Thompson center Contender following

[Bloodhound689]

How many of you ever hear anyone really talking about Contenders anymore? I remember as a kid there was always tables completely full of barrels and parts at gun shows. My Dad had one growing up but sold it. Since then I have never seen one on the range nor heard any of my gun hoarding friends even mention them.

I just picked up two from a gentlemen on a trade and took my son out this last weekend to shoot them and had a blast. One range visit and we are both hooked. If he continues to show interest I will probably end up giving one of them to him.

I am curious what everyone's favorite barrel is and why? I don't have any spare Barrels (yet) but I am thinking about a MGM in .277 Wolverine.

[Minerat]

I have a 14 inch stainless first generation in .223. It's fun to shoot but not very practical for hunting so does not get shot much. I haven't found a good source of barrels for it but then haven't looked very hard. Haven't seen a caliber that interests me either. Maybe 32 Fed. mag??

[Czech_too]

32-20 is my favorite. Gone from a mild 115 grain cast up to a 150 grain jacketed.

[dannyd]

I love mine: one frame as over 30,000 rounds on it. 30/20 and 357 magnum mostly

[JimB..]

3 frames and 10 or 12 barrels. I see maybe one barrel a year at shows.

[PHyrbird]

You Guys!!
Gotta have a 223, way more accurate than the ar. Then there is 35 Remington, good for anything out to about 150y. Just remember to pad your elbow on the bench!!(OOW) Of course the 45 WinMag will take your first deer at 41 paces like a champ. To stretch the range a 7mm-Waters is very versatile. Just wish I could find a 45-410 Super 14 somewhere. All I see are too expensive.

[rockrat]

Like my contender. Turned it into a 24" barreled 45 acp. Great trigger.

[swamp]

My latest favorite is an MGM barrel. 16.5 in 7.62x39. Makes a very handy carbine. Only gets cast in it.
swamp

[Walks]

Been shooting mine almost 40yrs.
Just LOVE that 10" .357Maximum bbl, with an old Tasco Red Dot.

[Bmp4510]

I have a SS Encore, with MGM 45-70 24” barrel and a MGM 6.5 Grendel with a 21” barrel. I use the Grendel as a lightweight, easy kicking , long range (relatively) hunting rifle. It has met all the above criteria.

The 45-70 was purchase as an experimental project. I was looking for the quietest non silenced center fire rifle that would take pigs and deer. After reading several articles on the subject, I began loading the 45-70 with 500 grain cast bullets running about 700-750 FPS. It has a rainbow trajectory, but the power to drop deer/elk/hogs at 75 yards or less. It’s been fun to play with. Although full lever action loads are not fun to shoot at all.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[midnight_f150]

Wife has a bullberry 22" 30-30ai barrel with a custom bullberry stock set and a 22" MGM 45cal muzzleloader barrel with a house of arm junior thumbhole stock set. Will be ordering her either a MGM 16.5" or 18" 44mag around end of may. The contender with the house of arms junior stock set fits her like a dream. She loves them.

[smithnframe]

I have a 10 inch barrel 44 magnum, a 14 inch barrel 22 hornet and a 10 inch barrel 45/70!

[JimB..]

I just added the 357max barrel, haven’t shot it yet. Very much avoiding the 45/70 barrels, you guys are nuts!

Anyone have suggestions for getting a couple barrels threaded? Have spare bull barrels in 357mag and 22lr for that purpose, and just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Right now a 14" 22 LR had a 14" 223 but way too loud for me had a 357 MaX but sold it when you could not find any brass for it
replaced it with a 10" round barrel 44 mag and have not looked back

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I just added the 357max barrel, haven’t shot it yet. Very much avoiding the 45/70 barrels, you guys are nuts!

Anyone have suggestions for getting a couple barrels threaded? Have spare bull barrels in 357mag and 22lr for that purpose, and just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

look over on SP https://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums?s=9066056864&ORIGINAL_REFERRER_URL=http%3A%2F%2Fspecialtypistol s.infopop.cc%2Feve%2Fforums&csra=Y

[DeadWoodDan]

Currently have .41mag and it is my favorite to shoot with. Also have 30-30 and it doesn't see much only due to my various other lever & bolt rifles in that caliber. I will pick up a .357Mag some day as it's been on my list.

[35isit]

If looking for barrels call Ed's T.C.s in Oklahoma City. Look on the various forums for sale pages. I've bought a couple off them. I love mine. I have Three frames and several barrels. Most have rifle scopes on them. .22lr, 25-20 and .357mag are my favorites.

[dale2242]

My 2 favorites: 10" 22 Hornet and 14" 30-30.

[DeadWoodDan]

Just an FYI but No_1 has Contender items in the S&S section. Just thought I would share to help both sides.

[Kylongrifle32]

Started out in 1985 with one frame and a 7-30 Waters and 44 mag both 14" barrels. Then about 5 years ago I decided to start hunting groundhogs exclusive with pistols. I picked up a 10" 22 Hornet and loved it. Then it when crazy from there.
One more frame
17 mach 2 14" pistol and 16" carbine
22 LR 10" threaded
17 Squirrel 13"
17 Hornet 15"
17 Ackley Bee 21"
240 Banshee 14" 22k Hornet necked up
6mm TCU 14" and 21"
6mm PPC 14"
6mm JDJ 14"
256 Win mag 12"
25 Classic 15"
7mmTCU 14"
7mm Raptor
32-20 Win (308 bore)
321 GNR 10"
300 Whisper 10"
45/410 10"
We only have a 16 day firearm season for deer. Now that I spend months out in the field in pursuit of groundhogs and crows l have to say my 6mm TCU pistol barrel and 17 Squirrel are my two favorites but the 7-30 Waters is up there also.

Out of all the people in my hunting circle I am the only one that handgun hunts exclusively. Some carry a revolver and take a deer if they get an opportunity but I spend most of my season behind my 7-30 or 44 mag if I'm in heavy cover.

[1616s16]

I like them all so much shooting fun. I have a 7mm tcu, 44 mag,30 herret and 357 herret. All are 10in round.

[John D]

Started shooting the Contender in '86.
Currently have 2 frames and 14 barrels.
Most are 10" with a few 14" and all are scoped.
I LOVE the Contender!

[Rick Hodges]

I have one Contender, a carbine, with three barrels. The original factory 22 Hornet, a Bullberry 7x30 Waters, and a Virgin Valley (became MGM) 22 LR Match. All are accurate fun to shoot cartridges. The Waters has accounted for more than a few Whitetails.

[panhed65]

I have 3 frames and a bunch of barrels, last one being a 25-20 carbine by MGM. my first one is a 21" stainless factory barrel they sent me for free when I bought a frame and barrel way back. it is accurate enough to be called a liar when you tell how small of groups it gets. whenever you see good barrels for sale, like on here, they are gone in an instant. saw several I would have liked to get, but too late.
Barry

[BMW Rider]

Got my contender in 85, 7mm TCU - that was my introduction to reloading. In hindsight starting with a wildcat was trial by fire, but with my Speer #11 manual, a RCBS JR press, and a little guidance from a local IHMSA guru I got going in the right direction. I just received a fantastic 41 mag barrel from contender85 through the S&S here, I can't wait to shoot it. The contender is alive and well for me.

[tctender]

Have 6 frames ,one for the one carbine 7x30 i have and five for the pistol barrels from 7'' to 15''. Several pistol barrels. from 17hmr to 45-70. Probably 7-8 i have not shot yet.They are addicting and mostly what i hunt with.Most are very accurate. Fun to shoot even with the heavy Kickers.

[rking22]

I’ve been shooting one since 76, first barrel was a 44mad 10 inch octagon. That barrel, and the first generation grip, almost turned me off the gun! Was the most vicious recoiling gun I have shot! Traded that barrel for a 256Win bull barrel and some money! Been in love ever since. Mostly shoot 357 Herrett 14 inch now. Almost threaded my 21 inch LR but decided to leave it and find another to thread. You will wind up like the rest of us, I find barrels I forgot I had on occasion!

[daved63]

My favorite is the 221 Fireball, ten inch bull barrel. It is the most accurate barrel I have. I've had it since the mid 1980's. It out shoots my XP-100 Remingtons on a regular basis.

[wolfwing]

Have:
375 JDJ
30-30 AI
7-30 Waters
6.5 Bower


Had:
414 SuperMag
45-70
7 TCU
6.5 TCU
35 Rem
30 Herret

I find that cases with a rim work best. While I see the merit in a straight walled case (certain states hunting regs), I much prefer a bottleneck case.

[dannyd]

Got my triggers done by JIM ISHMAEL down in Texas about 30 years ago: anyone else ever had him do a trigger job for them.

[Rick B]

Bought my first one in 1976, a 10" octagon 22 Hornet. Owned a number of barrels since. I prefer rimmed cartridges. some of my favorites are 22 Hornet, 32-20, 357 Magnum, 7x30 Waters and 30-30 Winchester. Unfortunately used barrel prices are up considerably right now. S&W who bought TC years ago has done a poor job of producing both frames and barrels. Match Grade Machine (MGM) makes outstanding after market barrels. The Haus of Arms in Colorado has a good selection of aftermarket barrels in stock. Lehigh Defense has been trying to roll out a G1 frame for several years. However with the current state of affairs, new product developement will only suffer. Good to hear about your rediscovery, and how much your Son enjoyed it also.
Rick

[Bloodhound689]

Wow. Didn't expect so many responses. I guess the Contender is still going strong. I have been watching them on gunbroker and they always have bids.

