I'm not really new on here but I read much better than I type and most questions are usually asked and answered if I just read.
The Tact 20 caliber seems fairly common here so I seek your advice on what to expect from it with a shorter bbl length. I have a tact 20 in a Cooper Classic with a 24"bbl but would like to have a light weight repeater with a 20 bbl. Is any one shooting one with a 20 bbl. I love the performance of this cartridge in the Cooper but wonder what I could expect from the shorter bbl. Also what should I look for to build one from. Would a mod 7 have any advantage over a 700. Would a ruger 77lightweight be a good choice to start with. I don't have anything chambered in 223 or compatible cartridge to start with so I'm shopping. Might as well start off on the right foot. Any suggestions appreciated.

REM

Hi Rem,
I think a Tact. 20 in a lightweight clip bolt action rifle would be great for fox and coyote hunting. A 20 inch barrel should give you about 4100 fps. I would recommend H-4198 and the Hornady 33 V-Max bullet. One of our writers in Small Caliber News built a Tact. 20 handgun with a short barrel moving the 33 gr. V-Max bullets at 3800-3900 fps. Hope this helps.

Todd Kindler-Editor Small Caliber News
330-897-0614
www.smallcaliber.com

Todd
4100 sounds encouraging. I was thinking anything over 3900 would be ok for this rifle. I'm up to 4150 from the Cooper but havent really pushed it to max because of the cold weather. This summer I'll push it a little more to see where max is but will probably stay with a load around 4150. I've shot a 17 machIV for several years and love it but just can't get over how much more thump the 20 has. I had wanted a light machIV but am glad I hadn't gotten it done yet because I think the 20 will be much better all around carry gun.
Thanks REM

Rem,

I can't help you with barrel length but I will try to encourage you to build it on a mod.7 or any of the 700 series actions for shear strenth.

I have both the 20t-n-t and the Tact20, both are exelent calibers but I built the 20t-n-t on an older Sako action. I will never do that again and if I had it to do over again, I would build it on a 700 SA Like my Tact20.

I've had some presure problems with the t-n-t that caused failure of the extractor and now can't find a replacement. Chances are the 700 would have held up better under the sercumstances[sorry about the spelling}

Good luck with your project REM

smote the yote
slydog

I kind of thought the Rem. action would be the way to go. What is the differences between the 7 and the 700. Is there any thing that would make one a better choice than the other.
Thanks REM