I have a 10" barrel in .223 Rem. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I think a 12" Hunter or a 14" barrel would be a much better choice. The muzzle blast is ferocious, not to mention seriously loud, and accuracy has not been the best. On a good day I can get about 2-2.5" at 100 yards. Even the 12" 45-70 Hunter barrel will outperform that with 1-1.5" groups. The only bullet weight that has given me decent accuracy is 62-63 gr, but velocity is comparatively slow in a 10" barrel. Maybe I just haven't hit the right powder/bullet combo for lighter bullets in the 10" barrel. I've tried loads that folks report work well in a 14" barrel, but no go in the 10. I imagine it is highly powder dependent, with the excessive blast causing some bullet upsetting as it exits the muzzle.

My favorite Contender hunting barrel is either the 12" 45-70, you just *know* that one is gonna work, or the .357 Maximum with 180gr bullets for out to 150 yards.

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" I said, good DAY! "