I must admit. Out of all the great calibers that have been mentioned I am now intrigued by the .17 Squirrel. Never heard of it. Now I don't know what caliber is next. Maybe whatever falls at a good deal first

Jimb's 45-70 guys are nuts comment made me laugh. That is what my father had. Never did let me fire it. I was young though. One day maybe

What I would like to see is a bunch of Contender guys/gals get together at the range. Sorta a meet and greet with some range time.

[Bloodhound689]

For those of you that already have 7-30 waters is the 30-30 still worth it? That was the round that drove me to wanting the contender but now that I have the waters it almost seams like not worth getting.

[swamp]

I have both a carbine and handgun in 30-30. They do well for me. Happy with both.
swamp

[Bloodhound689]

Good point Swamp

[McFred]

How many of you ever hear anyone really talking about Contenders anymore?
In the circles I frequent, Contenders were never a hot topic. Though they have a following in some of the rimfire/cast centerfire silhouette matches. Their popularity probably has to do with the fact they're wood-and-steel single shots, and not black, high capacity, semiautomatic. They're not well-suited to the long-range steel game that's popular today too. You won't find them chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor or 6BR.


I am curious what everyone's favorite barrel is and why?
My favorite is a Bullberry pistol caliber carbine barrel. In times like today, it's cheaper to shoot cast 9mm projectiles than rimfire (assuming you're not buying primers for 30¢ apiece), and the rate-of-fire sets a nice pace that won't bankrupt you too quickly.

For deer and hogs and the like you'll find in Texas, Contenders will get the job done, if that's more your objective.

[Bloodhound689]

In the circles I frequent, Contenders were


My favorite is a Bullberry pistol caliber carbine barrel. In times like today, it's cheaper to shoot cast 9mm projectiles than rimfire (assuming you're not buying primers for 30¢ apiece), and the rate-of-fire sets a nice pace that won't bankrupt you too quickly.

For deer and hogs and the like you'll find in Texas, Contenders will get the job done, if that's more your objective.

I have always been more of a semi auto handgun indoor range person. Never really lived near an outdoor range. Except growing up and at that time my Dad and I shot Sporting Clays almost every weekend. So now it's time to learn to shoot a little further out. I find myself more drawn to handguns for this though. Life is good.

[nagantguy]

Played with many flavors of barrels, the two keepers so far have been 7-30 and 357max. Wanted one since I was a kid and a buddies dad had one and a few barrels. Around Christmas about 6 years ago I got a great deal on a one with a 44 mag barrel and a nice case that holds 3 extra barrels and some ammo. That 44 barrel has gone down the road along with some others but I’d love a 17hmr and a 10mm.

[35isit]

Dannyd, I have one of his fine grips.

Bloodhound, Find a IHMSA silhouette match near you. They should start back next month. Everyone there will be shooting some sort of single shot. Most will be Contenders. I see you are in Texas. There are matches in Sweetwater and New Braunfels. Go here: http://www.ihmsa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5029

[Bloodhound689]

Dannyd, I have one of his fine grips.

Bloodhound, Find a IHMSA silhouette match near you. They should start back next month. Everyone there will be shooting some sort of single shot. Most will be Contenders. I see you are in Texas. There are matches in Sweetwater and New Braunfels. Go here: http://www.ihmsa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5029

Thanks for the Information I have been reading about these matches for a couple months. Will be nice to go to a couple

[ShooterAZ]

I have 2 frames and several barrels. I did a lot of Silhouette shooting back in the day when I could still see relatively good. Now most of my barrels wear scopes and are used for informal target shooting and hunting. A few of my barrels will outshoot many rifles I own...Accuracy is the name of the game with the Contender platform. My favorite barrel is the 7x30 Waters, it's a tack driver. My very first time out to the long range Silhouette matches I shot a 36x40 with it. I've also taken many head of big game with it, it's a keeper.

22LR Match 14"
223 Remington 14"
22 Hornet 10"
357 Mag 10"
44 Mag 14"
30-30 Win 12"
7x30 Waters 14"

Had a couple that went down the road:
45-70 Govt
45 Colt/410

[dannyd]

Dannyd, I have one of his fine grips.

Bloodhound, Find a IHMSA silhouette match near you. They should start back next month. Everyone there will be shooting some sort of single shot. Most will be Contenders. I see you are in Texas. There are matches in Sweetwater and New Braunfels. Go here: http://www.ihmsa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=5029


I do miss IHMSA and Hunters Pistol.

[dannyd]

Wow. Didn't expect so many responses. I guess the Contender is still going strong. I have been watching them on gunbroker and they always have bids.

I must admit. Out of all the great calibers that have been mentioned I am now intrigued by the .17 Squirrel. Never heard of it. Now I don't know what caliber is next. Maybe whatever falls at a good deal first

Jimb's 45-70 guys are nuts comment made me laugh. That is what my father had. Never did let me fire it. I was young though. One day maybe

What I would like to see is a bunch of Contender guys/gals get together at the range. Sorta a meet and greet with some range time.


They are fun to shoot and don't take long to find out how good you are.

[daved63]

For those of you that already have 7-30 waters is the 30-30 still worth it? That was the round that drove me to wanting the contender but now that I have the waters it almost seams like not worth getting.

I have 18 barrels of various calibers and lengths including the 7-30 Waters 14 inch and the 30-30 14 inch and 10 inch. I think the 30-30 is still worth having. My first Contender was a 30-30 Super 14 and it is still a good one. I have many more 30 caliber moulds for casting bullets than 7mm. Until recently with the advent of all the great custom mould makers the 7mm was hard to find good cast bullet designs for. With jacketed bullets it's a wash, both shoot them great. There is also the fact that 30-30 ammo and brass is usually easier to find and you don't have to do any case forming or other extra steps when reloading it.

The 10 inch octagonal 30-30 barrel I have is a handful with heavy loads and has terrible muzzle blast, but it is accurate. The 30 Herrett is better suited for the 10 inch barrels.

[dannyd]

When I was deployed this is what I trained with.

277535

[rbuck351]

I only have one frame and three barrels, a 21" 223 a 14" bull in 256W and a very early 44mag octogon. I have made inserts for the 44mag barrel in 22lr and 22H that work very well. I'm not sure which is my favorite as they all are fun but the 256 and the 223 are the ones I use most.

[Rick B]

daved63 post above mirrors my own experiences. I really like my 7x30 Waters 12" Hunter barrel and 30-30 Super 14 barrel. Lyman 49th Reloading Manual and the Sierra 50th Edition Pistol Manuals have large Contender Loading sections. The Lyman has cast and jacketed load data. Shot a fair amount of Big Bore Revolvers over the years. However when it comes to a 10" Octagon 30-30 with full house jacketed loads, thats a whole other animal. That I would avoid. The 30-30 Super 14 is very manageable and very accurate. Fun, is an afternoon shooting steel targets at 100 yards with a 30-30 S14 loaded with 125-150 gain cast loads @ 1200 fps.
Rick
PS I really like my 7x 30 Waters barrel also. The Lyman 287346 is a great shooting bullet.

[Bloodhound689]

Yeah a few weeks ago I was looking at the 10" octagon 30-30 and realized I would prefer the Super 14 so decided to hold off.

As far as which one I like better 7-30 Waters or my 7mm TCU. I think I need to put a better scope on the waters before I decide. TCU is dead on and the waters is all over the place. Now I know I have a lot to do with that and I was fireforming but I have read on here that it's accurate even when fireforming.

[Bloodhound689]

When I was deployed this is what I trained with.

277535

What years were you in? I retired in 2018

[dannyd]

What years were you in? I retired in 2018


I retired in 95.

[mew]

Got my first Contender in 1994. 14 in. 7-30 Waters. I had been a reloader for 20 years at that time. But getting that Contender allowed me to focus on the finite details and the impacts they can have on accuracy and performance. I experimented with many different powders, primers, bullets and brass it was crazy but I learned tons! Techniques and processes I still use today in everything I load. Best teaching tool I ever owned! Then I got a 14 in. 35 Remington ... an awesome caliber for the Contender ... and then a 10 in. 44 Mag. They all wear scopes and are very accurate when fed the right food. The problem .... I don't shoot them much anymore. For some reason I have gravitated to old historical US Military rifles. The latest is a 131 year old M1884 Trap Door Springfield and it is fun learning all of its intricacies. Love a challenge. But ... if I could find a 14 in. 7mm TCU barrel in great shape and not half shot out ..... well, I already have the dies and enough components to use up many hours of range time!!!!

[wolfwing]

For those of you that already have 7-30 waters is the 30-30 still worth it? That was the round that drove me to wanting the contender but now that I have the waters it almost seams like not worth getting.


Yes, worth it. The 7-30 is a 20" carbine, the 30-30 is a 10" that I gave the Ackley Improved treatment to.

[725]

.30 Herrett. Superbly accurate. Fine deer slayer.

[JoeJames]

I bought a used 10" 44 Magnum Contender barrel from a buddy of mine a couple of weeks ago. Course it was the start of arctic weather here in Arkansas; so I have not been able to try out any of my pet 44 Special or 44 Magnum loads in it. My Ruger revolvers, GP100 and Ruger BH like .430 Speer swaged 240 grain swc's and air quenched LEE 430 240 swc's sitting on 6.8 grains of Unique. My Rossi R92 likes 44 Magnum loads with .431 240 grain Oregon Trail laser cast swc's sitting on 7 grains of Unique.
Any opinions on which load to start with when it finally gets about freezing?

