I just started looking at this cartridge the other day and it intrigues me. I have my Contender 35 REM barrel for big game and was looking for something with less recoil and cheaper to reload for deer and coyotes, and the 7 TCU seems like a good fit. Would this be a good choice? I've been searching gun auctions for a 14" barrel, but they are hard to find. I've found a couple 10" barrels, but I don't know if that shorter barrel would perform well or not. If anyone has experience, please share.

The TCU's are borderline for deer so you should get all you can out of it. The velocity difference between 10" and 14" is significant. MGM can make you a spankin' new "custom" 13"er for $250 if you can't find a used factory 14. The usual auction sites often have them listed so don't give up.

The 7-30 Waters is more potent and more common.

I have had a lot of luck with my 10 inch 7 tcu. It is easy and pleasant to shoot and its never been under powered for me. I've always shot 120 gr nosler ballistic tips with every kill being one shot with complete pass thru. I've shot 2 caribou and 8 or 9 whitetails. But all my shots have been within 75 yards.

The tcu seems to do a little more damage than my 7-30 rifle, even though the rifle is more powerful. My tcu barrel will put 5 bullets in one small hole at 50 yards and I have a lot of confidence in it.

Redhaven,

Look at Ed's Contenders, he has a few listed http://edstc.com/hot.html

Mark

Howdy and Welcome Aboard Stephen!

The 120 NBT out of the 7 TCU and 7-30 Waters just rock! But they can be pricey as well.

I am working on a mild 7 TCU load for plinking with cast bullets for my oldest son, age 7.

Ps, the 35 Rem is an AWESOME round. If cost is an issue have you considered shooting cast bullets?

If you don't cast Carolina Cast Bullets carry's Ranch Dog's 190gr 35 cal bullet at 17.50 a hundred. I am shooting it out of my 357 Max and my friends 35 Rem FWIW.

I've used the 140 B.T. on groundhogs with good expansion but all shots were under 100 yards and my loads were only clocking 1960f.p.s. average so I would want to be under 200 yards or so on deer but in Illinois I can't use the 7mm T.C.U. on deer so I don't have to worry about it anyway-john

Thank you guys for your input. I've been on other forums and most people aren't helpful, so I appreciate everyones feedback. Getting the 7mm TCU was kind of an excuse to buy a new barrel. I really enjoyed shooting the 35 REM I just got and wanted to get something that is a little milder to practice with and shoot some varmints. I'm attracted to odd calibers and had 500 pcs of new 223 brass, so the 7 TCU seems like a good idea. I just didn't know how it would perform on deer.

TCTex I've never loaded cast bullets before...how much do you have to back your loads off? If I get a TCU barrel Ill probably just use the 35 REM for hunting, but I still need to work a load up for it.

As some have said, it will "work" for deer. But, at a MV that barely clips 2,000 fps there isn't a whole lot left @ 150 yards or so. Keep them close and it'll work, but there are many other chamberings that offer more cushion.

Redhaven, I have a TC Load Book that has loading data in it for the 7 TCU utilizing cast bullets. I am loading up intermediate loads for my 7 year old son shooting the 130gr Soupcan.

shot zillions of round of TCU for competition...dont like it for hunting, too light for anything past 50-60 yards, bullets dont expand.

Try a 6.5 Mini dreadnaught

I talked to a guy I work with and he has a 7-30 Waters Super 14" barrel he said he would give me a good deal on. I think I will give that a try and see how it works out. Seems like it gives a pretty good gain over the TCU. I'm already obsessed with this handgun hunting and haven't even hunted with it yet. Can't wait until November. I may try and see if I can call in a coyote before then.