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Offline parisite

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First TC-223 Barrel Question
« on: February 23, 2012, 07:58:27 AM »
I'm about to purchase my first Contender, a G2. They've intrigued me my whole life but never shot one and never taken the plunge. It will come with a 14" 44 Mag barrel. The 44 is my favorite cartridge and I have a few other handguns in that caliber. I also want to get a 223 barrel. I've seen 223 listed as much as 23" long. What's your opinion of these. Are they shot with a bipod? I know a longer barrel in 223 has obvious advantages.
Thanks for your responses.
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Offline shot1

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #1 on: February 23, 2012, 09:50:54 AM »
The 23" barrels are for a carbine set up. If you want to use it as a pistol get a 14" or 16" barrel. Yes you can use a bi-pod if you want. I have a Stony Point tripod that I use as a shooting rest for field use. I use two legs like a bi-pod and the third leg raised up and placed on the top of my shoulder which allows me to wrap my arm around that leg and rest my wrist on top of that leg while the forearm of the Contender is resting in the V-jaws of the tripod. Really solid shooting platform for the field. In getting a 223 barrel pay attention to the twist rate in the barrel. I believe all factory TC barrel have 12" twist which will only stabilize up to 55 gr bullets. In an after market barrel you can usually get what twist you want. I would look really hard at a 9" twist if going custom. It will stabilize up to 75 gr Hornady A-max pretty well while still shooting as light as 50 gr bullets great.
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Offline Flash

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2012, 11:44:28 AM »
It's my experience to say that the 223 isn't terribly accurate. I had two of them and one was made by Mike Bellm, which was one of the best shooting 223s I've ever owned in any platform. I personally would get a 204 Ruger, instead of a 223 but that's just my opinion. Unless you had to have one immediately, I'd wait until more members offer their opinions.
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Offline parisite

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2012, 12:53:47 PM »
Well the reason I have a 223 barrel in mind is I already reload for it and have a lifetime supply of brass and bullets are cheap....and I already shoot the caliber in an M4 Carbine I have. I recently bought a 223 bolt action rifle but I frankly find it boring and want to sell it. I just thought I could get a lot more enjoyment out of a Contender with a 223 barrel. I thought the 223 with the right set up would be very accurate?????
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Offline Flash

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #4 on: February 23, 2012, 02:01:50 PM »
In other platforms, the 223 can be extremely accurate but the T/C barrels weren't known for it. Maybe it was who supplied the barrel blanks but tack drivers they aren't.
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Offline KYODE

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2012, 01:20:41 AM »
first time i've ever heard of their inaccuracy! my 14" .223 is extremely accurate. they are a great barrel for a contender. 8)
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Offline Flynmoose

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2012, 02:19:38 AM »
+1...what KYODE said!!
FM
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Offline johnnyb

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2012, 03:13:50 AM »
Same here , My 15 inch .223 Encore barrel shoots under an inch at 100 yards
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Offline hoghunting

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2012, 10:35:13 AM »
I also get amazing accuracy with my 14" factory T/C .223 Contender barrel. Have 2 other friends that have the same results with their T/C .223 barrels too.
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Offline Da-Law-Dawg

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2012, 10:45:13 AM »
I run a Super 14 in .223 that's an absolute hammer!

Running a 52gr Berger over AA 2460 powder, it'll shoot with just about any .223 rifle I've owned.

I shoot from a bipod religiously from 100 yards and out. You have to develop your technique and maintaining a consistent grip is key to accuracy.
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Offline Keith L

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2012, 11:18:42 AM »
I was a little surprised to learn my 223 didn't shoot well either.  It makes short work of the Pdogs...
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Offline parisite

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2012, 01:18:56 PM »
Now we're talkin guys......words of encouragement is what I like to hear.
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Offline Curtis

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2012, 02:52:23 PM »
I think my 10" .223 was my third barrel "way back when".  I have 18 barrels here about 25 years later and the .223 is still my number one most accurate followed closely by my 14" 7-30 Waters.  With either factory rounds or my first reloads, muzzle blast and "fire and brimstone" was impressive to say the least.  I never failed to draw attention at the firing line ("what the heck are you shooting down there?????").  After some reading of posts here and on other forums, I learned that loading specifically for the shorter barrel cuts the blast down to to a more tolerable level.  Using lighter bullets (40 grain is my preference) and IMR4198 is the secret.
 