[Bloodhound689]

I bought a used 10" 44 Magnum Contender barrel from a buddy of mine a couple of weeks ago. Course it was the start of arctic weather here in Arkansas; so I have not been able to try out any of my pet 44 Special or 44 Magnum loads in it. My Ruger revolvers, GP100 and Ruger BH like .430 Speer swaged 240 grain swc's and air quenched LEE 430 240 swc's sitting on 6.8 grains of Unique. My Rossi R92 likes 44 Magnum loads with .431 240 grain Oregon Trail laser cast swc's sitting on 7 grains of Unique.
Any opinions on which load to start with when it finally gets about freezing?

I just started loading 44 as well. Picked me up a Super Redhawk so I'm also interested in everyone's favorite loads. Found a good deal on some Speer 240g cast bullets a month or two ago. Haven't touched them since getting the Contenders

[mattw]

I have a 23" 17 HMR, a 10" 41 mag and somewhere a 10" 357. I would like to get an 18" 357 mag, an 18"41 mag and about a 21" 30/30 at some point.

[TCFAN]

I have been shooting contenders for a long time. I have only 2 of the original frames and 10 pistol barrels in 9 different calibers.My favorite 3 calibers are a 14 inch 22LR with a match chamber scoped with a 12X rifle scope and a 10 inch 30/20 and a 10 inch 22 hornet. All my barrels wear scopes and I enjoy them all.

[tward]

The platform is far from dead, just not in the forefront. I’ve got 3 frames . A G1 blued,a blued G2 and a SS G2. As far as barrels
1. 22 lr Octogon 10 inch
2. 22 lr Match 10 inch
3. 22 Hornet Octogon
4. 221 fireball Octogon
5. 222 Remington Octogon
6. 223 Remington rifle
7. 256 Winchester magnum
8. 6.5 tcu
9. 30-30 Winchester rifle
10. 32-20 Winchester
11. 357 magnum
12. 357 maximum
13. 44 magnum
14. 45 colt/410 shotgun
They are a little addictive, but great fun and super accurate.
Tim

[green mountain boy]

i bought a 14in 41 mag when they were new, since have added a 10in 44mag,a 10in 30-30, a 14in 357 herrett. the 14in 41 mag is scoped and deadly on deer.

[Shawlerbrook]

Very active group of Contender lovers over on Graybeard forum. I still have a G1 handgun with a 10” 22 Hornet barrel. My G2 carbine has 7x30 Waters, 6.8 SPC and a 16” 22 Hornet barrel. The Waters does make the 30 30 redundant. My Hornets put slugs in one big ragged hole at 100 yards.

[P Flados]

I got my used contender with a 357 mag barrel in 1975 or so while I was still in high school.

I now have 2 frames, a number of barrels that do not get much action and my current regular shooters:

7.375" Stub tube 30 ACP (a.k.a my pop gun, shoots great with a BLL coated 55 gr nlg over 1.7 gr Titegroup for 890 fps)
7 TCU 10" (my newest, for IHMSA standing & production)
30 Herrett 14" (IHMSA unlimited)
357 mag (8.5" octagon to end of rifling, has a hot shot choke I never use)

The 357 barrel shoots good with any 38 or 357 load I feed it and does not accumulate any leading with loads that cause leading in my other guns. I use it a lot for standing practice while "burning up" ammo that I decide not to shoot in other guns.

[P Flados]

My Hornets put slugs in one big ragged hole at 100 yards.

How many 22 slugs does it take to make a single big ragged hole :p

[Brassmonkey]

I keep bugging my friend to bring his contender collection to our range days, really want to try out the 7mm-08. He has two frames and a dozen or so barrels.

[Shawlerbrook]

Not sure the Contender frame is up to 7mm08 pressures. Might be a 7x30 or 7 TCU.

[nhithaca]

Will try and list the barrels from memory:
Just got a factory 22 K-Hornet 10" octagon w/ sights
Also just ordered a 6.5 TCU 14" bull with sights; thinking about rechambering to 6.5 Jap and having an extension added to make it 16"+
Others:
17 Ackley Bee factory 12" octagon TCA special w/ sights
5mm Rem 10" octagon w/ sights (with plenty of Mex ammo)
22 LR 10" bull w/ sights
22 Mag 10" w/ sights
22 Mag 12" bare octagon TCA special
22 Hornet 10" w/ sights octagon
22 Hornet 10" bare octagon
256 Win Mag 10" w/ sights octagon
25-35 Win 10" octagon w/ sights
30 Herrett 10" tapered bull bare
30 Carbine 10" w/ sights octagon
32 H&R 10" w/ sights bull
357 mag 10" w/ sights octagon
357 mag 10" bare octagon
357 Max 10" bull bare MGM barrel
44 mag 10" w/ external choke octagon w/ sights
45 Colt 10" octagon w/ sights not cut for 410
45/410 10" octagon w/ sights w/ external choke
45 Win Mag 10" bull w/ sights
And two mid serial range easy open frames

Just plain too many!
But...would like a 10" 10mm and a 10" 375 Supermag.

[megasupermagnum]

As you can see, they are far from gone. I do think it very strange TC still makes them. The reason you don't see them as often is that TC came out with the Encore in 1998ish, which made the Contender obsolete.

I had shot Contenders before, but most of my experience was with Encores. I bought my first Contender last year thinking they were a smaller frame, with better triggers, and that it would be a cool little single shot pistol. Nope. They are ever so slightly smaller than the encore, and a lot tighter in the grip, where you don't want it. The weight difference is basically nil. The trigger was the big surprise. I had a very early model, that was renowned for a great trigger. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but even after adjusting it as light as it goes, it was only mediocre. You can buy an Encore frame with a trigger job from EABCO that will blow the socks off any Contender. Maybe in the past the Contender had an advantage with rimfires, but that is no longer the case. Speaking of which, Contenders have the goofiest safety's, which is the #1 reason I sold mine. I would never hunt with a Contender. Besides the goony cross bolt safety (also don't forget if you are on centerfire or rimfire), if you let the hammer down, you have to open the action to re cock it. The other big problem is I can't get a two hand grip on a Contender pistol. Some with tiny hands can, but most people have to go to some kind of strange grip to shoot them. As a rifle, it would not matter. The Encore has the grip stud set back farther, so you can get two hands on them.

So that's my experience with them, and my opinion on why you don't hear about them any more.

[eastbank]

i have a contender rifle(G2) in .375 JDJ with a 24" barrel and it,s quite a step up from the its short barreled brother. i,m shooting 50 grs of H-4895 with a 220 gr hornady at 2300+fps, i,m going to see if i can get 2500 fps with the 225 gr btsp and at that speed it will carry 900+ fpe at 500 yards. i shot a doe with it this year at 90 yards and it dropped in its tracks.277755277756277757

[pertnear]

I really got into the T/C Contender in the early '70s. I've owned & traded off at least a dozen different calibers over the years. I remember shopping in the "Shotgun News" & you could buy the less popular barrels for about $60 brand new. I remember buying a .22 magnum barrel for about that price. The Contender was touted as a hunting handgun, at which it excelled. I had a 10" scoped bull barrel .30-30 with a 1" tube Redfield in mounts that would shoot 1-1/2" at 100 yards off the bench. The recoil was so bad I had to add Hogue grips to tame it some. I managed to shoot a couple of deer & a turkey with it. I really liked the 10" .22 hornet barrel I had but like a dummy I sold it. Finally I rigged out the contender as a carbine in 7x30 Waters & I came to the conclusion that the carbine set-up was the best use of the frame. I eventually I became disenchanted with the Contender & all the barrels. I sold everything off except I kept the frame & one 10" Bull .22 LR barrel. Over the years the available barrels kept getting longer, heavier & in more rifle calibers for the "Handgun Contender". I kept asking myself, "How can a 14" scoped handgun in a rifle caliber still claim its handgun status". There are even some holsters you can carry one in strapped to the front of your chest. I enjoyed the journey, but I moved on to other rifle single shots. A fascinating gun & an interesting following by shooters!

[dannyd]

To better days
277772

[Murphy]

I picked up my first Contender back in the mid 90's. I had decided on a 22 Hornet as my first barrel. I can't remember the exact barrel length, but it sure was a shooter. Then I discovered the brass life 22 Hornet seemed short lived with full power loads. I sold it off and over the course of the 6-8 months, I tried the 357 Herrett without much luck. Probably due to my lack of experience with the loading the cartridge. I had also picked up a 14" Match Target in .22 Long Rifle, I already knew I'd be shooting it a lot. The accuracy of the .22 LR left me speechless. One hole 10 shot groups at 50 yards from a bench rest we not uncommon. I finally decided to go after whitetail with it. I decided on the 7-30 Waters. Another winner for me. After taking a few deer with it, I decided it was time to move on in my shooting experiences. I also wish I'd never parted with that setup.

Murphy

[Tar Heel]

Of all of mine, I think the .32-20 is my favorite. Here is a video of my sod-poodle load.

https://youtu.be/fnMYWyEssiw

[dannyd]

Of all of mine, I think the .32-20 is my favorite. Here is a video of my sod-poodle load.

https://youtu.be/fnMYWyEssiw


One of my 32/20 barrel has 20,880 rounds threw it. Great Round :)

[Tar Heel]

One of my 32/20 barrel has 20,880 rounds threw it. Great Round :)

You have a smoothbore by now! :-)

[dannyd]

You have a smoothbore by now! :-)


I have a 6 1/2 inch 32/20 that is real fun to shoot.

