.20 VarTarg / .20 VT (in a BSA No. 12 Cadet Martini)

.20 VarTarg (.20 VT): Precision Performance in a BSA No. 12 Cadet Martini

The .20 VarTarg, or .20 VT, is a compact and efficient wildcat cartridge that has earned a strong following among precision shooters and varmint hunters. Built on the .221 Fireball case necked down to .20 caliber, it delivers exceptional accuracy, mild recoil, and flat trajectories. Its pairing with the classic BSA No. 12 Cadet Martini action highlights its versatility, blending a modern wildcat design with a historic rifle platform to create a truly unique shooting experience.

The BSA No. 12 Cadet Martini, originally designed as a single-shot training rifle, offers a rock-solid action and excellent inherent accuracy. Converting it to the .20 VarTarg transforms the rifle into an efficient and highly capable small-bore varminting or target-shooting platform. The Martini action’s simplicity, strength, and smooth operation complement the cartridge’s efficiency, resulting in a combination that is both practical and enjoyable to shoot.

In this configuration, the .20 VarTarg delivers velocities exceeding 3,600 feet per second with lightweight projectiles, providing flat-shooting performance and minimal wind drift—ideal for precision varminting or target work. Its low recoil pairs perfectly with the Cadet Martini’s compact form factor, allowing for a comfortable and highly controllable shooting experience, even during extended sessions in the field or at the range.

Handloading for the .20 VarTarg in a BSA No. 12 Cadet Martini remains straightforward. Cases are formed from .221 Fireball brass with minimal effort, and careful load development ensures reliable, consistent performance tailored to this unique platform. The combination of an efficient cartridge and a rugged single-shot action creates a rifle setup that is as practical as it is distinctive.

In the field, this pairing excels at varmint control, offering the precision and terminal performance needed for ethical, effective shots on small pests. At the bench, it delivers the sub-MOA accuracy that shooters expect from the .20 VarTarg, making it equally suitable for casual target practice or precision shooting applications.

Overall, chambering the .20 VarTarg in a BSA No. 12 Cadet Martini demonstrates the adaptability of this wildcat cartridge. It merges a historically significant rifle with a modern, efficient cartridge, resulting in a platform that is as enjoyable to shoot as it is capable. This combination stands out as a testament to the .20 VarTarg’s versatility and enduring appeal.

Source: Wolfe Publishing