I've been pondering one for quite a while. Probably go custom if I did since I would prefer "new" in stainless steel, and maybe a custom barrel length. Not something I've got the cash to go forward on for now, but it's always farther forward in my mind than buried in the back somewhere.
If you've got one, what do you like and not like? Pics?
Even if you guys aren't seriously interested in ever buying one, what do you think you would opt for in a custom barrel length if you did go custom on one in the T/C G2 Contender variety? I was thinking 8" should wring out most of the velocity while at the same time trying to keep the platform halfway compact at least. Not sure though.
All of the above directly related to 10mm Auto of course.
13-14" seems to be where most 10mm loads transition from accelerating to coasting. But as you say that gives a pretty long barrel.
I would look at a 10" for sure though. Those two inches will give you a 3% increase in velocity on average.
You had me pondering the 3% for a bit. :D
So I'm thinking hypothetically, 10" barrel / 200gr XTP / 1500 FPS
Dropping 3% leaves it struggling :P along at 1455 FPS. So I've lost 45 FPS and 0.9 ft-lbs.
I don't know, maybe my numbers are whacked (unrealistic, or I don't know how to use my calculator :-\), but if the figures are realistic I don't think I'ld mind dumping 2" of bull barrel steel (going from a 10" to an 8").
Thoughts?
Go with the 401 GNR (44 Mag necked down to 40)- In a TC G2 ,it will shoot a 200gr XTP at 2000+ fps out of a 13" barrel. :D
Gary Reeder makes the barrel,loading is as simple as running 44Mag brass in a 401 GNR die and you are ready to load.
Sean
No doubt somewhat intriguing. For me though, if I were to go outside the 10mm case itself I'ld probably just go the the 10mm Magnum straightwall case offered by Starline. That said, my real intention is to just stick with a standard 10mm Auto cartridge case. The wealth of load data in current existence is huge, the same powders I already use are perfect without going to more additional powders for larger volume cases, overall efficiency would be excellent,...
Just not interested in switching to a whole nother animal. If I did I don't believe I'ld even stick with .400 caliber.
With a TC also its like a breakdown shotgun if you will and for the barrel gained the overall length with be somewhat the same as say a longer barreled platform.
Somewhat more compact for its barrels length. Sounds like a winner and more fps too.
And being a +3 pound platform I'm guessing recoil would be quite tame even with the highest power level 10mm ammo.
Scoped with some homemade tailored loads I'm guessing there would be potential to hit some way-out-there targets.
It is getting most of those 3 lbs out of the action and into the barrel makes the most of recoil taming.
I am pretty sure my Para comes in close to that weight fully loaded. but much of that weight is in the grip or the action, not the muzzle.
Easy fix, I'll get the barrel ported only on top, skeletonize the action housing, and strap 5 pounds of lead WWs to the front end. :P
Seriously though you make a good point! 8)
While none of my contenders are the G2, I have owned my 10MM barrels for many years now. I have both a 10" and super 14.
The 14" does not gain enough when using factory loaded ammunition to justify it. If you handload slower powders it is great, but then your ammo would not be suitable for semi autos.
The benefit come when you lengthen the chamber for 10MM Magnum. Unless you own an Automag odds are your ammo is only for the T/C or your S&W 310/610 revolvers.
I have two 10mm Contender barrels, a 10 inch bull barrel and a 19 inch from their custom shop that is compensated. I've had the 10 inch since 1993, and have always used the same loads as I use in my Glock 20 and 29. With the now discontinued Sierra 190 grain FPJ the 10 inch barrel gets around 1,350 fps, which is about 150 faster than the Glock 20. I've only had the 19 inch barrel about a month and am working on custom loads for it. I've settled on 1.395 for the OAL, and am using Accurate #9. With the Sierra 190 FPJ I used 14.5 grains of #9, which is .6 grains above book max in the Accurate manual I have. That load shoots good, with no bad pressure signs. I wouldn't use that load in a semi, but since the OAL is so long these rounds won't fit in a magazine anyway. I'm waiting for some Hornady 200 grain hollow points, the HAP, not XTP, that I ordered from Midsouth. I'm hoping that bullet works good in the 19 inch barrel, and if so that will probably be all I use. Because of my long OAL lightweight bullets won't work. I'm thinking about using this rifle for coyotes and deer out to about 130 yards.