[TCLouis]

Tar Heel
That 32-20 has more recoil than I would have expected.
A barrel I always said I wanted, but never sought hard enough to get one.
I would have hoped for a tight one and use .308 bullets and most likely boolits.

[Texas by God]

I've never owned one, but my brothers Contender .223 and my friends 7mm TCU were fun to shoot; my other friends 10" octagon 30-30 with 170 gr factory loads- was not. But they were all accurate, just not quite as accurate as my ugly XP-100 .221 Fire Ball.


Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Iowa Fox]

The XP's are incredible. They were also on the scene before the first Contender hit the street.

[dannyd]

Tar Heel
That 32-20 has more recoil than I would have expected.
A barrel I always said I wanted, but never sought hard enough to get one.
I would have hoped for a tight one and use .308 bullets and most likely boolits.

it's a 30/20 and Redding made dies for it. I have a set and use 308 bullets from 115 to 165.

[nhithaca]

To the best of my limited knowledge, all the 32-20 and 32 H&R TC factory barrels were chambered on 0.308" barrels. Have shot many 32 S&W Longs w/ 0.312-4" bullets through my 32 H&R barrel with no ill effects, just good groups. Like shooting a 22LR but a little more boom.

[Elmer Fudd]

My fave is a 14" MGM 17 Hornet Contender, threaded with an HTG Aris on it. I use it on an SBR lower, so I'm pleasing the crown.
My other favorite is an SSK converted to 358 JDJ 14". Took a pronghorn last fall that I wrote about on here. It is a little more than a 17 Hornet in every way, so I shoot it a little less.
Also use 8" 357 Mag,10" sighted 22lr (which is silly accurate), 14" 223, 44, 7TCU and 30/30. Still fiddling with cast loads in the TCU and 30/30. The 44 is an absolute monster, even compared to the JDJ. 14" is less snappy than the 10", but I don't own a 10" anymore.
In an Encore, I mostly use a 22" 243, but also run 15" and 26" 25-06. Sold off the 17 Hornet from MGM and the 20" cut and threaded 375 JDJ factory barrel. I am enamored with the JDJ line, but was ill prepared and a tad disappointed with a doe WT kill with the 270 Hornady spire point; she ran a lot farther than she should have. I know things happen, but I wish I had used a softer bullet, and a cast one at that, even at lower velocity. Live and learn, I suppose. Now the NOE 360-232 FN from the 358JDJ? Wow. That's the results that made the JDJ line based on the 444 noteworthy.

[eastbank]

i found the .375 JDJ with 270 gr bullets just to tough for deer size animals, i have used the hornady 220 gr fn bullet and at 2300 fps it,s been certain death to them. its been one of the easyist wild cats to load for, lube and run a .444 marlin case into the size die and load a full load to shoot. no other steps needed.

[tctender]

I wish hornady would go back to making the 225 sp and the 220 for the 375. I recently bought a 375 jdj barrel. I already had 375 win but always used 200 sierra in it.There are several good calibers in the contenders.

[flint45]

I have one with .223 , .357 Herret , .30 wcf. Don’t shoot it much because I can’t get it to work right won’t cock no matter what I try .

[eastbank]

take it to a gunsmith, it may be some thing minor that can be fixed easy.

[cheese1566]

I wanted one for many years. Always was a pistol guy and never impressed by those gentlemen who shoot a rifle 100yds. Now shoot a pistol over 100 yds and you start to get in to something special.

A few years back, I bought a neglected frame from a member here. Rusty and side pitted, the internals were fine. It received a fine inspection and a coat of Cerakote. All my barrels are Super 14’s and prefer to topped with older Burris glass.

44mag
7mm TCU
7-30 Waters
221 Falcon

[Tar Heel]

Tar Heel
That 32-20 has more recoil than I would have expected.
A barrel I always said I wanted, but never sought hard enough to get one.
I would have hoped for a tight one and use .308 bullets and most likely boolits.

That load, with the 110gr Speer HP and a healthy dose of H110 is possible in the T/C. All T/C barrels had a .308 groove-to-groove dimension by design. When released to the public in the last millennium, the 32-20 was in its forgotten and all but dead phase. T/C knew the lead .311 bullets would work well in a 308 bore but to make the cartridge viable, they made it with a .308 bore to take advantage of the cornucopia of .308 bullets on the market as well as shoot factory lead ammo if one had some. Of course bullet casters are a resourceful lot. I shoot the JHP "varmint" bullets or a lead bullet from Accurate Molds. I use the 31120B mold (https://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=31-120B) for my lead bullets. I shoot them at respectable velocities from the T/C and they are dead on accurate. I size to .311 on the lead bullets.

Finding the .32-20 barrels is now a matter of luck. I bought mine decades ago in the late 80's when T/C still made them. It was one of my first barrels.

It is in fact a .32-20. As mentioned, T/C made their barrels with .308 bores (actually groove to groove is .308). The chamber is pure .32-20. Any 32-20 reloading die set will work. It is not a wildcat.

[Tar Heel]

I have one with .223 , .357 Herret , .30 wcf. Don’t shoot it much because I can’t get it to work right won’t cock no matter what I try .

Try this. https://youtu.be/qEgAOKpSdkM

[Bmp4510]

Try this. https://youtu.be/qEgAOKpSdkM

Thank you for that Tar Heel. Mine only has the one washer, and is finicky about cocking the hammer back. I’ll try the videos recommended two washer trick.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Rick459]

I only have 1 barrel now and it is chambered for the 6.5 carcano. I used a old rusted out 7 tcu barrel that I had laying around and used it as a stub with a 6.5 shieln barrel that was gathering dust. to my surprise this turned out really well. just shooting cast out of it for now. the barrel is 12 1/4" long.278011

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Shawlerbrook]

Had the same thing happens when I put a new stock on. Turns out if the stock bolt is too long they won’t cock. A washer or two under the bolt head and it works like a charm. Don’t know if that’s the problem but worth a try.



I have one with .223 , .357 Herret , .30 wcf. Don’t shoot it much because I can’t get it to work right won’t cock no matter what I try .

[dk17hmr]

I have a 7-30 waters, 20 tactical, and 218 bee barrel for my contender. Im always looking for more and have had several other barrels. I regret letting my 375 Winchester carbine barrel go the rest were fun to play with but got old. I'd like to find a carbine barrel in 7-30 waters to play with. Mine is a 14" and actually very impressive at 200 yards.

[Snowbelt]

My journey started in 1985, with a contender in 223. Since then I have aquired 5 frames and 19 barrels of various calibers. Many a deer have fallen to my 357 Rem Max, 30/30AI and my personal favorite, the 7X30 Waters. Although I tend to shoot my Shiloh Sharps and 1885 low wall more these days, I still enjoy shooting shooting the Contenders!

[Tar Heel]

My journey started in 1985, with a contender in 223. Since then I have aquired 5 frames and 19 barrels of various calibers.

A story shared by thousands. :-)

[Mmacro]

I just started my addiction... My better half got me an Encore about 6 years ago chambered in .30-06. It shoots like a dream... 1” groups at 200 yards.

Fast forward... Just retired from the Army and started a government job.

Picked up a new 20” .45-70 Katahdin barrel a few months ago
Waiting for MGM to deliver a 16.25” custom bull barrel chambered in .45 ACP

Next on the wish list is a pistol frame and some sub 16” barrels.

[Bloodhound689]

I really got into the T/C Contender in the early '70s. I've owned & traded off at least a dozen different calibers over the years. I remember shopping in the "Shotgun News" & you could buy the less popular barrels for about $60 brand new. I remember buying a .22 magnum barrel for about that price. The Contender was touted as a hunting handgun, at which it excelled. I had a 10" scoped bull barrel .30-30 with a 1" tube Redfield in mounts that would shoot 1-1/2" at 100 yards off the bench. The recoil was so bad I had to add Hogue grips to tame it some. I managed to shoot a couple of deer & a turkey with it. I really liked the 10" .22 hornet barrel I had but like a dummy I sold it. Finally I rigged out the contender as a carbine in 7x30 Waters & I came to the conclusion that the carbine set-up was the best use of the frame. I eventually I became disenchanted with the Contender & all the barrels. I sold everything off except I kept the frame & one 10" Bull .22 LR barrel. Over the years the available barrels kept getting longer, heavier & in more rifle calibers for the "Handgun Contender". I kept asking myself, "How can a 14" scoped handgun in a rifle caliber still claim its handgun status". There are even some holsters you can carry one in strapped to the front of your chest. I enjoyed the journey, but I moved on to other rifle single shots. A fascinating gun & an interesting following by shooters!


Ha. Shotgun news. I miss those. I remember sitting down and reading my Dads shotgun news every time he got them. Thinking of which gun on each page I wanted the most. I think if I had one now I would do the same thing..

[dannyd]

I just started my addiction... My better half got me an Encore about 6 years ago chambered in .30-06. It shoots like a dream... 1” groups at 200 yards.

Fast forward... Just retired from the Army and started a government job.

Picked up a new 20” .45-70 Katahdin barrel a few months ago
Waiting for MGM to deliver a 16.25” custom bull barrel chambered in .45 ACP

Next on the wish list is a pistol frame and some sub 16” barrels.

