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.20 VarTarg / .20 VT (Dakota Arms Data)

Warning! Notes: Reduce all starting loads and work your loads up carefully.

Cartridge History

.20 VarTarg (.20 VT): Field-Tested Performance with Dakota Arms Data

The .20 VarTarg, often referred to as .20 VT, is a compact, efficient wildcat cartridge that has become a favorite among precision shooters and varmint hunters. Developed by Todd Kindler, it is built on the .221 Fireball case necked down to .20 caliber, offering exceptional accuracy, flat trajectories, and mild recoil. Its name, a combination of “varmint” and “target,” reflects its dual-purpose design for both field use and precision shooting.

Dakota Arms data highlights the real-world performance of the .20 VarTarg, showcasing its ability to deliver excellent consistency and accuracy across a variety of applications. Capable of pushing lightweight projectiles to speeds exceeding 3,600 feet per second, this cartridge provides the flat-shooting performance needed for long-range varmint control while retaining the sub-MOA accuracy expected by target shooters.

One of the cartridge’s greatest strengths lies in its efficiency. Its small case capacity paired with a .20 caliber bore makes for excellent powder burn characteristics, reduced recoil, and impressive barrel life. This efficiency translates to an enjoyable shooting experience, even during extended sessions in the field or at the bench.

Handloading the .20 VarTarg is a straightforward process, made simple by the availability of .221 Fireball brass. Resizing the cases to .20 caliber dimensions requires only basic case preparation, making this an approachable wildcat for reloaders of varying experience levels. With quality components and careful load development, the cartridge delivers highly repeatable performance.

In the field, the .20 VarTarg shines as an effective varminting round. Its high velocities and explosive terminal performance make it a top choice for controlling small pests at extended ranges. Its mild recoil and smooth shooting characteristics allow for quick, accurate follow-up shots—an invaluable trait for high-volume varmint hunters.

Overall, the .20 VarTarg with Dakota Arms data emphasizes the cartridge’s balanced design and dependable performance. Combining practical handloading ease with precision shooting capabilities, it stands out as one of the most versatile and rewarding small-caliber wildcats available today.

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

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,667
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32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,776
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32	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,855
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32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,410
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32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,514
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32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,634
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32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,773
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32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N120	Subscribe	3,623
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32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N120	Subscribe	3,714
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32	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N120	Subscribe	3,880
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40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,364
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40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,385
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40	Hornady V-Max	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	3,518
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,205
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,337
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,404
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,476
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N130	Subscribe	3,565
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40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	3,214
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40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	3,371
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40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	3,434
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40	Hornady V-Max	Alliant	RL-10X	Subscribe	3,510
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	3,253
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	3,354
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40	Hornady V-Max	Vihtavuori	VV-N133	Subscribe	3,445
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