Author Topic: 6mm TCU (Read 1164 times)

Oxnam · « **on:** September 15, 2004, 11:55:40 AM »

Has anyone here had much experience with the 6mm TCU? I bought another Contender yesterday that had two "Super 14" barrels and this caliber was one of them. I've got my dream setup in the 223 for varmints and my 7-30 for deer. I can't figure out if I should hang on to this one or not. What do you guys use it for? I am away at college right now so I don't have my reloading equipment. I just hate having a new toy that I can't play with. Maybe I'll sell it and buy that 17 HMR. At least you don't have to reload that one. Let me know what you think of it.
Thanks,
Oxnam

springer222 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2004, 01:16:57 PM »

Terrible caliber especially in a factory TC barrel. You should probably send it to me so you don't have to worry about having something you can't play with. Seriously, I don't own a 6mm TCU but it is one of the rather rare factory chambered barrels. If you don't want it, I have a NIB .17 HRM that we might work a deal on. Drop me a line if your interested.

MnMike · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2004, 04:24:11 PM »

It is a nice round for medium varmits. It is supposed to be an acurate round. I have wanted something betwen .223 and 7mm for a while, so I envy you. If you have reloading equipment I would play with it for a while.

mike

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2004, 04:48:07 PM »

I currently have a new 15" On Target Technologies 6mm T/CU Contender Barrel. Prior to this new OTT Barrel I had a Virgin Valley Custom Guns 15" 6mm T/CU, and have had a couple Bullberry 6mm-223 (non improved version of the 6mm T/CU) Contender Barrels and a Custom XP-100 also.

Yep I guess I have always been a fan of 6mm's. In my current 6mm T/CU I just finished working up a few loads for it (as well as breaking in the barrel). The loads I settled on use 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips & 80gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips. With Hodgdon's Benchmark and the 80gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips 5 shot groups from the bench at 100 yards are averaging .655" at a muzzle velocity of 2703 FPS. Again using Hodgdon's Benchmark but with 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips 5 shot groups from the bench at 100 yards are averaging .823" at a muzzle velocity of 3045 FPS. I am still playing with bullet seating depth to try to shrink the groups a little more.

For a Fireform Load I have been using 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips loaded with Alliant Blue Dot. This is a super low recoil, low noise load, but this is not a low pressure load, it is maximum. The average velocity with this load is 2758 FPS, and the cases form beautifully. 5 shot groups at 100 yards from the bench are running right at 1". This makes for a great plinking / fireform load that is loads of fun to shoot, but keep in mind it is not a low pressure load.

The 55gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip has a Ballistic Coefficient of .276, and at 3045 FPS makes for a good performing load and I feel it outperforms what I have been able to achieve with a Super 14 .223 Contender. I have taken quite a few different varmints with this bullet in the VVCG 6mm T/CU as well as a couple Coyotes. As per the 80gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip Load, I hope to take a Whitetail or two with it this fall. While I have not taken a Whitetail with the 80gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip I have taken several Whitetails with both the 6mm-223 and 6mm T/CU in the past with different 80gr. Bullets at close to this same velocity.

As for if you should trade the barrel or shoot it, that would be a tough call, but I know what I would do, but then like I said I have always liked 6mm's.

Good luck

SD Handgunner

bgjohn · « **Reply #4 on:** September 16, 2004, 04:37:00 AM »

The TCU calibers are some of the best available for the Contender. I like them so much I re-barreled a couple of XP-100's. One is 6mm TCU the other is 6.5 TCU. I use the 6.5 to whack bigbore silhouettes. I use the 6.0 to whack coyotes. Both of these are very accurate. Easy to load for once you fireform your cases. I use 120gr bullets in the 6.5 & 80 or 100's in the 6.0 TCU.
JM :-D

KYODE · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2004, 10:32:45 AM »

i think i'll own a 6tcu.......uhhh.....forever :lol: i love the caliber! very accurate, and useful for many things. who says ya can only have one barrel for deer....or varmints! great round to just go out n shoot targets with also. powerful, but pleasant. :wink:

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #6 on:** September 16, 2004, 11:04:32 AM »

I just knew KYODE would jump in here sooner or later. Come on now bud, why don't you tell him what you really think about the 6mm T/CU, and or 6mm Handguns in general.

SD Handgunner

KYODE · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2004, 11:18:43 AM »

oh ok :lol: .......... :music: 6mm's are wonderful period! they are extremely versatile. everything from varmints to deer. i think i have 3 6mm's(6tcu,6br, n .243win), and could stand a couple more. :lol:

bullet selection is tremendous in 6mm also :shock: . everything from 55gr bullets, that are explosive on critters, up to 100gr'rs, although i'd much prefer 80-85gr bullets for hunting use. then ya have the mid range 70gr bullets that are soft also, and good to whack varmints way out yonder.....not to mention the 6mm match bullets available for accurate target shooting.

i honestly think you NEED the .223...6TCU...and 7-30 waters, all three :eek: . just think....the 6tcu can provide backup for either gun, should an occasion arrise. yep...always be prepared with a backup.....if it CAN happen it will.

Steve P · « **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2004, 08:21:36 AM »

I have the brass, the dies, the bullets, and the loading press. Just don't have the barrel yet. Since you are away at college, you will need money for ramen noodles and beer. Better let me have that barrel. :-D :grin:

:toast:

Steve

Oxnam · « **Reply #9 on:** September 20, 2004, 05:23:17 AM »

I did some reading up on the 6 tcu this weekend. According to some of the data that I read, on paper it out-performs my 223. Will it really shoot flatter and hit harder?

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #10 on:** September 20, 2004, 06:09:38 AM »

Depending on the individual barrel YEP. The one thing I have noticed with Published Data for the 6mm T/CU is a huge difference in that data as per the published velocities and max powder charges.

My old barrel just refused to shoot anything but H-335 with any of the bullets I tried in it. This new barrel seems to like Hodgdon Benchmark OK. As per velocity with the 55gr. Nolser Ballistic Tip I have been getting 3000 FPS or slightly more in either barrel. With a Ballistic Coefficient of .276 at this velocity the ballistics for this cartridge / load are as good or better than what can be achieved with a .223 Remington. (again depending on the individual barrels)

I really like the versatility of the 6mm T/CU. It offers a wide range of bullets weights to choose from, is fairly easy to load for and produces no more recoil than a .223.

SD Handgunner

bgjohn · « **Reply #11 on:** September 20, 2004, 06:21:25 AM »

Think of it as a 223 that can shoot heavier bullets. I use H335 or BLC'2 both shoot about as good as the other.
JM