Seems we all like pics in posts, so this one will be pic heavy showing some bench preparations. A shot of the bench yesterday doing final bullet seating of my last 100 20VT cases. All 204R ammo is loaded, 800 rnds for each rifle. I've found it to be best to load in batches of 100 rounds to avoid burnout on repetition of more than 100 cases at a time. All these cases were neck turned and annealed after forming, all primer pockets uniformed, VLD chamfer tool used for ease of seating flat-base bullets, and neck sized only to prevent working the brass needlessly and to keep all the cases headspace/shoulder datum consistent.
![Image](https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/TZmMDn.jpg)
When doing these 100 round lots, I always check for TIR with my Holland concentricity tool to make sure all is right with the world. This batch of 20VT and my last batch of 204R all showed TIR to be .0005" to .001". Using the excellent Redding Comp Seater Die sure makes a difference in this regard.
![Image](https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/POPXH4.jpg)
And to ensure a perfect minimum but safe bullet to neck clearance factor for maximum accuracy, a chamber cast is taken with CeroSafe to tell exactly what the neck clearance should be. I like to run my varmint ammo at .001" to .002" clearance.
![Image](https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/X0NCoV.jpg)
So now we're counting the days to deployment and "fun with rodents". There's nothing to compare with having a wicked accurate rifle on the bench, precision handloaded ammo at the ready, sunshine and good friends to share the fun, with a target-rich environment to do it all in.
![Image](https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/uEKiws.jpg)
And having friendly landowners who have depredation problems with the squirrels that allow us to park our trailers on ranch property hooked to both water and power is just icing on the proverbial cake.
![Image](https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/lkxsoF.jpg)
Shoot rats all day, evening rifle cleaning with the crew, BBQ (bring your best show-off 1911), then 'guy movies' like John Wick in the evenings on a trailer widescreen with the appropriate adult beverages and snacks. Get up the next day and do it all over again. Life is good....for us that is, not so much for the squirrels.
![wink :wink:](./images/smilies/wink.gif)
With the promise of spring not too far off, I'd imagine others here are preparing for the upcoming varmint season with their 204's and other 'worthy' varmint caliber rifles. It's an exciting time for guys who thrive on spending time behind an accurate rifle in the rat patch. Who doesn't enjoy launching a big fat squirrel or prairie dog with their 204?
![Image](https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/rvw93H.jpg)
Here's wishing all here a great 2014 varmint season. It's been said before, and I'll say it again......"It's the most fun you can have with a rifle!"
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)