The 20 Tactical cartridge, often abbreviated as 20 Tac, is a small-caliber, high-velocity round designed primarily for varmint hunting and target shooting. Developed by Todd Kindler, it is based on the .223 Remington case, necked down to accept a .204 caliber (5.2mm) bullet. The necking down process retains the powder capacity of the .223 Remington case, allowing the 20 Tactical to achieve high velocities, typically in the range of 4,000 feet per second (fps) with lighter bullets.
The 20 Tactical offers excellent ballistics, with a flat trajectory and minimal wind drift, making it highly suitable for precise shooting at varying distances. Its smaller bullet diameter and high velocity result in lower recoil compared to larger calibers, which can be an advantage for maintaining accuracy during extended shooting sessions.
This cartridge is particularly popular among handloaders and precision shooters seeking a round that balances performance, cost, and barrel life. Commercial ammunition for the 20 Tactical may not be as readily available as more mainstream calibers, so it is often a choice for those who are willing to handload their own rounds to maximize performance.