[Ullr]

Ok, let me have it. I know I’m starting a wide-open discussion here, but I don’t want to leave any options out. I’m looking to get a new 10” barrel for my contender and was think of the 7 TCU or maybe a 300 Whisper (but not leaving anything out). I want to stick with a 10” barrel and looking to get the optimum performance for with the widest range of uses. This barrel will be mostly for general pleasure shooting (something to experiment with, i.e. WIDE range of use) and maybe the occasional pest or coyote. I think I’ve already made my choice, but would like to hear a few opinions. Don’t hesitate to bring another caliber into the discussion besides the two above. It’s not too late for me to change my mind, or better yet get two, or three, or four…

There it goes again!

 

[securitysix]

Depends on what you're going to do with it. If it is mostly going to be for varmints and killing paper, consider .221 Remington Fireball. It was designed for a 10" barrel. Plus, there are billions of .22 cal bullets out there and plenty of powders that should work.

 

[Bill In SC]

I have to agree with SecuritySix... What is the intended purpose?

Tree rats? .22LR
Varmints .221 Fireball
Deer .30 Herrett

Just my ideas.

 

[Steve P]

If you are only going to buy one barrel, I would go with the 30-30 or 7x30 waters. Both can be loaded low with light cast bullets or round nose bullets for "plinking" rounds. Both can be loaded with faster 110-125gr bullets for varmints, and both can be loaded with 140-150 grain bullets for deer/bear, etc. So, tin cans, to varmints, to bear, one barrel, different loads.

Steve :music:

 

[Ullr]

Just one barrel? Are you insane?

Ok, so I have no real need for a new barrel as I have a wide range covered already, to include .223, 30-30, 309 JDJ, 45/410, and 45/70. All these are longer barrels, 12-16 inches.

I am specifically looking for something designed for the 10” barrel and have no need for it that the above-mentioned will not cover. I would like to be able to take up to deer size game if it strikes me to do so, but mainly want it for pleasure (which in my book is shooting, no matter for what reason or even for no reason). So maybe on day I’ll be shooting paper, silhouettes, or any type of target. The next maybe crows, groundhogs, or coyotes and maybe I might even get the idea one day to work up a load for deer.

To sum it up, it must be a caliber that’s design is optimum for the 10” barrel (Not just a good round that also works in the 10” as most will), and have a lot of options for loading. The more options the better as I have no real use in mind for it, but after experimenting hope to come up with many.

 

[captainkirk]

30 Herret

Milek and Herret designed this one specifically for the 10" tube. Wide array of 30 cal bullets around, not too much recoil, accurate, rimmed case, EA Brown sells brass if you don't want to form your own. I love mine and, ifff I had to have ony one barrel, this would be it.

PS many of the powders that work well with the 44 mag work great in the 30 Herret 8) 8)

 

[Graybeard]

I like the Herretts. Own both. But in a 10" barrel for the uses you specify I'd stay with one of the TCUs. I think the 7 or maybe 6.5 TCU would best serve your stated needs but don't over look the 6 and .257 TCUs if the lighter side of use might predominate. To me the 7 TCU is about the best choice for an all round 10" barrel round there is.

GB

 

[475/480]

i would go with the 10" bull barrel 480r ,that midway has now got mine today looks promising,the 475 linbaugh even fits in it the 480r is fun to shoot

 

[8rounder]

If you're just going to plink with it or, the occasional pest or varmint.
Why not a 41 magnum? Cast or jacketed it can do a whale of a job on yotes or smaller and even deer if you want.
Just my opinion.



"Vegetarian" Indian name meaning, "Poor hunter" :-D

 

[Gregory]

I just acquired a 10" 300 Whisper but haven't had a chance to play with it yet. Still working on a 13" 30 Bellm Encore barrel trying to get it to shoot.
So far my 357 Maximum is my favorite 10" barrel, and with cast bullets can be economical to shoot too. Accuracy with 180 gr Hornady XTP's is very good.
Greg

 

[Gregory]

Listen to Graybeard, he is right as usual. The 7mm TCU is far more usefull then the 300 Whisper, 357 Maximum, or 30 Herret.

Except in Illinois it has to be a 30 cal. min. for deer.
Greg

 

[Graybeard]

i would go with the 10" bull barrel 480r ,that midway has now got mine today looks promising,the 475 linbaugh even fits in it the 480r is fun to shoot

This discussion is about the Contender. No way you have a Contender barrel in hand for the .480 and do yourself a favor and don't assume just because you can drop in a .475 linebaugh round it will be safe to fire it. Take it from one who has had a TC come apart in their hand you don't wanna go there.

GB

 

[Ullr]

Thanks for the input guys. As I had already pretty much decided, I am getting the 7TCU. Although I now have plenty of reasons for getting another barrel or two along with it. Of coarse it really doesn’t take much of a reason.

Thanks

 

[tommyt]

To me the 7 TCU is about the best choice for an all round 10" barrel round there is. IMHO
Mine has become the one I take most every where from the paper to the plate
FILLER