T/C Contender .357 Max - advice

[725]

An open question to y'all: I'm looking for a .357 Max barrel for a T/C Contender youth rifle. What should I be looking for in the way of features, rate of twist for 180 to 215 gr boolits and what should I be looking for as far as how the chamber is cut? Who provides good barrels. I suspect the barrel length should be in the area of 16" to 18"'s or so. Appreciate your thoughts and advice.

[TCLouis]

If you can not find a Contender, look seriously at one of the Handi Rifles in 357 Mag and ream it out. Encore also, but barrel alone would cost what a complete Handi would. Custom Contender barrel will be pricey too if Ed or someone on the web does not have one at bargain basement price.

I have only shot pistol length barrels but 180s at 1750 fps out of 10" tube gives one a hint what could be expected with 18 - 20" tube.

[ubetcha]

To get a good idea on the T/C's in 357 Max, I recommend going to Mike Bellm's web site. I believe it's www.bellmtc.com (http://www.bellmtc.com). The 357max is his favorite caliber and a lot of info there for it

[218bee]

I have an older Contender with a 14" barrel in 357Maximum.
Its my go to handgun for Illinois deer and quite accurate.
22grs of 296 and 180gr Hornady I chrono'd at 1800fps
Last deer I shot, my aim was a little off and hit the shoulder instead of right behind it, but ended up breaking BOTH shoulders! Couldn't believe the penetration.
I would think in a small rifle would be an excellent caliber. Easy to load and easy recoil.

[725]

Went to the Bellm site. Lots of good info, especially about the configuration of the chamber / throat variations. Have emailed them and am awaiting a reply. In the mean time, in the spirit of shopping around, does anybody have any other Contender barrel makers they can recommend? Would like to put together a really nice little rifle for somebody special.

[str8wal]

does anybody have any other Contender barrel makers they can recommend

Match Grade Machine

[Hickory]

An open question to y'all: I'm looking for a .357 Max barrel for a T/C Contender youth rifle. What should I be looking for in the way of features, rate of twist for 180 to 215 gr boolits and what should I be looking for as far as how the chamber is cut? Who provides good barrels. I suspect the barrel length should be in the area of 16" to 18"'s or so. Appreciate your thoughts and advice.

Try this link.
http://www.eabco.com/cntndr01.html

[kopperl]

Fer shure on Match Grade barrels! Got a 22" 7.62x25 and a 20" 357.

[Shooter6br]

Then 357 mag can be loaded near 357 max loads since most Contenders have load throats. Look for info on internet

[725]

OK. I sent an inquiry to MGM to see what they can do. Also sent an inquiry to Bellm but so far no response.

[wlc]

I've got a MGM barrel on my Encore in 357Max. 12 twist and it shoots 250-300gr cast well. Fun gun.

[kenyerian]

Call Ed's contenders http://www.edstc.com/contact.html He might have one in stock.

[quilbilly]

I have a Contender carbine in 357 max. and have found it to be very versatile. As a plinking small game rifle, I use the Lee 150 gr RNPB with Unique at 1250 FPS at the muzzle and it is very accurate out to 125 yards with my iron sights. Recoil is very pleasant. As a light bear rifle for smaller bears at ranges under 100 yards, heavier gas checked SWC boolits at 1850 FPS with 2400 powder have nearly the same point of aim as the plinker. Above that velocity with the heavier boolits, the light weight carbine vibrates unpleasantly under the recoil.

[clum553946]

Went to the Bellm site. Lots of good info, especially about the configuration of the chamber / throat variations. Have emailed them and am awaiting a reply. In the mean time, in the spirit of shopping around, does anybody have any other Contender barrel makers they can recommend? Would like to put together a really nice little rifle for somebody special.

I had Bellm rechamber a 357 mag barrel to max for me. The work is impeccable & the accuracy is great. Haven't shot it much yet, but will put a scope on it & wring it out this spring!

[Rick Hodges]

Bullberry makes excellent Contender barrels. Very pricey these days. I have a carbine semi-bull barrel from him in 7x30 Waters that is a pure pleasure. He does great work.

[Beerd]

125487
handy little setup.
18" Barrel by Bellm.
TC (Ryolite ?) stock.
Williams sights.

[glockky]

125499

I had MGM make me a 18" 357 max barrel last year and it has worked great for me. I really love this cartridge and the short rifle really shined in the treestand this winter. It was just so easy to handle.

[725]

I'm getting all excited about this project. Both Beerd & glocky's photos are what I'm after. Short, light & handy. Thanks to all for the information. Keep 'em comin'. Gotta check out bullberry.

[wlc]

125499

I had MGM make me a 18" 357 max barrel last year and it has worked great for me. I really love this cartridge and the short rifle really shined in the treestand this winter. It was just so easy to handle.

My set-up is almost identical. My barrel is 16.25 where yours is 18. Nice short and light package with a lot of thump. Mine is set-up for suppressor use with heavy weight cast bullets of 250 and 300 gr. That is a LOT of fun. The Max is a very versatile chambering. 38's, 357 mags and 357 max all in one gun. What is not to like.....

[725]

What velocities are you guys getting, vis-a-vis, your various bullet weights? Which moulds are you using?

[Beerd]

180 grain WFN copy of the Glen Larson design.
right about 2,000 ft/sec with IMR4227.
..

