Van Horn barrel

08 August 2002, 18:29

Bobby Tomek

Van Horn barrel

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...

08 August 2002, 18:50

<Headstamp>

http://www.mygunroom.com/dvgunshop/vhbarrels.html

08 August 2002, 19:19

Bobby Tomek

Thanks, Ray!

11 August 2002, 07:36

jsh

Can one of you enlighten me as to how he has his barrels priced. All I saw was rifle and carbine barrels?? 14"
Jeff

11 August 2002, 08:26

Jules

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 [Wink]

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.

[ 08-10-2002, 23:26: Message edited by: Jules ]

11 August 2002, 17:27

<metalic matt>

Just to let you know

After a couple of months breakin [Roll Eyes]

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 [Big Grin]

Matt

11 August 2002, 18:24

Bobby Tomek

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...

11 August 2002, 18:28

Magnum Mike

Bobby,

Do anymore shootin with this barrel??

I would like to hear about some "terminal bullet performance" fom those Sierra's.....(pics would be cool!!)

11 August 2002, 18:46

Bobby Tomek

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.

27 August 2002, 12:22

tommyn

Bobby have you done any more shooting with your Van Horn 7TCU? I'm thinking about ordering one. Thanks

27 August 2002, 14:47

Magnum Mike

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....

27 August 2002, 15:22

Bobby Tomek

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.

27 August 2002, 16:18

Magnum Mike

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. [Wink]