What velocity should I expect from 6.5 TCU in a 22-23" barrel with 100gr and 120gr bullets? Also, will a 22-23" barrel realize the full velocity potential of the 6.5 TCU? Hoping for a potent varmint and deer round out to 150 yards or so. Now I have to decide if I want a tapered barrel or a bull barrel. Thanks.

Alan

I can't tell you for sure on that cartridge but my 7-30 gained about 500fps from a 14" hunter barrel and that seems to be pretty common.

I don't think you would get max potential even from a 30" barrel. Such a long tube would not be very handy tho ;-)

Alan: Tod Spotti, Los Angeles Silhouette Club, did extensive tests with the 6.5 TCU which was published in The IHMSA News. He tested various powders; bullet weights for velocity and accuracy. If you're comtemplating a 6.5 TCU it's very good reading. All his tests were with a 15" barrel. The TCU was developed for 'pistol' length barrels and does well. I've killed does with my 12" out to 112yds, using 140gr Sierra's at 2154fps out of a 12" TC Custom shop barrel.(Does here run 80-100lbs)It's a good cartidge and doesn't need 'rifle' length barrels to perform. Certainly good enough for a deer/coyote gun. IMO.

Thank you guys.

1948ER - Thank you for the heads-up on the article I will read it. What I am looking for is a nice light weight carbine that will handle varmints and deer-size game and be very handy. Sounds like the 6.5 TCU will be great at the short barrel lenghts. Thank you.

Alan

You'll love the 6.5 TCU. I used mine on Mule deer does and several Antelope; all one shot kills. The only bullet I ever needed was the 120 Nosler BT and the only powder WW748.

Bill in OR

I actually have a 21" 6.5TCU Custom Shop bull barrel. I'll check my data this evening and see what I have for FPS. From memory I can say that I use mainly the Speer 90gr TNT. With that load I've taken one deer...it did "ok" but I would bump up to a heavier 100-120gr projectile. I've not fired it in years.....