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.20 Tactical (Hodgdon Rifle Data)

Warning! Notes: case: Winchester (Ref); barrel length: 24"; twist: 1:12"; trim length: 1.750"; primer: Remington 7 1/2; bullet diam.: .204"; 33 grain COL: 2.245"; 36 gr COL: 2.200"; NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS

Cartridge History

.20 Tactical: Optimized with Hodgdon Rifle Data

The .20 Tactical is a modern wildcat cartridge designed to maximize the performance of the popular .223 Remington case when necked down to .20 caliber. Developed by Todd Kindler, it combines excellent velocity, flat trajectories, and mild recoil, making it a favorite among varmint hunters and precision shooters. Its compatibility with rifles chambered in .223 Remington allows for simple conversions, offering an easy entry point for shooters looking to step into the .20 caliber class without extensive modifications.

One of the key strengths of the .20 Tactical is its efficiency. With modest case capacity and excellent bore-to-case volume ratio, it can deliver impressive velocities approaching 3,900 feet per second with lightweight projectiles. This balance of speed and low recoil makes it ideal for long-range shooting and high-volume varminting, where accuracy and quick follow-up shots are essential.

Hodgdon’s rifle data highlights the potential of the .20 Tactical when paired with their propellants. Known for their consistency and temperature stability, Hodgdon powders provide reliable ignition and predictable performance across a wide range of shooting conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for handloaders who want to extract the full potential of the .20 Tactical while maintaining safe and consistent pressures.

Handloading for the .20 Tactical remains straightforward, especially compared to more complex wildcats. Forming brass involves simply necking down readily available .223 Remington cases to .20 caliber dimensions using specialized resizing dies. This accessibility makes it appealing to both experienced handloaders and those new to wildcat cartridges. Careful load development with quality components ensures the cartridge delivers the precision and performance it was designed for.

In the field, the .20 Tactical is highly effective for small-game and varmint control. Its flat trajectory and explosive terminal performance make it an exceptional choice for engaging targets at extended ranges, while its mild recoil enhances shooter comfort and confidence during extended shooting sessions. In competitive settings, it offers the consistency and accuracy needed for precision-focused disciplines.

Overall, the .20 Tactical optimized with Hodgdon rifle data continues to prove why it is one of the most practical and effective wildcats in the small-bore category. Combining ease of brass preparation, excellent accuracy, and the performance-enhancing properties of Hodgdon powders, it remains a top choice for shooters seeking a dependable and rewarding .20 caliber cartridge.

Source: Hodgdon Rifle Data

Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3,344
Remarks: starting load; 37,900 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3,659
Remarks: maximum load; compressed load; 49,600 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	BL-C(2)	Subscribe	3,478
Remarks: starting load;39,000 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	BL-C(2)	Subscribe	3,775
Remarks: maximum load; 49,000 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-335	Subscribe	3,643
Remarks: starting load; 44,700 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-335	Subscribe	3,917
Remarks: maximum load; 54,600 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3,573
Remarks: starting load; 42,700 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3,800
Remarks: maximum load; compressed load; 50,600 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3,506
Remarks: starting load; 41,900 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3,844
Remarks: maximum load; 54,500 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	3,529
Remarks: starting load; 42,900 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	3,852
Remarks: maximum load; 54,900 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,434
Remarks: starting load; 40,500 psi
33	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,844
Remarks: maximum load; 55,100 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3,456
Remarks: starting load; 45,200 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	Varget	Subscribe	3,681
Remarks: maximum load; compressed load; 54,300 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	BL-C(2)	Subscribe	3,353
Remarks: starting load; 38,900 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	BL-C(2)	Subscribe	3,771
Remarks: maximum load; 53,700 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-335	Subscribe	3,518
Remarks: starting load; 45,900 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-335	Subscribe	3,751
Remarks: maximum load; 54,700 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3,453
Remarks: starting load; 42,900 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-4895	Subscribe	3,746
Remarks: maximum load; compressed load; 54,900 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3,358
Remarks: starting load; 42,000 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	Benchmark	Subscribe	3,678
Remarks: maximum load; 54,400 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	3,434
Remarks: starting load; 44,900 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	3,686
Remarks: maximum load; 54,500 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,434
Remarks: starting load; 45,000 psi
36	Berger HP	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,675
Remarks: maximum load; 55,000 psi