6.5TCU

[Archie]

Does anyone know where there is loading data for 6.5 tcu in 20 to 24 " bbl.  I am thinking of getting 6.5 TCU or 7 TCU bbl to put on my rifle.  What kind of velocity do you get from a rifle bbl

thanks

[jason280]

I had a 7mm TCU barrel in a 22" Contender, and the best velocity I could get was around 2300fps with 120gr bullets.  The Nolser Reloading book shows loads in excess of 2400fps, but could never really come close to that in my rifle.  I tried a variety of powders and various headstamps of brass, but anything over 2300 pushed pressures way too high for me.  I am seriously considering a 6mm TCU, and I actually all ready have a die set for it.  I really haven't had any experience with the 6.5 TCU, but have read good things about the cartridge.  One thing to watch out for though, is the ream job on the barrel.  The throat on my 7mm TCU was so long I had a difficult time seating bullets in to the lands for fireforming.  175gr BTHP's would barely get there, and even then is was questionable.  If you do order one, try and get a new barrel with a specified length for the throat. 

[Cowboybart]

My neighbor has a 24" 6.5 TCU.    I don't know the velosity but last year he took an antelope at 311 yards w/ a 100gr bullet.  Because it took 2 shots he switched to a Rem 120 core Lokt bullet this year.  This years antelope was at 344 yards and was dead before it hit the ground.  Brass is usually 1 pass thru the die (new or annealed brass is best).   He likes the caliber so much that I bought a 10" for my Contender  -  haven't shot it yet.

I think the Accurate book has data for both 6.5 and 7TCU