256 Winchester in T/C Contender

reddnek

February 23, 2009 02:05

I just purchased a T/C Contender from a pawn shop. I'm now on the hunt for a 256 Winchester barrel for it. I plan to scope it and use it for a short range varmint weapon. Anyone have any loads or advice for me?????

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  mbsams

  February 23, 2009 05:54

  get a .223 barrel, they are easy to find.

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  Rocky Raab

  February 23, 2009 06:11

  I wrote about just that. Read here: http://www.reloadingroom.com/index_files/256 WM.htm
  
  Good luck finding one, though. I had to borrow the barrel I used because I couldn't find one for sale anywhere. Of course, things change daily, so watch lots of auction places, or Google it often.

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  MMOMEQ-55

  February 23, 2009 07:48

  Bullberry Barrel makes barrels for the Encore/Contender in any caliber you can dream of. I have several barrels from them. Probably the strangest one is a 380acp.

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  grizzclaw

  February 23, 2009 10:07

  I love my .204 ruger contender, but it's not cheap to shoot. The .223 is a good idea.

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  reddnek

  February 23, 2009 10:26

  Being a longtime quarter bore nut I'm hung up on the 256, I've seen a few barrels on the GB auction side so I'll keep looking.

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  mrbruce

  February 24, 2009 05:49

  Keep your eye's open for a SSK 257 JDJ barrel while your looking.
  A very nice varminter with 85 gr BT's........

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  grady mitchell

  February 24, 2009 16:29

  i have a 256 barrel i would sale and several bx ammo to i have never shot it but it is excellent condition

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  sandwarrior

  February 26, 2009 13:52

  reddnek,
  
  If you can't find a .256 Winchester you might look at a 25 TCU or Ugalde. A simple form and shoot process from the .223/5.56 case. I've talked to Fred at Bullberry as well. He said either(.256/.25TCU) would be a good cartridge for the contender.
  
  Being a quarter bore nut myself I wish you luck.

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  Rocky Raab

  February 26, 2009 14:46

  The only problem with a 25 TCU in the Contender is the need for one of those somewhat flimsy and troublesome spring-loaded extractors. I'm surprised Fred didn't mention that.
  
  To allow a rimless round to chamber in a Contender, the extractor has to be able to move out of the way enough to allow the web of the case to pass it, then snap inwards again into the extractor cut ahead of the rim. The long "L" extractor bends very easily if cases are the least bit sticky to extract, and then you have lots of problems.
  
  Rimmed designs like the 256 are MUCH better suited to the Contender.

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