6.5 TCU

[tek4260]

A guy at work is trying to sell me a TC in 6.5 TCU. Super 14 bull barrel. Are they good for anything? I have 0 experience with the caliber He wants $300 for it with a set of dies and some brass/bullets. Maybe it could be something I could make a buck or 2 on.

[sixshot]

Took a couple of deer & one bear with the 6.5 TCU, worked great. The .264 bullets are very good in the handguns because they are quite soft until you get up to the 140 gr slugs, anything lighter works very well.

Dick

[AxeHandle]

I found the 6.5 TCU very easy to form cases for. Pretty mild recoil and report. Seems like Hornady dies were pretty reasonable too. I think the 6.5 JDJ using the 225 Winchester case significantly outperforms it and is preferred by hunters. Doesn't mean that the TC fans don't like all the TCUs though. So far as making anything I'd think $300 should be about the end of the $$$s on a used stock barrel with dies.. Better be pretty much as new.. I've paid a little more but for Bullberry barrels and dies that came off the custom list...

[Ken O'Neill]

The 14" 6.5 T/C U is a good small caliber for small critters and deer. If that price is for an entire gun, it's an exceptional deal, and you should buy it. If only the barrel and dies, it's a bit high for my area.

[magman]

Agreed, if that is a complete gun, good deal. Barrels in my area are fetching less than 200 bucks. So 300 for a factory barrel with a little brass and some dies is way outta the ballpark.

[tek4260]

It's for the whole pistol. Sorry I wasn't clear about that. He want's a SKS for some reason. I smell a trade

[AxeHandle]

Whole Pistol? Go for it! ;D ;D ;D

[Lee Martin]

The 6.5 TCU dates back to the early 80's. Neat little round that's easy to form off of 223 brass. 6.5 bullet selection has really improved over the last decade or so too. I'd be all over it for $300.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[brettov]

I agree , $300 for the whole gun is a good deal .

[sixshooter]

I always wanted to try the 6.5 TCU. Brass is cheap and easy to form off of 223. If you nab it give us a range report.

[zeus]

What ever happened with this one Tek? You could have JD ream the barrel to 6.5 JDJ for about 95 bucks and have one heck of a deer gun for $400 total not including some dies and brass of course. GS

[AxeHandle]

I've spent the last little while playing with Gary Reeder's 405 Winchester based wildcats. Wanted a 6.5 real bad but I asked for one about 15 years to late. From what I understand Gary offered a 405 based 6.5 but never had a single order. I'll continue to be happy with the 6.5 TCU and 6.5 BR in my TCs.

I actually traded for a 378 GNR, 338 GNR, and a 280 GNR up front. Bought the 310 GNR die set to get the size die to assist in going from 338 to 280. A size die can be had alone but I recognized my weakness for "sets" and knew that I'd have a 310 GNR barrel soon.. Enjoy these things so much that I just had my FFL order me three more Encore frames.. Did I tell you guys about what a slick action job Gary does on an Encore? Meet me at the range.. Let's shoot them!

[Dennis]

I’ve used the 7 TCU in a 14 inch Contender extensively....great gun/cartridge. I can only think the 6.5 would be as good or better.

Great price!

BUY IT!

Dennis.

[Lee Martin]

Anyone know what twist rate TC used on their 6.5's?

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[AxeHandle]

I'll check mine if we don't get the number from someone else.... Off the cuff I'd expect them to be realtively fast since they were developed for the Metallic Silhouette crowd.. Those lighter bullets are kewl for varmints but not the best for long range steel...