I know that as you say, this caliber may suffer more than some in a 10" barrel, but I'm partial to the shorter tubes and willing to take the hit.  With the above mentioned load my 10" barrel produced a ten shot average MV of 2834 and excellent accuracy.  I can live with that!
 
Curtis
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Contender in 17 Rem, 22lr, 22k Hornet, 223 Rem, 256 WM, 6TCU, 7TCU, 7-30, 30 Herrett, 300 Whisper, 30-30 AI, 357 mag, 357 Herrett, 375 JDJ, 44 mag, 45/410..... so far.

Offline Hopalong7

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #13 on: February 25, 2012, 05:21:05 AM »
     My first ever 14" Contender barrel was a .223.  I had been shooting 10" 'er's for several years at the time and was convinced when TC intro'd the S-14 that I would never have one of those enormously long unwieldy things.  Well, "never" lasted less than a year and I had to try one and it might just as well be in that .223 caliber that I had never fooled with.  I think it was also the first barrel I had scoped with anything over 3X 8) .   It immediately became my most accurate barrel or gun of any kind for that matter.  It soon sent my long-loved 700Rem 22-250 varmit special into retirement.  It would be very close in the runnin' for my most accurate ever Contender barrel.  For some unremembered reason I let it slip away and have had 3 or 4 223 barrels since.  All shot very good but none with the gilt edge accuracy of that first one.  Of course, that was also back when I had sharp young eyes and steady hands ??? :o ::) .  Oh...If only that size case was commonly available with a rim( yes...I know at some price they are and infact I shoot some in .222RemMagAI, but availability and price are out of sight :( ).  Get that 223...shoot and enjoy!
Walt
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Offline Pinkerton

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2012, 10:49:00 AM »
Had a factory 223 S14 that was picky but when fed what it liked, it was amazing. The load it liked the best was a Hornady 50gr sxsp over W748. That barrel and a 7X Burris was my sod poodle killer for a few years. Wish I still had that barrel. I have a 24" bull fox ridge barrel that is a good one, just wish it had a faster twist to shoot up to 70 grainers.
 
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Offline shot1

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #15 on: February 25, 2012, 11:53:44 AM »
I use to have a 14" T/C barrel in 223 that I used AA2230 and Sierra 50 gr blitz bullets and it was very accurate. Head shot many a ground hog in the 200 to 250 yard ranges.
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Offline The Old Redneck

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #16 on: February 26, 2012, 01:32:35 AM »
The 14" 223 barrel I got right after they came out would eat anything from 55 grains and under. Loved the 52 grain BTHP bullets and 40 grain of any brand. Had a 7 x Burris on it until I retired it for a 17 caliber. That barrel killed a lot of critters, probably should get it back out.
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Offline Flash

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #17 on: February 27, 2012, 01:05:46 AM »
Quote from: Keith L on February 24, 2012, 11:18:42 AM
I was a little surprised to learn my 223 didn't shoot well either.  It makes short work of the Pdogs...

I never shot your 223 and I never wrote that it didn't shoot. I wrote that it was MY experience to say that compared to my Bellm 223, the T/C was far behind and there were several shooters at my local club who felt the same way. I'm glad to read positive comments about the T/C 223 but I had none to offer and I still won't own one for that reason.
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Offline chiefs50

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #18 on: February 28, 2012, 10:38:52 AM »
I have a factory, Super 14, .223.  It is extremely accurate.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this barrel to anyone who doesn't have one yet.
 
