OK so I never have been very patient, but looks like this barrel was worth the wait.
So what is it that is HERE? A Custom On Target Technologies Stainless-Steel 14" 6mm T/CU Contender Barrel that I have had the pleasure of shooting this week. As per the finish, when I pulled the new barrel from it's wrapping I thought "What the heck", but the more I looked at the finish I had to think that Mike knew I would be using this Barrel for Calling Coyotes. The bead blasted finish is a dull grey, and there is no way this thing is going to reflect light to spook a Coyote.
The bore on the Douglas XX Grade Premium Blank(s) Mike uses looks just great with nice sharp lands and grooves. Mike tells me the chamber and throat are off by .0001", but you couldn't prove it by me. As per the Chamber the cases I had sized (that were fireformed in a previous 6mm T/CU Contender Barrel) of which I sent a couple to Mike prior to chambering dropped right in the chamber and were a perfect fit with the extractor removed to measure the amount of protrusion from the breach face. But then Mike told me they would be perfect.
I had 123 rounds of fireform loads left over from the previous 6mm T/CU Contender Barrel so these are what I used for Sight in and Barrel Break In. Imagine my surprise when these loads averaged .778" (5 shot groups at 100 yards), and most 3 shot groups were hovering really close to the 1/2" mark.
After a week of shooting I think I settled on a couple loads.
#1: 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips
29.0grs. of Hodgdon's Benchmark
Federal Small Rifle Primers
Winchester Fireformed Brass
COL = 2.387" (which leaves .143" of the bullet in the case neck).
Average Velocity = 3045 FPS
Extreme Spread = 47
Standard Deviation = 7.87
Average Group Size (5 shot groups at 100 yards from the bench) = .823" (with the smallest group coming in at .690")
#2: 80gr. Nosler Ballitic Tip
26.5grs. of Hodgdon's Benchmark
Federal Small Rifle Primers
Remington Nickel Plated Fireformed Brass
COL = 2.400" (for this load the Seating Die Setting was accidently left the same as it was for the 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips, which turned out to be a good thing).
Average Velocity = 2703 FPS
Extreme Spread = 48
Standard Deviation = 8.12
Average Group Size (5 shot groups at 100 yards from the bench) = .655" (with the smallest group coming in at .429")
#3: 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips (Fireform Load)
14.5grs. Alliant Blue Dot
Federal Small Rifle Primers
Winchester Fireformed Brass
COL = 2.387" (which leaves .143" of the bullet in the case neck).
Average Velocity = 2758 FPS
Extreme Spread = 31
Standard Deviation = 7.28
I haven't finished shooting groups with this load as yet, but so far it looks to be producing groups in the 1" range for 5 shots at 100 yards. This will be a short range varmint / plinking load to form cases with.
So far I am pleased with this barrel. Again THANKS MIKE for making a great product.
Now to just save up for a SS 14" .223 AI Barrel from Mike.
SD Handgunner