MGM: good barrels but they have a tight chamber. Sometimes hard to use cast bullets.

[Bloodhound689]

So after reading everyone's comments. I still don't know what's next. Lol. Lots of options new calibers I never thought about. 30-30 is definitely a top runner. Close behind is the .223 and .277 Wolverine. Was intrigued by a .256 win mag and lost interest when I couldn't find dies in stock on line.

[joebaja]

I picked up a 256Win barrel a little under a year ago. At the time MidSouth and Midway both had dies. Fairly certain I got mine from MidSouth. I think the Redding dies are now "special order" from Midway. I like the 45ACP and 41Mag a lot, but I think my favourite day-at-the-range round is the 7TCU. I have yet to find a load for that that doesn't shoot well, and I have buckets of 223 range pickup brass for forming.

[Bloodhound689]

I picked up a 256Win barrel a little under a year ago. At the time MidSouth and Midway both had dies. Fairly certain I got mine from MidSouth. I think the Redding dies are now "special order" from Midway. I like the 45ACP and 41Mag a lot, but I think my favourite day-at-the-range round is the 7TCU. I have yet to find a load for that that doesn't shoot well, and I have buckets of 223 range pickup brass for forming.

Yes. I am really liking the 7 TCU as well. I think it was my sons favorite too. Granted I have only taken them to the range once due to weather but I know I will be using that one a lot

[Tar Heel]

So after reading everyone's comments. I still don't know what's next. Lol. Lots of options new calibers I never thought about. 30-30 is definitely a top runner.

.30-30 is nice. Lots of potential with cast bullets. Shown are cartridges with the Lee 309-170-F bullet in Lyman #2 alloy.

278491

[Bloodhound689]

.30-30 is nice. Lots of potential with cast bullets. Shown are cartridges with the Lee 309-170-F bullet in Lyman #2 alloy.

278491

After messing with the 7-30 Waters the last few weeks those 30-30s look weird. Lol. It has always been my favorite round though

[45workhorse]

The only thing I have found out about contenders is, if you put two barrels in your gun safe, and close the door, they multiple!!!

[Three44s]

The only thing I have found out about contenders is, if you put two barrels in your gun safe, and close the door, they multiple!!!

Add to that soft music and the safe will fill up to the point of it splitting at the seams!

Three44s

[marshall623]

My Contender adventure started in 1988 , my graduation present was a frame with super 14 223 wearing a 4x Burris . 32 years later still at it , mostly IHMSA and NRA Hunters Pistol . I would say my 22 Hornet and 357 Mag get the most use with the 100 M course silhouettes . I've shot my Dad's 30-30 barrel some , but I think I'm still partial to my 7-30Waters. It shoots cast great either light plinking or NOE 150 Hunters powered by IMR 30-31 or H4895 . 120 Sierra's are sub MOA in it as well . Another one that has a special place is the 10 3/4" 30 Herrett Custom Shop Barrel ( come from RJ's in PA ) . The Herrett does near MOA with 150 Lee's and with center or above hits takes down 200 M rams no problem. My hunting load in that is 150 Sierra Pro Hunter over IMR 4198 . I long balled a wide 7 pt in a corn field 19' season , at close to 200 yds . It's deadly accurate with the Sierra's and good all day long for clay pigeon chunks on the 150 berm.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[Bloodhound689]

So I stopped by the Fort Worth gunshow on Saturday and found a Gentlemen who had a pretty good deal on a stainless 375 JDJ Barrel, Redding Dies and a bunch of cases. Thinking I didn't need anything that big I passed on it. Well my mind wandered and raced the entire day. Needless to say this morning I made it to the gunshow picked up everything and was home before the misses was out of bed. Excited to say the least.

[Shawlerbrook]

I am so jealous that you have gun shows, Bloodhound. It has been about 13 months since our last show.

[Tar Heel]

So I stopped by the Fort Worth gunshow on Saturday and found a Gentlemen who had a pretty good deal on a stainless 375 JDJ Barrel, Redding Dies and a bunch of cases. Thinking I didn't need anything that big I passed on it. Well my mind wandered and raced the entire day. Needless to say this morning I made it to the gunshow picked up everything and was home before the misses was out of bed. Excited to say the least.

You will love that 375. You should load a SSK load in it to really see what she will do.
Here is a video when I was testing cast bullet loads.

https://youtu.be/wfMe1cPtjB4

Here is the 375-JDJ on a newer G2 frame. I shot this for 20+ years on an original "G1" frame with no problems.
278717

...and original SSK Load Data from JD himself back when we used typewriters and paper order forms. Be sure to sneak up on that 52.0gr of A2520 load however. Watch your pressure.
Do NOT let newbies shoot these full power loads. This is the gun that broke my wife's nose. She bent her elbows when shooting it and I didn't see it in time.
278718

[Bloodhound689]

I am so jealous that you have gun shows, Bloodhound. It has been about 13 months since our last show.

I will be honest I went 3-4 months ago and was very disappointed. I went specifically looking for a Glock G45. I found three of them and they were all upwards of $800. I swore I wouldn't go back until prices started to go back down or at least level out. Since then I found a new interest in Contenders so I went with the mind set of "Don't look at ammo or guns and I will be fine" It paid off. I left both days happy. I did notice that prices were starting to come back down a little bit (except ammo and primers).

Back to my first post on this thread. There was one Gentleman that had the items I purchased and one more that had two Contenders and two extra barrels. That was all I saw on Contenders.

[Bloodhound689]

You will love that 375. You should load a SSK load in it to really see what she will do.
Here is a video when I was testing cast bullet loads.

https://youtu.be/wfMe1cPtjB4

Here is the 375-JDJ on a newer G2 frame. I shot this for 20+ years on an original "G1" frame with no problems.
278717

...and original SSK Load Data from JD himself back when we used typewriters and paper order forms. Be sure to sneak up on that 52.0gr of A2520 load however. Watch your pressure.
Do NOT let newbies shoot these full power loads. This is the gun that broke my wife's nose. She bent her elbows when shooting it and I didn't see it in time.
278718


Tar Heel. Remember, I am new to Contenders. What is a SSK Load? The barrel I found was a factory 14" stainless TC barrel with a brake. I believe TC called it a "Hunter" barrel. I almost backed out again JUST because NONE of my books have loads for the cartridge. I did find some loads on Hodgdon.com and the Hornady website. Thanks for the Video. I am really looking forward to taking this out hopefully next weekend.

I haven't gotten into casting yet but I would like to which is why I joined this site. So I am and will use jacketed rounds for now.

[Tar Heel]

Tar Heel. Remember, I am new to Contenders. What is a SSK Load? The barrel I found was a factory 14" stainless TC barrel with a brake. I believe TC called it a "Hunter" barrel.

The 375-JDJ is the brainchild of J.D. Jones, founder of SSK Industries and Handgun Hunters International (HHI). The JDJ calibers are wildcat cartridges based originally on the 444 Marlin case and subsequently on a variety of parent cases. Decades ago, you had to order the barrels directly from SSK Industries. When you bought your barrel from SSK, they would include a few pages of SSK load data derived by J.D. Jones himself. These loads are NOT for the timid since JD is a huge fan of handgun hunting. His large bore calibers were known to have the ability to take any game animal on the planet - and the large bore SSK Hand Cannons can, in fact ,perform this. The 375-JDJ is probably the most famous. The 411-JDJ is one of my favorites but I will warn you, with 340gr bullets at 1900fps will break your frigging wrist.

J.D. Jones was inducted into the Handgun Hunters Hall of Fame and has been awarded many other significant awards and recognition over his lifetime. He is a real character and in the late 80's and early 90's I enjoyed many a hunting adventure with him and the HHI crew.

Not too many people have original load data from SSK anymore. Save that file. Here is a link about JD on Wiki.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._D._Jones

[Bloodhound689]

The 375-JDJ is the brainchild of J.D. Jones, founder or SSK Industries and Handgun Hunters International (HHI). The JDJ calibers are wildcat cartridges based originally on the 444 Marlin case and subsequently on a variety of parent cases. Decades ago, you had to order the barrels directly from SSK Industries. When you bought your barrel from SSK, they would include a few pages of SSK load data derived by J.D. Jones himself. These loads are NOT for the timid since JD is a huge fan of handgun hunting. His large bore calibers were known to have the ability to take any game animal on the planet - and the large bore SSK Hand Cannons can, in fact ,perform this. The 375-JDJ is probably the most famous. The 411-JDJ is one of my favorites but I will warn you, with 340gr bullets at 1900fps will break your frigging wrist.

J.D. Jones was inducted into the Handgun Hunters Hall of Fame and has been awarded many other significant awards and recognition over his lifetime. He is a real character and in the late 80's and early 90's I enjoyed many a hunting adventure with him and the HHI crew.

Not too many people have original load data from SSK anymore. Save that file. Here is a link about JD on Wiki.. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._D._Jones

I didn't know that he was the founder of SSK. Is there a place where you can find the actual SSK loads? I have been doing a lot of reading on this topic and your insight has cleared up a couple questions. The gentlemen that i bought the barrel from told me "Make sure you hang on, it's a handful" He also told me that most wouldn't shoot it once they heard and felt the percussion. Made me laugh. Not sure I want to start on full house loads.

