Just wondering if anyone out there has had any experience with this round. I had Bullberry make me a 10" ss match barrel 1-12 twist for my contender, and early results were less then expected. Well, maybe that should be clarified, the barrel has yet to shoot worse then 2" 5 shot groups at 100 yds, but I also haven't gotten any groups much under 1". I expect this gun to be capable of 1/2" 100 yd groups. Some folks may doubt what a break open action in a pistol will do, but the contenders will shoot 1 hole groups with preferred loads.

I think the main thing is just finding the right powder, I've used H 110, AA 1680 and RL7. Reloader 7 is way too slow, 110 a bit fast, and I've never had good results with 1680 in other guns. I've tried 40 gr balistic tips, as well as 53 and 55 gr hornadies.

My goal is to get near 22 hornet rifle performance, 2600-2700 fps w/ 45 gr. I was able to get 53 gr @ 2400 fps, but they were pretty hot loads.

I finally picked up some 45 gr speers, and have some 50 gr hornadies to try. Any suggestions on primers and powder is appreciated. The next work will be with 4227 and cci std small rifle primers. I may try pistol primers as well.

Paul,
I think I would be content if your 218 Mashburn Bee shot close to an inch at 100 yds. especially out of a 10 inch barrel. You may get a few groups in the 1/2 to 5/8 range but a shot or two will get you most of the time. I tested one in a Cooper rifle a few years back and wrote an article on it . It shot about 1/2 to 5/8 inch groups at 100 yds. with a 24 inch barrel. Your not shooting too bad. And yes these Contenders will definitely shoot!

Todd Kindler-Editor Small Caliber News www.smallcaliber.com

Todd,

Seems like moa is about as good as its doing, but I think it'll do better, I'm just trying to figure out what I need to do to dial it in. I've shot a friends 9" 300 whisper that will put them all in one hole at 100 yds, if the operator does his part.

Anyhow, I think perhaps what I need is a good seating die, as I feel that something that guides the bullet as it is seated will improve things.