I received my NIB 15" 7TCU Van Horn Contender barrel from a fellow shooter in Lubbock, TX, today, and I've already run some break-in shot through it. In the morning, I hope to test a few loads before the heat sets in.
Workmanship is very nice, I must add. The chamber & bore seem to be well-aligned, and the crown looks good.
I'll post some results ASAP.
By the way, anyone out there have the Van Horn website address? I inadvertently deleted it from my computer. Thanks...
Posts: 9454 | Location: Shiner TX USA | Registered: 19 March 2002
Jeff, I'm not sure but I think it's the same $243.00. I sent him an email asking about a price on a 14" bull with super 14 dovetail locks, drilled and tapped for scope mount only, in a bead blasted matte blue finish. Right now i'm waiting for my 250imp from Mike Bellm...should be any day now and then i'll be ordering the 20" 444marlin from Van Horn. I was also thinking of a 40-44 from Van Horn in the 9 incher but I don't know if SSK will sell me the dies without doing the chamber work. Some say that JD is funny about doing that. I don't really know cause I never asked him. I also thought of VVCG shorty sale but i'm not sure if Jeff at VVCG would cut the 40-44 chamber since it's not on there list.
last week I shot a few 1" groups at 200 yds in my new van horn 24" 223 full bull contender barrel. The only thing I don't like about contender in carbine is the stock angle. It works great off hand but comes up and out of shot on the bags. I am happy with it and it's nice to have mr van horn's shop 3 miles away
Matt- Sounds like your barrel is doing rather well.
As to the gun coming up out of position during shooting off bags: It may be annoying, but that doesn't matter to me as we have to reposition after each shot anyway when dealing with the break-open designs. It's just one of the idiosyncrasies of the single shots...
Posts: 9454 | Location: Shiner TX USA | Registered: 19 March 2002
Mike- I will try and dig out some photos of recovered bullets in the next day or so. The 130 grain Sierra does extremely well on deer-sized game as long as the impact velocity is around 1800 fps or above. You get picture-perfect expansion and penetration that is more than sufficient. I've used it in several calibers and really like it. It's best in the 7BR, 7-30 Waters & such but is also effective in upper-end 7 TCU loads (from 14" or longer barrels).
This bullet does expand below the 1800 fps I mentioned, but it simply does not open as quickly as I prefer below this level unless heavier bone is struck.
Posts: 9454 | Location: Shiner TX USA | Registered: 19 March 2002
quote:Originally posted by Bobby Tomek: This bullet does expand below the 1800 fps I mentioned, but it simply does not open as quickly as I prefer below this level unless heavier bone is struck.
Bobby,
So in your experience you would shoot for the shoulder to assist the bullet expanding when fired out of a 10"er?
I have never shot anything with the Sierra 130SSP except chucks....
Posts: 1574 | Location: Western Pennsylvania | Registered: 12 September 2002
Tommy- Yes, I've put it through the paces, and it continues to impress me. It's one of those gems in which it's really hard to assemble an inaccurate load.
Mike- If using the 130 grain Sierra SSP from a 10" barrel, I would definitely shoot for the shoulder on a small-to-medium sized deer. Better yet, though, would be to shoot the 120 grain Nosler BT or Hornady 120 grain SSP/tipped and not have to worry about getting that exact of a presentation. Simply stick one of these through the lungs and the buck is yours. My preferred shot is to center the lungs and have the bullet in alignment with the opposite-side shoulder, a shot which generally anchors them on the spot.
Posts: 9454 | Location: Shiner TX USA | Registered: 19 March 2002
quote:Originally posted by Bobby Tomek: Mike- If using the 130 grain Sierra SSP from a 10" barrel, I would definitely shoot for the shoulder on a small-to-medium sized deer. Better yet, though, would be to shoot the 120 grain Nosler BT or Hornady 120 grain SSP/tipped and not have to worry about getting that exact of a presentation. Simply stick one of these through the lungs and the buck is yours. My preferred shot is to center the lungs and have the bullet in alignment with the opposite-side shoulder, a shot which generally anchors them on the spot.
Thanks for the info Bobby!! I guess i should just throw in the towel and buy some of the Nosler or Hornady bullets.
Posts: 1574 | Location: Western Pennsylvania | Registered: 12 September 2002
![[Wink]](images/icons/wink.gif){kind=icon}
and then i'll be ordering the 20" 444marlin from Van Horn. I was also thinking of a 40-44 from Van Horn in the 9 incher but I don't know if SSK will sell me the dies without doing the chamber work. Some say that JD is funny about doing that. I don't really know cause I never asked him. I also thought of VVCG shorty sale but i'm not sure if Jeff at VVCG would cut the 40-44 chamber since it's not on there list.
![[Roll Eyes]](images/icons/rolleyes.gif){kind=icon}
![[Big Grin]](images/icons/grin.gif){kind=icon}