After running a few break-in rounds yesterday (I do not believe in full break-ins as I feel a custom barrel seldom benefits from this treatment if the barrel is good to begin with), I worked up some loads today.

It was a pleasant surprise, to say the least. No 3-shot group at 100 yds. exceeded an inch, and one load went 3/8". That load was the Hornady #22811 SSP/tipped ahead of 30.5 grains H-335 and Rem 7 1/2 primers. OAL was 2.630".

From the 15" barrel, MV was a shade over 2400 fps. Three shots at 200 yards, even with the mirage, went 1.2", so this load is definitely a keeper. And so is this Contender barrel from Van Horn...

In between strings, I also shot my 15" VVCG Contender barrel in 6x45, and it continues to impress me. I plan to use it if I get drawn on any of the antlerless/spike hunts this fall.

But now my bigger dilemma: do I want to use the 6.5x50R-Bellm or the Van Horn 7TCU on the first hunt of the fall?

Congrats! Always good to hear of results like this. That pretty much does it then I'm going to have to order a V-H for myself. Right now I'm leaning towards a 6.5 something for my encore but I will probably go for a long one...26". I'll post the results on here anyway though, as I think it helps all of us out when we inform each other of our experiences with the vendors.
One solution to your problem might be to carry them both...but then again you will have to decide which one to shoot first.
Dave

Hey Bobby
I like to have the problems that your having!
I let you know the results of my adventure. I hope what ever you pick it works out well. For some reason I don't think you'll make the wrong choice.
Rich Jake