooting these calibres (in the 20's - 204 or Tac 20), how do the 2 calibres practically weigh up in the field? Using 40 to 50 grain bullets for crows and fox's out to 250/300 yards?

I have always been a believer that accuracy, is a bigger factor, at the end of the day, to what puts the goods into the bag.

I am just about to settle on a purchase for a Cooper 21 in 223AI, but am getting "cold sweats" into making sure that I shouldn't be getting a 20Tac or similar?

Thoughts anyone....

I don't own a 20 cal rifle but have a 223AI and the advantage with the 223AI if it's chambered right you can fire 223 ammo. I have a real good varmit shooting fire form load using 133 and I use the same powder once the cases are formed all I have to do is add elvation clicks.

I know acouple guys that have the Cooper in 204 and they shoot pretty nice. My 223AI has a 1/14 twist Hart barrel and shoots pretty small groups with 52gr Berger bullets but it's what you expect out of a custom. I've been waiting for my 17machIV barrel to wear out so I can have a 20 TAC rifle. Well good luck

Can't fathom a reason for 20 caliber. SO many good .224 bullets out there, twist it up 1-8" and you really have something.

I know folks pushing the 50 gr v-max 3700 fps from 223 AI's, so to me there is no advantage to the 20's.

Throw me in with the group of 223AI guys.

But, I read a lot of good stuff about 20 caliber accuracy from guys who own rifles so chambered.

Don

I shoot .17 and .22 air rifles. Also shoot 20 cal and it's the best of both in an air rifle. Dont know how they are in a centerfire.

Tom made a fair point,

you can stuff factory ammo into a 223 AI all day long and hey presto nice fire formed loads.

don't know how much 223 ammo costs but if the estate buys it no bother at all.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul H:
I know folks pushing the 50 gr v-max 3700 fps from 223 AI's, so to me there is no advantage to the 20's.

Using a .223 and 40 grain Nosler BT's and RL-7 I've been able to get to 4050 fps in a 26" barrel. Haven't found a need that my .223, 22-250 or .243 can't already fill to justify the purchase of a .204.

The only issue with Ackley Improved calibers is fire forming. Especially if you are looking at volume shooting (prairie dogs, etc.) it can time consuming. I've worked with 280AI and 35 Whelen AI and the ballistic improvement was worth while.

I'd much rather fire form than trim brass. All I've heard is that the AI's shoot just as well with the fire form loads as full house.

Own .223, .223AI and .204 ruger, they are all very good. Personal preference is the .204 because of almost no recoil and I can keep sight of target in the scope after the shot. Regular factory .223 ammo can be had cheap, this is a plus if you don't reload and shoot a lot. I think we get too hung up on one caliber being a lot different in the same power range. Get any of this calibers and you will be happy, if the gun shoots good and you practice.
Cooper's tend to shoot very good!