Contender

**Catfire** · July 14th, 2012, 10:24 PM

Looking for some start up loads for .223 contender...14" barrel 1 in 12 twist....52-55 gr.....varget powder ( I use it for AR)

**Grizz2720** · July 15th, 2012, 12:44 PM

Just curious whats a 223 contender barrel cost? I have a contender with a 22 barrel and I am looking for more barrels.

**Catfire** · July 17th, 2012, 12:19 AM

I paid $270...tax & all...son got good advice from both sources..

**Pizza Bob** · July 17th, 2012, 08:54 AM

Can't help you with load data, but isn't 1:12 a little slow for 52 gr - 55 gr bullets. I've always thought of 1:12 as a varmint bullet weight twist - 35 gr to 45 gr. Each gun is different, so it may work out well for you. Good luck.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

**tenbender** · October 10th, 2012, 06:33 PM

1:12 is fine for any 22 centerfire up to a 62 gr. bullet.

**tenbender** · October 10th, 2012, 06:38 PM

I have one with a 3X12 burris and fancy Bull Berry walnut grip and forearm. . You will be happy with it. I shoot 50gr Speer and Barns bullets. 3" high at 100 puts it back on zero at 275.

**DucatiRon** · October 10th, 2012, 06:50 PM

While I do not use Varget for my AR personally I would start out just buy using the AR loads in the Contender first. Varget is a bit slow and I might choose a faster burning powder for that particular barrel. It all depends on how accurate you want it. Nice part with the Contender you can play with OAL while you are quite limited in the AR. If you loads work good in you AR assuming your running a 16" barrel they will most likely be just as good in the 14" minus a few FPS.

**Pete D.** · October 11th, 2012, 07:25 AM

Loads. You will probably find that loads that are accurate in a rifle are also accurate in the Contender.
Just start with the load that you use in your AR.
Pete