Low velocity reloadable .22 cal.

[hntnnut]

First let me say what I'm trying to accomplish. I have a old Contender frame I don't use any more and I would like to turn it into a bug out set up in the rifle configuration. Barrel #1 in 30-30 as I already load for it, and have a bullet mold for it. Barrel #2 .22 long rifle. Barrel #3would be a vent ribbed .410 barrel if I can find one.
Barrel #4 Is where I want advice I'm wanting a small case .22 centerfire round That could be hand loaded with 35-40 gr. cast bullets to sub .22 LR. velocities say 800-950 FPS. My reasoning is if .22LR becomes unavailable again I would have quiet soft shooting reloadable alternative available. I'm thinking .22 Hornet/K-Hornet or maybe .221 fireball. What say you.

Richard

[Twystd1]

Have you considered 5.56 / .223 for your scenario?

You could download the centerfire to whatever FPS you are looking for.

And have the advantage of using 5.56 / .223 factory or reloads for those 100+yard shots if needed.

I would think that would be the best of both worlds.

I do have a Contender in .223 with a 12" barrel.
It is an amazingly accurate gun with hand loads and a 4X scope.

-T

[hntnnut]

I would be worried about case capacity and real slow loads. I know what you mean about accurate this frame had originally had a .35 Remington super14 barrel with a original Redfield 2.5x and it would hold 1-1.5" groups @ 100 yards with 180 Hornady SP handloads.

Richard

[Jeff213]

You can load .223 with $50 for 8 lbs powder from 20mm vulcan, and get EXCELLENT groups, with low velocities (below 2000fps). If you are interested PM me and I can give you more info.

otherwise .22 hornet with trail boss or unique may be a good choice.

[edgerly779]

Sorry I missed the rifle part, Is it a rifle lower now with shoulder stock?you cannot put a .410 shotgun barrel legally on pistol contender unless Minimum barrel length is 18".

[Fjold]

22 Hornet or 218 Bee are the smaller cases.

[Capt.Dunsel]

First let me say what I'm trying to accomplish. I have a old Contender frame I don't use any more and I would like to turn it into a bug out set up in the rifle configuration. Barrel #1 in 30-30 as I already load for it, and have a bullet mold for it. Barrel #2 .22 long rifle. Barrel #3would be a vent ribbed .410 barrel if I can find one.
Barrel #4 Is where I want advice I'm wanting a small case .22 centerfire round That could be hand loaded with 35-40 gr. cast bullets to sub .22 LR. velocities say 800-950 FPS. My reasoning is if .22LR becomes unavailable again I would have quiet soft shooting reloadable alternative available. I'm thinking .22 Hornet/K-Hornet or maybe .221 fireball. What say you.

Richard

My choices are #1 7-30 Waters 21",14"
#2 22lr 10" match , 14" bull barrel , 21" carbine barrel
#3 410 g 21" non ribbed 3" chamber
#4 218 Bee 10" , 14", 24" carbine ( custom made)

Reasons , I got these already and if I needed I can take just the 10" and 14"
barrels and get rifle accuracy and velocity out of them without the extra weight .
And to cut down even more get an adapter to fire 22lr in the 218 Bee or the 22 Hornet ( K Hornet would be better) saving a bit more by taking less weight.
Even less weight by using a 45LC 10" or 14" with shot shells ( not 410g shells)

221 fireball is named for a good reason , ever shot one ? Give away your hide out.
I prefer the 218 Bee over the Hornet or K Hornet , better ballistics .
410 barrels are hard to come by , good luck finding one .

[hntnnut]

you cannot put a .410 shotgun barrel legally on pistol contender unless Minimum barrel length is 18".

I'm aware of that look here, they do exhist but arnt cheap.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/thompson-center-g2-contender-24-blued-shotgun-barrel?a=268410

[hntnnut]

Capt. Dunsel,
I prefer to stick to rifle barrels, But I really like your idea about the insert. Have you ever used one? how accurate are they out of a .224 barrel.


Richard

[Capt.Dunsel]

Capt. Dunsel,
I prefer to stick to rifle barrels, But I really like your idea about the insert. Have you ever used one? how accurate are they out of a .224 barrel.


Richard

Contender barrels of the 22 rf and centerfire all use same bore , now , weren't before.
Have used insert for 22rf in the 218 Bee , accuracy was acceptable out to 50/75 yds , good enough for meat on the spit.

And for rifle ( 18 +) or the 14" accuracy is the same , velocity can be if you load your own . 14" barrels can and will out shoot 21"ers if you do your part.
You did mention bug out so weight vs velocity/accuracy come into play. How much extra ammo can you carry buy cutting 7" off your barrel ?

[Whiterabbit]

I'd use 22 hornet or 223.

[ThatFishGuy]

I'll play devils advocate.... 22 reed express. Ron Reed still has contender barrels and CH still makes dies. The case capacity is right there with the k- hornet, but brass is stronger and lasts longer in case you ever wanted to push things. It's right at home with 35-50gr bullets.

[3006mv]

22 hornet
with a magnum pistol primer and an aloxed 22 pellet

[hntnnut]

Lots of interesting thoughts. .223 is out (I have my reasons) Fireball is at the top of my list next was the .22 TCM but no longer looks like the reamers a proprietary so no barrel, thanks to ThatFishGuy the reed express made my second choice. Hornet is out (for now), I tried to find brass.
Will prob. drop the .22 barrel as if I go with the Fireball I can get chamber inserts for it in .22 mag and .22 LR. Plus I may get a insert for my 30-30 in .32 H&R mag. After a bit of figuring I looks like I can put together a box of 50 cast Fireball loads that imitate .22 subsonic loads for around 2.00-2.50 a box the last box of .22 subsonics I bought went for around 4.00 per 50

Richard

[BigBronco]

Why the vented rib. The porpose of the vented tib is to reduce heat waves from a hot barrel. IE shooting lots of rounds for trap or skeet. With a TC I doubt you would shoot it that fast. I would go for a 45LC barrel that could double with 410 shells.