Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: Antlershed on May 22, 2008, 07:08:18 PM

Title: Barrel Length
Post by: Antlershed on May 22, 2008, 07:08:18 PM: I've been looking at a T/C Black Diamond for Elk hunting, and they offer one in a package but it has a 22" barrel. What are the pros/cons of a 22" vs 26" barrel?
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: bobcat on May 23, 2008, 10:03:59 AM: Longer barrel you have the longer sighting plane which helps with accuracy when using open sights, and you'll get slightly more velocity. But the 22 inch will be just fine. If it's the right price and you like the way it feels, get it.
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: Antlershed on May 23, 2008, 02:40:48 PM: It is Mossy Oak with black barrel. I can get the kit with the 22" barrel and the other goodies for $225 or I can get just the muzzleloader with the 26" barrel for about $240.
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: CP on May 23, 2008, 02:58:45 PM: The 26" T/C is what they call their XR - extended range verision. They claim it will take a higher charge and give a 200 ft/sec advantage over the 22.5"
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: CP on May 23, 2008, 03:03:56 PM: Both of those are good deals. Where did you find them?
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: Curly on May 23, 2008, 03:15:41 PM: Maybe the XR version can handle a larger charge, but you will likely end up with a equal load with either version to get acceptable accuracy. (Probably around 100 grains of 777) In my experience, adding more powder just opened up the groups and make it too innacurate for hunting. And I really doubt you would see a 200 fps advantage with accurate loads.

You might find that the shorter barrel one would be more enjoyable to pack around all day and with open sights, no 209 primers, all lead bullet, etc. you would likely be limited to about 120 yards max with either the XR or the 22.5" barrel.
:twocents:
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: actionshooter on May 23, 2008, 06:03:33 PM: Quote from: Curly on May 23, 2008, 03:15:41 PM
Maybe the XR version can handle a larger charge, but you will likely end up with a equal load with either version to get acceptable accuracy. (Probably around 100 grains of 777) In my experience, adding more powder just opened up the groups and make it too innacurate for hunting. And I really doubt you would see a 200 fps advantage with accurate loads.

You might find that the shorter barrel one would be more enjoyable to pack around all day and with open sights, no 209 primers, all lead bullet, etc. you would likely be limited to about 120 yards max with either the XR or the 22.5" barrel.
:twocents:

I agree, the biggest advantage with the longer barrel is the sight radius.
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: Antlershed on May 23, 2008, 10:04:10 PM: Quote from: CP on May 23, 2008, 03:03:56 PM
Both of those are good deals. Where did you find them?
Work, so that has my discount figured in.

Thanks for all the advice.
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: Intruder on October 01, 2008, 03:16:17 PM: Has anyone seen these for sale lately. I thought they were discontinued? I'd like to pick 1 since they allow you to be legal in WA and ID. That's still the case.... isn't it?
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: Antlershed on October 01, 2008, 05:45:46 PM: Quote from: Intruder on October 01, 2008, 03:16:17 PM
Has anyone seen these for sale lately. I thought they were discontinued? I'd like to pick 1 since they allow you to be legal in WA and ID. That's still the case.... isn't it?

The Black Diamond? Check Joe's. When I started this thread, I was working at the Northgate location, and we had one then. Can't imagine they sold it since it wasn't even out on display.
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: rasbo on October 01, 2008, 06:29:21 PM: I bought mine at sportco,22inch blackdiamond has been great.
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: Buckblaster on October 03, 2008, 12:23:16 PM: Clarks All Sports in Colville has some. At least they did a week ago.
Title: Re: Barrel Length
Post by: shag on October 03, 2008, 08:05:45 PM: See if you can find a TC Firehawk in the ss/walnut version!!!!!!!!!! I love mine!! No breech plug!!!! Use 777!!! Best shooter I've ever owned!! :)