Input please...

I'm dreaming of a Contender carbine 18" (maybe up to 20"). I can see it now, except for the caliber. For some reason I just can't get the caliber engraving in focus. I suspect that it's either a 6 TCU or a .223 Ackley Improved. Which would you pick? (I've got both calibers in pistol length barrels, but I want a rifle!) Got a better choice?

I got a little input from the "Single Shot Pistol" forum, but thought maybe I might get more input here.

Since you've got both in pistol length barrels, I'd opt for the 6mm TCU. However, if you want a Contender type cartridge, I'd go with a 6mm Bullberry or .218 Bee. Rimmed cartridges are handier (this from guy with .35 Rem, 7mm TCU, etc )

Saeed has some velocity data for the .223 with a progressively shorter barrel. You might want to take a look at that.
http://www.accuratereloading.com/223sb.html
Ben

I'm having a 6 mm PPC built with a 20" bbl. I have some data on this cartridge showing 3100 fps with 75 gr and 3000 with 85 gr using a 24" bbl. I figure in the 20" bbl it will probably be 2900-3000 with the 75 gr and 2800-2900 with the 85 gr.

If you're only hunting rodents, crows, foxes, and bobcats, plus close-range coyotes, a .223 is tough to beat.
If you're going to shoot coyotes at long range, something bigger is better. I have an SSK 6.5JDJ that is probably the best combination for range, power, bullet choice, and payload. But I am biased.

George

For the little critters mentioned, a .221 Fireball w/ 20" barrel is hard to beat. No problem getting a 40gr B-Tip up to 3,600 ft/sec with small powder charges. Quite accurate in a good rifle too.
VH

I think Saeed's most excellent study reveals two things. One I knew. One I didn't know.

1. You lose on average about 25 fps per inch of barrel length.
2. The effect on accuracy is almost insignificant.

Personally, I have ALWAYS been willing to sacrifice a little velocity for handiness, balance etc.

With ANY cartridge, the fact someone else's bullets may be going 50 fps faster than mine produces a big yawn in me. (And the animal/target)

B_Koes,

I have had the same dilemma for over a year now and still haven't resolved it.... I have a 6mmTCU pistol barrel (12.75" VVCG 1:8") that is incredible both in accuracy and velocity and my last 223 barrel was also great.

I want a carbine barrel to compliment my pistol barrels and would love to just call Virgin Valley and order a 24" Full Bull 6mmTCU barrel with 1:8 or 1:9 twist and be done with it but I'm sure that I'd like it so much that I'd probably turn right around and then order it in 223 also.. <sigh>

This TC addiction is keepin' me gun poor....

Someone please help me.... I need one cheap.... How 'bout just loaning me one for a couple of years or until I get bored with it.... <g>

Seriously... I think my final choice will be 6mmTCU in 21" - 24" configuration and I'll just go ahead and get a target forend with it and put a 6-24x Bushnell on it and never look back....

quote:

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Originally posted by B_Koes:
Input please...

I'm dreaming of a Contender carbine 18" (maybe up to 20"). I can see it now, except for the caliber. For some reason I just can't get the caliber engraving in focus. I suspect that it's either a 6 TCU or a .223 Ackley Improved. Which would you pick? (I've got both calibers in pistol length barrels, but I want a rifle!) Got a better choice?

I got a little input from the "Single Shot Pistol" forum, but thought maybe I might get more input here.

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