Anyone shooting 6.5TCU rifle
- Thread starter Gard72977
- Start date
If you are locked in on a .223 sized cartridge then the powder volume is your limiting factor. This limits the size/weight of projectile that can be used effectively. I think you need to set realistic objectives and then decide on which caliber best suites your purpose. The starting point is "What shooting distance?" and "What weight bullets?". Once you have an idea of what you want then you need to determine "What velocity is required for bullet to perform at said shooting distance?". Your 2.6" mag length means that you can load bullets long which permits you to use longer projectiles while not sacrificing as much powder volume. The TCU case is basically a 223AI case.
I think you would be better served using a 6mm projectile. There is a huge selection of 6mm bullets, with the 75gr-85gr projectiles being perfect for this size cartridge. You might consider the 6TCU or even the 6mm-.204 Ruger, which is simply necking up the .204 Ruger case to fit a 6mm bullet. The .204 Ruger case has greater case capacity than the TCU case. Unfortunately, I don't believe that either of these two cartridges has sufficient case capacity (powder volume) to benefit for use of the heavy 6mm bullets (90gr - 115gr). This is where the 6mm ARC (aka 6mm Grendel) becomes the the micro cartridge of choice.
Along the same logic, the lightest of 6.5mm bullets (100gr - 130gr bullet) is still heavy for the powder volume. To benefit from these bullets' ballistic coefficient you need +2400fps. For this reason the only 6.5mm micro/mini cartridge that you hear about is the 6.5 Grendel.
Just some food for thought. After you decide on a cartridge and bullet combination then mach-up a few dummy rounds to test fit in your magazine, and give them to your gunsmith so that he can properly throat you barrel to fit your cartridge. Good Luck!
I think you would be better served using a 6mm projectile. There is a huge selection of 6mm bullets, with the 75gr-85gr projectiles being perfect for this size cartridge. You might consider the 6TCU or even the 6mm-.204 Ruger, which is simply necking up the .204 Ruger case to fit a 6mm bullet. The .204 Ruger case has greater case capacity than the TCU case. Unfortunately, I don't believe that either of these two cartridges has sufficient case capacity (powder volume) to benefit for use of the heavy 6mm bullets (90gr - 115gr). This is where the 6mm ARC (aka 6mm Grendel) becomes the the micro cartridge of choice.
Along the same logic, the lightest of 6.5mm bullets (100gr - 130gr bullet) is still heavy for the powder volume. To benefit from these bullets' ballistic coefficient you need +2400fps. For this reason the only 6.5mm micro/mini cartridge that you hear about is the 6.5 Grendel.
Just some food for thought. After you decide on a cartridge and bullet combination then mach-up a few dummy rounds to test fit in your magazine, and give them to your gunsmith so that he can properly throat you barrel to fit your cartridge. Good Luck!
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
Depending on you want to do with it, feeding from the magazine will be out if you are wanting to shoot long range.
As mentioned case capacity is on the short end.
The 6-223/6x45/6TCU performs over and above what one would think, I have or have had some of each. Not enough difference to argue over.
Today, just go with the 6ARC and be done with it. The 6PPC put the 6x45 and 6x47 out a long time ago.
As mentioned case capacity is on the short end.
The 6-223/6x45/6TCU performs over and above what one would think, I have or have had some of each. Not enough difference to argue over.
Today, just go with the 6ARC and be done with it. The 6PPC put the 6x45 and 6x47 out a long time ago.
I had read about the 6.5TCU working in HP Silhouette. The articles talked about great accuracy. I understand that recoil vs kockdown power is a major issue.
I shoot 200yds. The factory barrel shoots 5/8 to 3/4 inch groups. To be honest I have not worked with it enough.
I was thinking a interesting cartridge may make the gun more enjoyable for me.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. It is all very good information. I may just rebarrel to a 223 or 223AI
I shoot 200yds. The factory barrel shoots 5/8 to 3/4 inch groups. To be honest I have not worked with it enough.
I was thinking a interesting cartridge may make the gun more enjoyable for me.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. It is all very good information. I may just rebarrel to a 223 or 223AI
I don't have any experience with rifle length barrels, but my 10" pistol barrel is a tack driver with the 6.5TCU. My best results are with the Sierra 85gr HP which appears to have been discontinued. One of these days I'll have a rifle length barrel made up. I'm shooting an Encore, so mag length is not a consideration for me. It's a great cartridge and if you are looking for something different with your project, it's a good candidate.
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