10" .223

[Mayor of Hobbs Knob]

What kind of groups am I apt to get with the new 10" Contender barrel I just picked up?  I don't reload and my other .223's really like the Winchester 45 gr. varmint rounds in the fourty count white box.
     Found a sweet 2.5x7 T/C scope for it, but now I'm not sure the barrel will justify that scope.  I might be better served to put it on my Super 14 .222, which is a real shooter and carries only a 2 3/4 Burris at this time.
     If I thought the 10" capable of 1 1/2"  groups at 100 yards I'd probably put the variable on it.  Really prefer carrying the short barrel!
     Interested in some of your thoughts.

     Thanks.

[KN]

1-1/2" from any good contender should be not only doable, but I would expect it. It may take some experimenting with load variations but 1-1/2" should not be too much of a problem.   KN

[Bug]

Not only is it ecpected, a 10" bbl .223 just might surprise you... Mine did! I routinely get an inch, and when everything is clicking, it'll do 3/4-7/8", and that with a Burris 3X. I use 40, 45, &50gr bullets. I just can't get the velocity with 55 grainers, in ten inches, that I want. The 5ogr semipointed Sierras seem to work like a controlled-expansion rifle bullet, when used on larger game like 'yotes. I did find that mine likes the bullets close to, if not into, the leade. Try it! You'll Like it!