.20 Tactical (Rifle's Varmint Issue)

.20 Tactical: Precision and Practicality for Varmint Shooters

The .20 Tactical is one of the most practical and effective wildcat cartridges for small-bore shooters, designed to maximize the potential of the .223 Remington platform when necked down to .20 caliber. Developed by Todd Kindler, the cartridge delivers a winning combination of high velocity, excellent accuracy, and mild recoil. Its compatibility with standard .223 Remington actions, magazines, and bolts makes it an easy upgrade for shooters seeking enhanced small-caliber performance without the need for extensive modifications.

Built on the strong foundation of the .223 case, the .20 Tactical is capable of propelling lightweight .20 caliber projectiles to speeds nearing 3,900 feet per second, offering extremely flat trajectories and reduced wind drift—key benefits for long-range varminting and precision shooting. This efficiency makes it ideal for high-volume shooting, where maintaining accuracy and comfort over extended sessions is critical.

In Rifle’s Varmint Issue, the .20 Tactical is showcased for its versatility and proven performance in the field. Its ability to pair with a wide range of propellants and projectiles gives handloaders the flexibility to create custom loads optimized for their rifles. The cartridge’s inherently efficient design, combined with quality components, results in consistent velocities, tight groupings, and excellent downrange performance.

Handloading for the .20 Tactical is straightforward and cost-effective. Using plentiful .223 Remington brass, reloaders can quickly neck down cases to .20 caliber dimensions with minimal case-forming effort. This simplicity makes it an accessible choice for shooters who may be new to wildcat cartridges, while its performance ensures that even experienced handloaders will appreciate its capabilities.

In the field, the .20 Tactical continues to excel as a varminting round. Its explosive terminal performance, flat trajectory, and light recoil make it a top performer for controlling pests at extended ranges. For precision shooters, it delivers competition-worthy accuracy in a cartridge that is both practical and rewarding to load for.

Overall, the .20 Tactical’s appearance in Rifle’s Varmint Issue underscores its place as one of the most balanced and versatile small-caliber wildcats available. Whether for field use or benchrest precision, it offers a reliable and highly effective option for shooters who demand both performance and practicality.