[Tar Heel]

Is there a place where you can find the actual SSK loads?
Customers who bought barrels from SSK were provided with a load sheet like the one in the previous post. There was no load data from the major powder manufacturers since the loads were Wildcat Loads. Later on after they became more common in the field, Accurate published data for the 375-JDJ. Other than that, I have never seen a compiled list since SSK sent you the pertinent load data for the caliber you purchased. If the original customers retained that data, they have it. With the aging of the original customers from 1980-2005 or so, I doubt this data resides on all but a few computers if they had scanned it in.
We had a HHI rag sheet which used to list a lot of data compiled by club members on the SSK calibers. Unfortunately they will be hard to find.

Any data you find in a industry load manual is probably safe to use. I would be very careful about using data from unknown sources since there is a pressure cap on contender frames which can be exceeded if one is not careful. I had a "pressure excursion" when developing load data with the 411-JDJ. When they say you "have a wildcat by the tail" they are not spoofing with any of the "JDJ" calibers - especially those based on the 444 Marlin case.

[Bloodhound689]

Customers who bought barrels from SSK were provided with a load sheet like the one in the previous post. There was no load data from the major powder manufacturers since the loads were Wildcat Loads. Later on after they became more common in the field, Accurate published data for the 375-JDJ. Other than that, I have never seen a compiled list since SSK sent you the pertinent load data for the caliber you purchased. If the original customers retained that data, they have it. With the aging of the original customers from 1980-2005 or so, I doubt this data resides on all but a few computers if they had scanned it in.
We had a HHI rag sheet which used to list a lot of data compiled by club members on the SSK calibers. Unfortunately they will be hard to find.

Any data you find in a industry load manual is probably safe to use. I would be very careful about using data from unknown sources since there is a pressure cap on contender frames which can be exceeded if one is not careful. I had a "pressure excursion" when developing load data with the 411-JDJ. When they say you "have a wildcat by the tail" they are not spoofing with any of the "JDJ" calibers - especially those based on the 444 Marlin case.

That's why I was confused. I missed the link you attached with the load data. Thank you for that. The data is fairly close to the hodgdon data. Starting loads start quite a bit lower though.

Sorry to hear about your Wife's nose. How long after was she shooting again? I don't think mine will touch the Contenders.

[Tar Heel]

Sorry to hear about your Wife's nose. How long after was she shooting again? I don't think mine will touch the Contenders.

She was back out shooting in no time. Over the years she even whipped my butt in some matches. She sported a pretty nice scar down the line of her nose and if asked, she took great delight in telling the person how she got the scar. When she had a brown spot removed, they obliterated the scar when she had that surgical scar cosmetically repaired. Her perfect nose is no longer a conversation starter. :-)
She does still have the cartridge case to remind her about not bending her elbows while shooting from a bench rest with these hand cannon cartridges.

[Bloodhound689]

She was back out shooting in no time. Over the years she even whipped my butt in some matches. She sported a pretty nice scar down the line of her nose and if asked, she took great delight in telling the person how she got the scar. When she had a brown spot removed, they obliterated the scar when she had that surgical scar cosmetically repaired. Her perfect nose is no longer a conversation starter. :-)
She does still have the cartridge case to remind her about not bending her elbows while shooting from a bench rest with these hand cannon cartridges.


That's awesome. Good story!

[dannyd]

Someone may need this

278813

[eastbank]

278856my .375 JDJ is a TC G2 rifle and i shoot a 220 gr hornady at 2300+fps with no signs of high pressure. i shot a large doe last year at about 90 yards with a quartering away shot and she dropped now and the bullet was a complete pass thru. i am going to try getting the serria 225 gr spbt bullet to 2500 fps with no high pressure if i can.

[Tar Heel]

[QUOTE=dannyd;5132691]Someone may need this

Thanks DannyD!

[Tar Heel]

Sweet rig eastbank!

[Bloodhound689]

Someone may need this

278813

Thanks DannyD. All my barrels have scopes but this will come in handy later down the road.

[Bloodhound689]

278856my .375 JDJ is a TC G2 rifle and i shoot a 220 gr hornady at 2300+fps with no signs of high pressure. i shot a large doe last year at about 90 yards with a quartering away shot and she dropped now and the bullet was a complete pass thru. i am going to try getting the serria 225 gr spbt bullet to 2500 fps with no high pressure if i can.

Nice. What is the barrel length? I loaded my first 4 rounds (all I had, came with the barrel) of Hornady 235g SP using H4198. Looking forward to getting to the range this weekend.

[Three44s]

My newest barrel to me is one from EDSTC and it’s a carbine in .25-20 Win

My most accurate is a rechamber to 22k Hornet in pistol length and perennial favorites are a carbine and pistol pair of barrels in 7 mm TCU.

The 30 Herret in 10” ain’t shaaby either!

Three44s

[eastbank]

24" barrel, i like H-4895 as it fills the case with out compresion, i started with 48 grs and worked up to 51 grs with the 220 gr hornady. when the weather breaks i,ll try the 225 gr spbt serria bullet. the 51 gr load is very accurett, if you try that load start at 46-48 grs.

[Darklin]

WOW. I took my G2 out with my 375 JDJ 14 inch barrel and man that is a Cannon. Shot good groups at 20 yards but after first 4 shots I was done. She is a kicker. Kind of wish I had bought the 7-30 Waters barrel instead but live and learn. Where is everyone finding the smaller grain bullets. I have 250, 260 and 300 grainers but nothing smaller.

[Bloodhound689]

I ended up receiving 4 unloaded bullets with the barrel. So that is all I loaded. Lol. It did include another 20 loaded that I am going to pull and reload. The only powder I have that I have load data for at the moment is the H4198. Is there load data for Varget or BL-C(2) out there? Truthfully the only load data I have found is what's on Hornady's website, hodgdon's website and the sheet that Tar Heel sent on the previous page.

[eastbank]

ball C(2), 220 gr hornady 46 grs-51 grs, 46 grs-1792 fps, 51 grs-2036 fps out of a 14" barrel.

[Bloodhound689]

ball C(2), 220 gr hornady 46 grs-51 grs, 46 grs-1792 fps, 51 grs-2036 fps out of a 14" barrel.

Cool. Where is this listed. I would like to order a copy.

[Bloodhound689]

I took the 375 JDJ out to the range and shot my 4 bullets. All I can say is that this thing is going to be fun. I was surprised at how little muzzle rise it had. More of a straight back into your palm type of recoil. I think I mentally prepared myself for more recoil and was surprised at how manageable it was.

[eastbank]

hodgdon,s annual reloading manual, i think its a 2006 manual.

[Bloodhound689]

I just got this years. Wasn't much in it. I thought anyway

[Bloodhound689]

hodgdon,s annual reloading manual, i think its a 2006 manual.

I don't suppose I could trouble you in posting a picture of all the 375 JDJ data on it please

I just posted a new thread on 375 jdj load data

[eastbank]

279248

[Darklin]

I took the 375 JDJ out to the range and shot my 4 bullets. All I can say is that this thing is going to be fun. I was surprised at how little muzzle rise it had. More of a straight back into your palm type of recoil. I think I mentally prepared myself for more recoil and was surprised at how manageable it was.

You must have been shooting the 220 Grain bullets, the 300 grain bullets kick like a horse.

[ktw]

I have three frames (two of the older ones and one G2). They are all built out as carbines. 22lr, 6x45 and 30-30.

The 22 had a cut down buttstock for my girls when they were little. Giving them single shots; the Contender Carbine and a Winchester Low Wall, rather than a 10/22, was my strategy for conserving range ammo.

The 30-30 was my solution for a 30-30 in something other than a lever action. Never did find a bolt 30-30 that I liked and ended up with the Contender instead. I use it as a 30-30 test bed at the range and as a backup deer rifle. I generally hunt with Winchester 94’s, but in those situations where I figure a scoped rifle would be more useful I grab the Contender.

I was short a light rifle for a while and considered getting a 22 Hornet at one point, but then stumbled across a used 6x45 Contender carbine barrel and went that way instead. Already had a couple of 6mm molds, but no 22 molds, 223/5.56 brass was easier/cheaper than Hornet brass, and the 6x45 had a wider application range than the Hornet. No regrets.

-ktw

[Darklin]

I have a guy that wants to trade me a 7mm International Rimm for my 373 JDJ. I have dies and a bunch of bullets but he has nothing to trade with it. That being said. Does anyone here have any experience with the 7mm International Rimmed. I found where it was the solution to the 7mm TCU throat erosion but not much out there on accuracy and load data for this round. Just trying to gather info to see if this trade is worth it to me.

[Bloodhound689]

You must have been shooting the 220 Grain bullets, the 300 grain bullets kick like a horse.

Sure was. I felt pretty tall until you shined the light on me. lol. No I should have some 270G here soon so I will step up to them. I will admit that I do have a bruise on my elbow from where the recoil pushed it into the bench.

[eastbank]

i would not trad my 375 JDJ barrel for a 7mm IN RM. the .375 jdj is so easy to make and shoot, 444 case resized in the 375 jdj size die and them load. full loads from the get go, no fire forming other than shooting once.

[dougader]

One barrel here, a Super 14 in 30-30. The only 30-30 I have ever owned.

[WestKentucky]

I have 2. I just got the stainless recently and it is set up with a brace for the 14” barrels in 30-30 and 223ai. The blued gun is staying pretty standard pistol form and will keep eating 357 mag and 7-30 through 10” barrels. There’s a 22lr barrel in the garage that I was building but I have lost interest. I love my contenders though.