[wlc]

For my heavy weights of 250 and 300 gr I use a custom mold that Tom at Accurate made for me. The mold is down in my shop and I can't remember the designation for the two bullets it casts off the top of my head. It is a four cavity that throws two of the 250 and two of the 300 grainers. I usually cast a pot full with that mold then sort them out when they cool off. I only load those to +-1000fps as I shoot them through a suppressor for quiet fun. I also shoot 38's through it using the Lee 158RF bullet. Those are Hollywood quiet but not as accurate as using Max brass and the heavy bullets. There are no published loads for bullets that heavy in the max, but I use w231 and Am Select for the 250's and mostly 'Lil Gun for the 300's. I do have quickload and that helps a lot. I got my original starting info from a member on another forum.

[glockky]

I get just under 2100fps with alliant 300MP using the NOE 360-180 WFN GC.

The NOE copy of the RCBS 35-200 HP which weighs right at 211gr checked and lubed runs right at 1900fps using 300MP powder.

I cant get my hands on any AA1680 to try but I have to highly recommend the 300MP. There is not any load data for 357 maximum on Alliant's website but if you do a search here you can find a good starting point to work up from. Banned member 357 Maximum has given out some good info on it, and I am pretty sure Babore uses it too.

I have quite a bit of 296win but never could get good accuracy with it.
My Dad has the identical rifle as mine and he uses IMR 4198 with the 35-200 HP. Velocity is not great usually around 1750fps but accuracy was really good.

[725]

Thanks, guys. Keep 'em coming!

[39duck]

I know this is my first post but I had to chime in. Here is my pistol in 357 max. It's an Encore with an MGM barrel and a Bellm chamber and custom wood by Tony's Forends and Grips. Love it so far and I've just started shooting it yesterday-fun!
http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah314/Mike_Pritchard/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/20150115_141503_zpsdyojkwc7.jpg (http://s1383.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Pritchard/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/20150115_141503_zpsdyojkwc7.jpg.html)

[ballistim]

I know this is my first post but I had to chime in. Here is my pistol in 357 max. It's an Encore with an MGM barrel and a Bellm chamber and custom wood by Tony's Forends and Grips. Love it so far and I've just started shooting it yesterday-fun!
http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah314/Mike_Pritchard/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/20150115_141503_zpsdyojkwc7.jpg (http://s1383.photobucket.com/user/Mike_Pritchard/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-01/20150115_141503_zpsdyojkwc7.jpg.html)

That's a beauty! Mine is just a Pachmayr gripped Contender with a 12" 357 barrel re chambered to .357 Maximum by Mike Bellm. I love it!

[39duck]

Thanks Ballistim, pretty happy with the way it turned out!

[ballistim]

To get a good idea on the T/C's in 357 Max, I recommend going to Mike Bellm's web site. I believe it's www.bellmtc.com (http://www.bellmtc.com). The 357max is his favorite caliber and a lot of info there for it

Anyone interested in a .357 Maximum really should check this out, great information on Mike's chambering of the .357 Maximum and why to avoid a factory chambered .357 Maximum. I bought a new 12" barrel in .357 Magnum that Mike rechambered for me to .357 Maximum and it was really a good decision, shoots great.

[rockrat]

I use AA1680 if I have to, but still have some WW680 that I use in my 357max with the over 200gr boolits. 158gr @2500, 200gr@2200+, even 260gr "hammer boolits"@1930fps (260gr@1930fps). Best boolit has been the 360-235 "Thor" HM2 boolit as far as group size at just over 2100fps. I use 2400 with 200gr and lighter boolits.

357max is great in a rifle. 20" barrel on mine.

[39duck]

I've been out 2 times this week breaking in the bore with some jacketed bullets but it is really a very modest recoil for what your getting with it. I'm really liking shooting it. Normally I'd wait for warmer weather but I couldn't on this one!

[ballistim]

I've been out 2 times this week breaking in the bore with some jacketed bullets but it is really a very modest recoil for what your getting with it. I'm really liking shooting it. Normally I'd wait for warmer weather but I couldn't on this one!

Don't blame you!

[725]

Don't blame him either. What a beauty! This defiantly going happen for me. It's just a matter of time. Had a few "deals" I couldn't pass and some unexpected daughter related expenses. Just postponed my plans a little. It'll be a spring project, now. Can't wait.

[39duck]

If I didn't live in Illinois and could use a rifle for hunting it would for sure be in a rifle for me. This is as close as I can get to a rifle for deer hunting besides my muzzleloader in this communist state!

[hornady308]

I have a standard TC factory 10" barrel. I own/have owned more than 30 Contender and Encore barrels, and this is one of the most accurate. My hunting load is 19.2gr AA1680 with the Ranch Dog 359-190 bullet. 128305

[725]

hornady038
That's some might fine shootin'. I just know this chambering has such great potential. Can't wait to get it going.

[45-70 Chevroner]

Phone # for MGM, Match Grade Machine, 1-435-628-0071, Very nice people. I am waiting for a 44 barrel I ordered from them.

[nanuk]

most guys on the Handi forum say 16" is best for length, as you gain nothing with longer barrels.

do NOT get the chamber cut with a Revolver throat style reamer. ask for a rifle throat.

[nhmikel]

Got lucky this weekend..picked up a Contender 357 max 14"....Should i get rid of my 10" or keep it?

[ubetcha]

Got lucky this weekend..picked up a Contender 357 max 14"....Should i get rid of my 10" or keep it?

Keep it. Some people have reported that that the 10" will shoot as good as anything else.