T/C Black Diamond - Which Barrel?

[Craig M. Bellis]

I found a good deal on T/C Black Diamonds in either a standard 22 1/2" or a 26" XR. I hunt primarily in Western PA with most shots in the 40 - 60 yd. range but may venture into longer range situations. How bearable is the recoil with mag loads? Will moderate loads perform more poorly in the longer barrel? Your advice would be appreciated.

[quickdtoo]

I'm shooting the XR and it performs exceptionally well with 120gr T7 3f and Powerbelts. My huntin partner shoots the 22" barrel with 100 grs Goex 2f and a 405gr Powerbelt, his shoots  ~1" @ 100yds.  I dealt with the recoil by installing a Sims Limbsaver recoil pad. Got to be the best pad on the market. Have one on all my heavy kickers including my 835 Ultimag shooting 2.25oz- 3.5" turkey loads, ya hardly even know it's gone off, cept for the ringin in your head!  :lol: I guess I can't really answer the moderate loads question cuz I haven't shot anything less than 90gr loads. It shot ok,  ~3"@100yd, though, just not as good as the heavier load.

[sabotloader]

The 26"XR will get you a little more velocity, thus more energy; and possibly be a little more accurate in the longer ranges.

The ranges you are talking about the 22" inch will do just fine.  

If it were me and you are solid with your shooting distances, I would heft them both up in place and see which fit the best (felt the best) sometimes the 26" barrels can get a little barrel heavy vs the short quick swing of the 22" barrel.  If you hunting in lot of brush or thicker stand in the woods or if you are hunting from a tree stand you really might want the 22" barrel.

The Black Diamond series is a good series whether you get the 22" or the 26"XR.  The XR was brought out to help with the so called magnum wars and to compete with other manufactures producing the 26" gun.

I'm shooting a 22" Remington ML700 and it is certainly easier to handle all day than the 26" A&H's that I have.

Good luck in your decision - don't think you can go to wrong no matter which way you go...

[oneshotonekill]

Craig,
I think you received some good advise on this.  Either would do the job it would be personal preference.  I have 2 black diamonds that are 22.5" and one that is 26" all 3 are good shooters.  The 26 does seem to be slightly muzzle heavy but its not bad at all.  If you want to gain a few fps the 26" should help.  The 26" barrel is a marketing tool to sooth the magnumitis that is infecting the firearms market.  I don't usually shoot max loads in any of my ML's so the few fps gained in the 26" doesn't matter to me.  I hunt out of tree stands or in blinds where the shorter tube is easier to move around and less likely to hang on brush.  Go check them out and see what feels better.

[SURVEYOR]

Craig,

Sabot and Oneshot are right on target! (GRIN)

The 22inch barrel does not limit your shots to 100 yards or less. Kills out to 200 yard are do-able. Like they said the 26 will give a little more velocity. The 22 will handle quicker.

Good Lock!

Jules J.

[TC4ME]

Craig, I just went through the same dilema and I chose the 22.5 barrel for one reason only, of the two on the shelf only the 22.5 barreled model had a wood stock. T/C uses high quality walnut and the stock on mine is a beautiful striped walnut stock. After my first trip to the range last weekend I could not be happier with my purchase! I have a cheap Tasco 3x9 scope on it. I started off shooting Hornady 240 gr. XTP's with good results at fifty yds. then switched to 250 gr. shockwaves. When I was happy at 50 yds. at three inches high dead on I went to 100yds. My load is 100 grns. Pyrodex P and a 250 gr. Shockwave. With this load at 100 yds. I put all three within a inch and a quarter of eachother with my first two shots touching, I was a inch and 3/4 high.  I could not be happier with my new rifle.  I swabbed between shots with Hoppes blackpowder solvent. This was done off a concrete bench using foam rubber blocks to rest the rifle on. Good luck.