I also have a T/C Contender carbine with a 21" factory tapered 223 barrel.
I have loaded 23.5grs H322 with 60gr Sierra Varminter HP's in it but velocity was so low that I decided not to use them any longer accuracy was only ok were these loads would cluster into 1 1/2" 300 yard 10 shot groups in my 1-9" Rem 700-P...
I load 55gr Trophy Bonded Bear Claws with 24grs H322 average velocity is 3050fps groups are 1 1/2" @ 100 yards.
My load of choice for this rifle is...
40gr V-Max 25.5grs H322 = 3440fps average velocity = unbelievably accurate load in this rifle and maybe the most accurate rifle/load combo of any rifle I own absolutely amazing I have gotten 300 yard 1 1/4" 3 shot groups with this combo.
I was at the rifle range yesterday and was shooting 1" - 2" rocks on the berms behind the 300 yard target stands I am using a Burris Compact 3-9X Ballistic reticle scope.
and yes the load works great on coyotes and I am heading out next week with this rifle/load to look for gophers...