I didn't get any responses on the Handgun Hunting forum so I'll pose my question here.....

I'd like to hear some real world experiences using a 7TCU Contender for deer hunting (no carbines, please). I have three of these barrels (10" 12" and 14") left over from my silhouette days. Thanks!

No theoretical expostulations, please. Only your experience.

Particularly with the 120 grain Nosler BT, it is superb. I've used it in 10, 14 and 15" barrels (I won't mention the carbines!) at starting velocities ranging from 2000 fps to 2400 fps (the latter in a 15" Van Horn barrel). You'll get complete penetration on virtually any broadside penetration and a deer that usually drops in its tracks. With the 10" version, I always tried to limit the range to 150 yards or so, but with the longer tubes, 200-225 yards is no problem at all. It is mild, wonderfully accurate and easy to load for -- and you need to look no further than Rem 7 1/2s and H-335 for top-end performance.

Thank you, Tommy. Here in SW Virginia I can't even imagine a 225 yard shot at a deer. Most of the deer I've killed here have been 40-75yds. The 7TCU seems to be "Pooh-Poohed" a lot in favor of the 7-30 Waters and even more powerful "handcannons." "Marginal," "Iffy," "underpowered" are just a few adjectives that come to mind. The 7TCU is soooo easy to load and so pleasant to shoot that one could become quite proficient with it without getting all beat up in the process. BTW, a standard course of fire in IMHSA Big Bore is four stages of ten rounds each shot in two minutes with enough time between each stage to move to the next shooting station. Try that with a "handcannon." Sounds like I'm talking myself into keeping at least one of my barrels...hmmmmmm now which one.

You are correct that some of the 7-30 crowd downplays the 7 TCU, but if the truth be known, the Waters is, at best, a 100 fps better than the TCU -- and that's ONLY in a barrel of 14 inches or longer. In the 10 inch versions, the TCU is more efficient and actually equals (and often betters) the Waters and does so with less powder, less muzzle blast and less recoil.

Also, some folks tend to get into trouble by hotrodding the Waters. In the Contender, pressures must be kept in the 45,000 c.u.p. range with the 7-30. With the smaller head size of the .223-based 7mm TCU, no such limit exists, so you can run it full-throttle.

And for all of those naysayers who claim the 7 TCU is "iffy" for deer, they've either never used one or used the wrong bullets. I've seen far too may "experts" try things like the X bullet in a 10" TCU and then complain of poor performance. But poor judgement should never be confused with poor performance.

Bullet selection is absolutely critical, but the 120 grain BT will take care of any whitetail, pronghorn or mulie that ever walked. THe discontinued Hornady 120 grain SSP tipped (#22811) and the older lead-tipped #2811 also did well but did not have the generous low-velocity expansion window of the Ballistic Tip. The Sierra 130 grain SSP (also discontinued) did fine in the longer-barreled versions and out to maybe 150 yards or a bit more. It was not a good choice for 10-inch barrels, especially in some of the later lots which seemd to be just a tad harder than earlier versions.

So, in short, enjoy the 7 TCU. It's a terrific little cartridge and far more effective than it's diminutive size would have some believe.

Lastly, since you mentioned the shots you encounter are rather short, the 140 grain BT is another consideration and performs splendidly.

Bobby, my apology for getting your name wrong. Must be ym dsyelxia

No apology necessary. Half the time through school, my teachers called me "Tommy" as well. It's just a natural thing with the name, I guess.

Bobby has a lot more experience than me, but I put an 18" Bullberry carbine in service this year and the gun did 6 one shot kills this season with Speer 115 gr HP.

One of them was a young girl who was gun shy from her Dad giving her a 12 ga slug gun 2 years in a row missing (we hope) 5 deer in the process. We did some range work with the 7 TCU and next day she shot a nice doe...one shot...bang/flop. Everytime I see her she is still smiling!!

At about 6 pounds with scope, it is like carrying a Daisy Red Ryder.

Longest shot was 130 yds, most under 50 yds. I don't know how you could kill a whitetail deader ....quicker...it's my new favorite gun!!

OK, guys, I'm sold on not selling.

Bobby, SPOT ON! I loved my TCU and it is only 100fps behind a properly loaded TCU w/o head thrust concerns. Once I accidently used the wrong powder for the charge and pushed a 140 at 2400-2500FPS in my 14"!!!!!! Pressure! The case held......

Anyway, I was using fireforming loads-about 2000 fps with 140 B tip and shot a 120lb buck at about 25 yards, it ran 100 yds, the buck faced to the left, aimed between the neck/shoulder , there was a sapling to the right, either the deer took a step at the shot or the bullet deflected off a limb, either way the bullet hit the paunch!

Good thing I used the 140 Btip, enough expansion at 2K fps and exit left continuous drops of blood.

Yes, the TCU is nice.

Lowerider, I popped a coyote in the shoulder/neck area out of a 7mag about 3k muzzle, and range about 115 paces ironically WITH the 115 gr HP. Those Speers are deadly as I saw all four legs in the air at the shot while in recoil! One tail twitch and it was over! He made the fatal mistake of stopping to look back at me!

I once used my 14" contender in 7tcu with a 140 Ballistic Tip on a spike buck. The shot was at no more than 15 yards and I took him just under the right eye. He only went about three feet (straight down). The bullet left a very nice 1" diameter hole all the way through the skull. I would say it performed perfectly and I would not hesitate to use any TCU again. Just stick to a BT, they expand wonderfully at handgun velocities.
Joe

I have shot a few deer with a 10inch 7tcu in the past, and have been very happy with the results. I have called the 7-tcu my mice to deer gun in the past, and think that it is very good for hunting deer when you have the ability to hold off shooting untill you get a good broadside shot. I have never stopped a bullet yet, and most all the deer shot were over 200lbs live weight. For some reason the 120gr bullets that are out there seem to work very well for hunting with the old hornady 120gr single shot pistol bullet still my favorite, and then the nosler 120gr BT. Several local people have cut their teeth useing a 7-tcu carbine of mine. it has not lost one yet.

I've only taken 2 deer with my 14" 7 TCU, but I'd say it works well. My first was about 275 yards on a SMALL mule deer. Hornady 120 gr. SSP bullet, H322 powder. Bullet entered just behind the diaphragm on one side,exited just ahead of the shoulder on the other side. Didn't leave much of a blood trail, but the deer only went 30 yards.

Second deer was a nice large-bodied mule deer buck. Shot him about where the neck/shoulder come together (150 yards) and he dropped in his tracks. I don't remember, but I don't think that bullet exited.

Hornady no longer makes the 120 gr. SSP bullet, but advises that their V-MAX 120 gr. should perform similarly. Plus, it looks really cool, especially in my nickel cases.