Some Contender work last week
Posted: Mon May 13, 2024 6:14 pm
We made a quick trip to the range last week to finish up on some Contender work.
First up was some more work on the Contender Carbine with the 22 Hornet barrel. If you recall, I was not happy with the accuracy I had gotten with this barrel on a previous range trip that I posted about, so before giving up on the barrel, I wanted to give it another try. After all, 22 Hornet barrels have always been very popular and they now bring a premium. Had to be sure about this one. Scope is a BL 4-12x AO.
The good news is that I did better, so I will keep this one for the time being.
Next up was a newly acquired 12.5" custom barrel in 223 Improved by Bullberry that also came with the Bullberry forend and hanger bar. Impressive rig, at least. Scope is a TC 2.5-7x.
No, I do not plan to reload 223 Improved, but from my experience with Improved versions of various cartridges. I should still get decent accuracy when shooting stand factory loads. This is called fire forming. Fire forming is shooting standard factory loads in an Improved chamber to blow out the neck of the standard brass to the Improved version. With the expanded neck on the Improved brass, you get greater case capacity for more powder. That translated to more velocity in an Improved version.
Before and after. Note the case neck after fire forming.
As I predicted, pretty decent accuracy with stand factory loads. This one is a keeper. Pulled one shot a touch high, so added one more for group size.
Back to revolvers for the next range trip. Stay tuned.
First up was some more work on the Contender Carbine with the 22 Hornet barrel. If you recall, I was not happy with the accuracy I had gotten with this barrel on a previous range trip that I posted about, so before giving up on the barrel, I wanted to give it another try. After all, 22 Hornet barrels have always been very popular and they now bring a premium. Had to be sure about this one. Scope is a BL 4-12x AO.
The good news is that I did better, so I will keep this one for the time being.
Next up was a newly acquired 12.5" custom barrel in 223 Improved by Bullberry that also came with the Bullberry forend and hanger bar. Impressive rig, at least. Scope is a TC 2.5-7x.
No, I do not plan to reload 223 Improved, but from my experience with Improved versions of various cartridges. I should still get decent accuracy when shooting stand factory loads. This is called fire forming. Fire forming is shooting standard factory loads in an Improved chamber to blow out the neck of the standard brass to the Improved version. With the expanded neck on the Improved brass, you get greater case capacity for more powder. That translated to more velocity in an Improved version.
Before and after. Note the case neck after fire forming.
As I predicted, pretty decent accuracy with stand factory loads. This one is a keeper. Pulled one shot a touch high, so added one more for group size.
Back to revolvers for the next range trip. Stay tuned.