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Offline parisite

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #19 on: February 29, 2012, 02:46:25 PM »
Just bought a brand new factory 14" 223 barrel on Gunbroker.com yesterday. Can't wait to get it. Seems the consenses is to use 40gr bullets and a faster than normal powder such as IMR-4198 or RL-7 for the tightest groups from a short barrel.   I'll just do that.
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Offline SD Handgunner

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #20 on: February 29, 2012, 06:18:51 PM »
I am quite sure you are going to be very happy with your new Super 14 .223. I have had several over the years (both 10" Bull Barrels and Super 14's, both Blued and Stainless) and in all of those there are a couple of things to note. 1st is with the 10"ers. As stated muzzle blast was fierce until I learned how to load for it (yes 40gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with IMR-4198 was the ticket). 2nd, of all the 14"ers I have had I had one that I couldn't get to shoot and sent it down the road.
I have used 40gr. Nosler Ballsitic Tips with IMR-4198, H-4198, H-322, W-748 and Benchmark all with good results and accuracy. I have also used the old 52gr. Speer Flat Base Hollow Point with either H-322 or W-748 with good results and accuracy. I had one particular 14" Stainless .223 that just loved 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with H-4895. 3 shot groups at 100 yards from a bipod would result in sub 1/2 MOA groups more times than not.
Good luck with the new Contender.
Larry
 
 
 
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Offline mcwoodduck

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #21 on: February 29, 2012, 06:37:14 PM »
I have three 14" barrels.
A 223
A 30-30 and a 44 mag.
The 223 is a lot of fun to shoot.
Mine does great with the 45 grain UMC bulk pack.  Stay away from anything with a FMJ, mine had pressure issues wiht those shells even when stamped 223 and not 5.56
the 30-30 and the 44 mag have a lot of recoil and are about the same in felt recoil.
My model 29 feels like a 38 comapered with the same ammo.  even my 180 grain hot special loads are pretty warm in the 14".
I have taken a few ground squirrels with it and have wanted to try it for a coyote. 
I have a 16.25" carbine barrel as well and it is a great little carbine. 
I do not think you can go wrong with any length of 223 from 10" to 14" as a hand gun.
if you are in Northern CA send me an e-mail and I will make time to meet you at one of the local ranges and you can try mine.
 
 
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Offline blhof

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #22 on: March 02, 2012, 01:49:35 PM »
I've got a 14" barrel 223 and it was great for prairie dogs out to 150yds.  Mine's a bull barrel and a bit heavy, but is very accurate and a joy to shoot.
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Offline Mopar512

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #23 on: March 03, 2012, 04:59:35 AM »
Might consider a 221 fireball. I like this cartridge better than the 223 in the handgun barrels. I also have a 223 in the contender carbine rifle. The 221 fireball in the handgun will shoot sub MOA groups. I have never been able to get the carbine rifle to reliably shoot under 1.5 MOA.


You already have most of the stuff to hand load the 221. You would only need to purchase the dies. You can easily make the 221 brass from the 223 cases. It uses the same bullets.


Roger





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Offline parisite

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #24 on: March 26, 2012, 03:24:06 PM »
One more question......I found a great deal on 22 cal  34 grain hp bullets online. Has anybody tried these for accuracy in the 14" Contender?  I know the 40 grainers shoot good or should I even bother with  34 grain bullets. Midsouth has them.
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Offline BCB

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #25 on: March 27, 2012, 12:22:52 PM »
 Super 16” barrel…
 
50 grain V-Max
         24.5 IMR 3031…3007 fps
         26.5 WIN-748…2927 fps
 
40 grain V-Max
         28.0 WC-844…3299 fps
 
Accuracy with all of the above loads is less than 1.0” at 100 yards most of the day…
 
Twelve-ounce beverage cans fill with water are “killed” all day long at 150 yards and probably 95% of the time at 200 yards…
 
I have taken many groundhogs at 200+ yards, but most are 150-200 yards…
 
I tried the IMR-3031 just for experimental purposes one day and now this is my powder of chose for that Super 16”…
 
I had previously been using H-335 and WC-844 with very good results, but the 3031 shot better…
 
I have a Super 14” that shoots as well…
 
Now to the 44 Magnum barrel.  Can’t really say much good about it.  Had it rechambered to 445 Super Magnum and it shot better, but is still not up to my expectations…
 
Just my experience…
 
Good-luck…BCB
 
 
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Offline 22popnsplat

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Re: First TC-223 Barrel Question
« Reply #26 on: March 31, 2012, 06:59:28 PM »
First barrel i bought was a super 14 in 223 , I shot a good number of rounds through that barrel and it will still shoot sub moa . It copper fouls pretty bad but still shoots as good as when just been cleaned .
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