[Rockzilla]

Nice to see some Contender people and the assortment of cartridges.
Started long ago, the bug hit me, them Midsouth was clearing barrels,
not good. Have 3 or 4 frames G1 barrels....
22 LR
218 Bee
22 Jet
22 Hornet and the "K"
221 Fireball
222 ( I think)
256 Win Mag
7MM TCU
30 / 357 Herrett
30-30
JDJ's (all of them)
38 Spl Octagon
357 Mag
357/44 B&D
44 Mag.
45 Colt
41 Mag
9mm & 45 Win Mags
45/410 combo
35 Rem
45/70
I know I forgot some 2 big water boxes full of barrels
old octagons, external choke, bull barrels, some with sight and with out,
Leupold EER scopes. And 2 XP-100's
Like my hand cannons

-Rock

[high standard 40]

My favorite barrel is a stainless 10" bull barrel in 7 TCU. It is by far the most accurate T/C barrel I've ever owned. It loves the RCBS 7mm 145 SIL.

[Bloodhound689]

I am really liking my 10" TCU as well but I think the 7-30 Waters is the front runner of my three so far. I think I need to get back to the range just to make sure though.

[Darklin]

Question for the Mind Hive.

Where or What is a good source for load data for the 7-30 JDJ? I am trading the 375 JDJ I have to a guy for a 7-30 JDJ. Not seeing much data for this round any where.

[Bloodhound689]

Question for the Mind Hive.

Where or What is a good source for load data for the 7-30 JDJ? I am trading the 375 JDJ I have to a guy for a 7-30 JDJ. Not seeing much data for this round any where.

I just read on Graybeard that it is also known as the 7-30 Waters Improved. I have never heard of it but then again I am just now getting into wildcats myself. If the above were true I would assume that you would size to 7-30 Waters with Waters data and fireform it as you would Waters.

I have learned that this is the place to ask. I would start it as a new thread though so more see it

[Lonegun1894]

Glad it's not just me. I have a few, with a .17 HMR being the smallest, and the .45/.410 being the biggest, but my .357 Mag and .44 Mag get the most range time.

[scotth]

got to like the t/c 2 frames and waiting on a ssk-50 frame 10 barrels and one on the way

[Shawlerbrook]

Contenders are like Lay’s potato chips....nobody can have just one......

[green mountain boy]

im wanting to mount a pickatiny rail to my 10 in .44mag bull bbl. anyone happen to know what rail is right for the bull bbl ? thanks !!

[hornady308]

When I was a kid I read a lot of Bob Milek's articles on handgun hunting. He thought a lot of the TC Contender, so I got one of the first SS receivers after getting out of school. I've had a lot of barrels, but really love the 6mm and 7mm TCU, 7-30, 30 Herrett, 30-30 AI, 358 JDJ (aka 357x444) and the 44 Mag. I had a 45 Win. Mag. barrel at one time and it was really accurate, which is why I am sorry that I ever got rid of it. I use the 44 Mag. barrel the most and it is boringly accurate with cast. The only cartridge I could never get to work accurately was the 357 Herrett. I tried several used barrels and just could not find an accurate load. Maybe they were worn out.

[hornady308]

I forgot all about my 10" 357 Max barrel. What a great hunting cartridge. I use the Ranch Dog 190gr bullet that he designed for Marlins in 35 Remington. It is a great combo.

[panhed65]

When I was a kid I read a lot of Bob Milek's articles on handgun hunting. He thought a lot of the TC Contender, so I got one of the first SS receivers after getting out of school. I've had a lot of barrels, but really love the 6mm and 7mm TCU, 7-30, 30 Herrett, 30-30 AI, 358 JDJ (aka 357x444) and the 44 Mag. I had a 45 Win. Mag. barrel at one time and it was really accurate, which is why I am sorry that I ever got rid of it. I use the 44 Mag. barrel the most and it is boringly accurate with cast. The only cartridge I could never get to work accurately was the 357 Herrett. I tried several used barrels and just could not find an accurate load. Maybe they were worn out.

I must have gotten lucky, as my 357 herrett shoots very well, out to 100yds, around 1 1/2" from a rest. its a 10" factory tc. it came with dies and brass, a complete pistol, nice blue frame. could not pass up, really wanted a 35 rem, but this whole setup cost less than half a new barrel price.
Barry

[green mountain boy]

i had a 14in 357 herrett i used in IHMSA for a bit. it was the most in accurate TC bbl i ever owned, i hated it. i traded it for a car to demo derby for........laughing

[uscra112]

Contenders are like Lay’s potato chips....nobody can have just one......

I must be immune. I bought a barrel-less Gen 1 about 7-8 years ago. Got a .30 Herrett barrel and a ton of formed brass, then a .22 Hornet barrel, them a .38 Spl. barrel (that I eventually reamed out to .357 Max). Barrels did NOT interchange without fitting! Had to fuss with each one to get headspace right. The Max barrel is much too energetic for the Gen 1 frame, btw. Only one that is accurate is the Hornet, which I had to ream to the "K" chamber so it could headspace on the shoulder. Lost interest, the whole lot is packed away.

[wallacem]

i bought my first Contender in 1984 with a 10 357 max bbl. Shot four deer with it and have not deer hunted since. Before that I shot 40 deer with my 22-250. I now have about a half dozen Contender frames and same number of Encore frames. Favorite Contender is in carbine, 7-30 waters, 7TCU, and 32-20. Also love the 223 carbine. In Encore I have a bunch but my favorite is a MGM 30-30 bbl. I have a 16 lightweight 45-70 blue bbl for Contender that I am thinking about selling. Wallacem in Georgia PS: Been loading since 1967.

[quilbilly]

During my first tour in Vietnam, I wrote home to my Dad about this wonderful pistol I had been reading about. When I came home on leave from Asia, my Dad was at the airport to meet me and had a box in his hand. In it was a Contender and two 10" barrels, a 22 mag and a 357. I still have it and the 22 mag barrel but it has lots of company now with 5 other frames and 11 other barrels from 10" to 21". My favorite pistol is the 10" 32/20, most versatile is the 357 Max carbine, and most accurate is the 7mm TCU carbine. One thing I have noticed over the years is that a lot of pistol 223 and 222 barrels are always for sale. My theory is that shooters are determine to hot rod their loads and never find out how much fun they are with cast boolits, fast burning powder (Red Dot, Bullseye, etc), and lower velocities around 16-1700 fps.

[Goofy]

Only have two frames and four barrels. None of them shoot worth a toot.

.22 CB Shorts
https://i.imgur.com/ah8rkFz.jpg

.30 Sneezer
https://i.imgur.com/0LR49yA.jpg

.22 LR
https://i.imgur.com/k1VGyJ6.jpg

.30-30
https://i.imgur.com/erCKk9x.jpg

[hornady308]

It looks like Goofy has come up with some reasonably accurate loads. That's great if you're interested in accuracy, but some of us specialize in groups of two to three inches at 100 yds.

[tctender]

Wish SSK would hurry up with their SSK50 frames. Bought two custom grip forearm sets and they are waiting for them.

[Bloodhound689]

Wish SSK would hurry up with their SSK50 frames. Bought two custom grip forearm sets and they are waiting for them.

I just sent SSK an email hoping they would send me their updated load data on 309 and 375 JDJ and asked them in a side note if the had a rough idea on when the SSK-50s would become available again. I will post when they respond.

[Lonegun1894]

It looks like Goofy has come up with some reasonably accurate loads. That's great if you're interested in accuracy, but some of us specialize in groups of two to three inches at 100 yds.

At least I’m not the only one who accepts minute-of-deer/hog, although I’m trying to improve and can do it with the lighter recoiling barrels, I’m usually in that range with my .44, which is what I use the most.

[Bloodhound689]

I just sent SSK an email hoping they would send me their updated load data on 309 and 375 JDJ and asked them in a side note if the had a rough idea on when the SSK-50s would become available again. I will post when they respond.

Update to the above. They didn't say anything about the frame but they did send me load data on both cartridges . If you would like me to email it to you message me. Has quite a bit more then I have seen elsewhere.

[contendernut]

In March, they told me mid summer. I didn’t think to ask what year. I ordered one of each for me and the wife when they first announced them. Hopefully they will get it right.

[Bloodhound689]

I'm sure this last year has slowed it down a bit. Either way, looking forward to it myself

[contendernut]

I am too. I hope they do well with it. I hope Troy with Bullberry Legacy can get woodwork started again. The revolution stocks are nice but they are one of the few for grips, stocks and forend.

[doulos]

Have not read this whole thread. But I am a fan of the Contender and Encore. Never had a lot of barrels. But my first was a .357 Max super 14. It was down right unfair to any deer inside of 125 yards if I could get my 2 power Burris on it and steady. Now have a G2 in .44mag and a Encore Muzzy. Encore Muzzy wasnt a favorite until I finally found a sabot bullet and powder combo. It is routine to shoot 1.25 inch groups with it. And Ive shot many sub 1 inch groups with it.
Now that Smith and Wesson has shut down all Thompson Center production I am hoping another concern who cares about the product enough picks up production and runs with it. Im looking forward for the frame from SSK to go into production.

[Bloodhound689]

I have been watching it also. Doesn’t sound like S&W is going to sell any of the tooling. Just the name which will make it a lot tougher for the next guy to pick up where they left off. Then again. I haven’t been into anything TC related newer then 1980. Except barrels maybe. Just getting started though.

