NSS Shilen Pre-Fit in 20 Practical Looks like a Winner

I got my 20 Practical Savage build together and took it to the range today. The goal was to break in the barrel, get it on paper and establish some velocity levels. I had intended to use 40 grain V-Maxes but did not have enough so I went with some Sierra 39 grain BK's and some H4198. The rifle is in a Stocky's Bobby Hart stock for blind magazine. I had intended to epoxy in a SSS single shot follower but they sent me the one for the long action. I therefore installed the Savage blind magazine which has a L clip that helps to hold it in place. The stock is actually milled out to accept the clip and the clip rests on top of the rear pillar. I however had bedded the front recoil lug and action area.

I had loaded up five rounds each at four different powder levels and ran three across the chronograph to establish velocity levels. The two remaining rounds I shot at the target. While two round groups are not what is typically shot mine do show a trend to be very accurate. Now for the dilemma do I forget shooting the 40 grain V-Maxes. I had wanted to use them because they are a good prairie dog bullet and are cheap to shoot. More importantly do I forget epoxying in the single shot follower as that will mean removing the blind magazine and bedding over the rear L clip slot. This might have a impact on the current accuracy I am achieving. Rounds will feed okay off the top of the magazine but not quite with the same reliability of a single shot follower. Also my 39 grain BK load is getting an average of 3883 fps with easy bolt lift and primers are looking good.

This group had the highest velocity and was the tightest
[img width=600 height=450]http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss27/mdman54/Reloading/20PRCT39BKH4198010OFF0004.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=450]http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss27/mdman54/Reloading/20PRCT39BKH4198010OFF0003.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=450]http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss27/mdman54/Reloading/20PRCT39BKH4198010OFF0002.jpg[/img]

The Rifle
[img width=600 height=450]http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss27/mdman54/RiflesEquipment/20PracticalSavage0001.jpg[/img]

Just curious, how would you compare the round with a .223? In terms of trajectory, sound, accuracy, perf. on game animals if you have had a chance to go there. I have a .223AI custom Sav. (T&T'd, Basix 2 trigger, SSS lug, B&C Med. stock, etc.) I have go tthe itch to change it to a .20- .20 VarTarg, Practical/ tactical, etc. Just curious about your impressions.
I would be shooting paper, an occasional Woodchuck in NC, and maybe a trip to Prarie Dog hunting out west once a year.

savageboy I have only 25 rounds down the barrel and no chance to shoot critters. This rifle will mainly be prairie dogs and my twice annual trip to Ohio to shoot groundhogs. The weight of the rifle is more suited to bench use. I do have a Rem 700 in 204 Ruger which presently shoots the Sierra 39 grain BK at 3750 fps. I have shot prairie dogs out to 600 yards with it and groundhogs out to 400 plus yards. It will definitely be much flatter and ballistically more efficient than the .223 Rem. I am getting almost 3900 fps with the 20 Practical with 4 grains less powder than my 204 Ruger. In general I think it may be a little more efficient than the 204 Ruger. Noise should be the same as a .223 Rem and a little more quiet than a 204 Ruger. I have a 20VT and a 17RFB and I would say the range compare to the 204 Ruger would be about a 100 yards less for groundhogs and about 150 yards less for prairie dogs . I however love my 20VT and 17RFB for their efficiency, low recoil and noise.