[donald duck]

mY FAVORITES ARE .32 H & R Mag, .256 win. Mag. .257 JDJ .257 TCU, 7 MM TCU. 30-30. 7-30 waters. .39 & .357. The .257 is inexpensive to load as brass is next to free, 5.7 Grains powder and primer. Cast bullets and a blast to shoot. accurate at 25 yds.

[Bloodhound689]

mY FAVORITES ARE .32 H & R Mag, .256 win. Mag. .257 JDJ .257 TCU, 7 MM TCU. 30-30. 7-30 waters. .39 & .357. The .257 is inexpensive to load as brass is next to free, 5.7 Grains powder and primer. Cast bullets and a blast to shoot. accurate at 25 yds.

There's a few new calibers I haven't seen. What is the parent cartridge on the two .257's you are talking about. Not sure if its the JDJ or the TCU that you added your load data for but I am curious about it.

[eastbank]

285375 my tc g2 rifle is in .375 jdj, i shoot a 220 gr hornady and cronied 2300 fps with no pressure signs. i shot a decent size doe this year at close to 90 yards quarding away and dumped her in her tracks(complete pass thru). i want to try and get the 225 gr serra SPBT to 2500 fps if i can safey.

[cummins05]

Contender fan here myself. Looking to get into IHMSA here in a bit when I return from the sand box. I have just one frame, an easy open and would like to add more. I got several barrels 17 ackly hornet, 221 fireball, 223, 256 win mag, 30 and 357 Herrett, 44 mag. Would like to add a 7x30 waters, I had one a few years ago and kick myself for getting rid of it. Also like to add a 22 hornet or K hornet as well as anything else that come along at a good price. It's easy my favorite firearm in my safe. I can't choose a favorite caliber as I like them all.

[nhithaca]

"Also like to add a 22 hornet or K hornet as well as anything else that come along at a good price."
Good luck with finding barrels at a good price. I started buying 10" barrels about 10 years ago and the ones I paid $125 to $150 for are now going for more than double to triple that!!

[Mr_Sheesh]

Bloodhound689 the .257 TCU is 223 necked up to .257, and I guess the .257 JDJ is based on the 225 Winchester case. Hope this helps.

[BobT]

Wow. Didn't expect so many responses. I guess the Contender is still going strong. I have been watching them on gunbroker and they always have bids.

I must admit. Out of all the great calibers that have been mentioned I am now intrigued by the .17 Squirrel. Never heard of it. Now I don't know what caliber is next. Maybe whatever falls at a good deal first

Jimb's 45-70 guys are nuts comment made me laugh. That is what my father had. Never did let me fire it. I was young though. One day maybe

What I would like to see is a bunch of Contender guys/gals get together at the range. Sorta a meet and greet with some range time.

Here you go Bloodhound,https://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4766056864/m/9890094007

We used to do these shoots a couple of times a year, hopefully we can get them going again. I'm sure that anyone that wants to come to the shoot would be most welcome. If you don't have a Contender you are welcome to shoot mine all you like!

I haven't read through the entire thread yet but have been a Contender fan since buying my first one in 1979. I have several frames and barrels with my personal favorites being the .30-30 AI, .22 Squirrel and .30 Herrett. I am currently working with the .375 Winchester/.38-55, 7-30 Waters and .357 Max along with an open sighted .357 Magnum I just traded for.

[Bloodhound689]

Bloodhound689 the .257 TCU is 223 necked up to .257, and I guess the .257 JDJ is based on the 225 Winchester case. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. I am now looking into the .358 JDJ. Pretty sure before it is over i will look into them all.

[Bloodhound689]

Here you go Bloodhound,https://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4766056864/m/9890094007

We used to do these shoots a couple of times a year, hopefully we can get them going again. I'm sure that anyone that wants to come to the shoot would be most welcome. If you don't have a Contender you are welcome to shoot mine all you like!

I haven't read through the entire thread yet but have been a Contender fan since buying my first one in 1979. I have several frames and barrels with my personal favorites being the .30-30 AI, .22 Squirrel and .30 Herrett. I am currently working with the .375 Winchester/.38-55, 7-30 Waters and .357 Max along with an open sighted .357 Magnum I just traded for.


Bob. I would really enjoy going to your meet. It is just a little out of my reach for this year.

As far as calibers for the contender, I am up to two frames and the following barrels. 7mm TCU, 7-30 Waters, 309 JDJ, and 375 JDJ. My favorite of them all is the 375 JDJ but i do enjoy the 7mm TCU almost as much as a plinker. I am still new to the longer range shooting (anything passed an indoor 25 yard range). I will get better with practice and do enjoy every trigger pull (good hit or not).

[Darklin]

Thanks Everyone. I appreciate all the help on the 7-30 JDJ. Finally got to the range and that round shoots like a Dream. Punching elongated holes at 50 yards with 5 shot groups. Making the brass is a pain in the rear end but it was all worth it. Now just need to find a good pistol scope to replace the rifle scope on it. And then on to the 44 MAG.

[TCLouis]

Goofy
Is that last group/chrony data from a 30-30?

[chrometip78]

Picked up a new Encore muzzle several weeks ago without knowing Smith is trying to spin off the brand, really hoping they do it right and don't tank the brand, was just starting to like Smith.

Anyhoo, originally wanted to get a TC so that I could get a rifle length 223 barrel with iron sights for shooting subsonic 55gr cast, but the Encore muzzle was the only receiver I could find. Then I ended up pulling the trigger on a 24" 30-06 barrel with iron sights first as my first barrel purchase. 30yrs ago, I wanted a Ruger No1 in 30-06 in the worst way, that memory came back and I'm excited it's working out with a TC. Now I'm thinking a rifle length 44mag barrel might cut in line ahead of a 223 barrel.....sounds like it will come down to whichever I find first.

Hoping I don't get the sickness badly as the rest of you, don't have enough room or time for new the barrels, dies, and casting supplies that come with new cartridges.

[Mr_Sheesh]

With my eyes frankly the optics are a big chunk of the thing slowing down my mass purchases of Contender stuff. Maybe time to look at that laser eye surgery, I'm an accuracy fanatic tho in rifles so a bit of a double bind. What I get for growing up varminting I guess! A 223 barrel for mine hmmmmmm :)

[slohunter]

I have an older one (70's) in .45 Colt with the screw on 410 choke, fantastic shooter.

[Dthunter]

I have had one of the G1 carbines since the late 80’s. 357max. And got two custom shop barrels (6mmTCU & 7-30 Waters). Both are amazing shooters!

I recently picked up a G2 contender in 30-30. I hate to say it, but it shot like absolute crap! 3” at 100 at best! No combination got better than that! The trigger had to be 7-8 lbs at least! After a years trying get it to shoot, I sold it. So disappointing!

The fit and finish was great, that was the only plus!

[Bloodhound689]

I have had one of the G1 carbines since the late 80’s. 357max. And got two custom shop barrels (6mmTCU & 7-30 Waters). Both are amazing shooters!

I recently picked up a G2 contender in 30-30. I hate to say it, but it shot like absolute crap! 3” at 100 at best! No combination got better than that! The trigger had to be 7-8 lbs at least! After a years trying get it to shoot, I sold it. So disappointing!

The fit and finish was great, that was the only plus!


This has been my fear in getting one. I have passed on a couple frames because of what i have read about the G2's. Then there are many who swear by them. I have stalled a little with getting more barrels just because the barrel is probably the cheapest part in getting a new caliber as stated in a few posts back. Finally have scopes on all my barrels and am happy where I am at with them.

Who am I kidding...... If a good deal comes around, I will probably end up getting it.

[Bloodhound689]

Ran across a good trade deal a couple weeks ago and now my Contender itch has turned into an obsession (so my wife says).

Currently have three frames and the below barrels.

.223 TC 10"
7mm TCU TC 10"
7mm TCU TC 14"
7-30 Waters TC 14"
309 JDJ SSK 14"
375 JDJ TC Custom Shop Hunter 12" with Muzzle Tamer
357/44 Bobcat (Rebored from 357 Magnum) TC 10"
44 Magnum TC 10"

[jaysouth]

I called Ed at edstc.com, looking for a 357 Mag or Maxx barrel for my Encore. No luck, then I asked about a barrel for a G-2, no luck there. He said he is almost out of barrels.

[Bloodhound689]

I called Ed at edstc.com, looking for a 357 Mag or Maxx barrel for my Encore. No luck, then I asked about a barrel for a G-2, no luck there. He said he is almost out of barrels.

I was just on his site a couple days ago looking. almost out huh.

[stubshaft]

Traded for this early .30 Carbine Custom Shop barrel, it has narrow grooves and a 1 in 10 twist. It was cut to 18" but still makes a well balanced package.

290575

[Bloodhound689]

Traded for this early .30 Carbine Custom Shop barrel, it has narrow grooves and a 1 in 10 twist. It was cut to 18" but still makes a well balanced package.

290575

That is sharp. Who made the stock and forearm? Been wondering if I would like a carbine barrel

[eagle_view]

My first Contender had a 10 inch 357 Herritt barrel that I got through a trade, Came with brass and dies and a 2.5 power scope. I learned what a accurate pistol was. I was having trouble3 with my feet and legs and it allowed me to hunt the last two years my sons were home. I now have barrels both pistol and rifle length from 17WSM 17 Hornet, 5MM Craig, 20 AI Hornet, 204 Ruger,.22 Mag, .223 Rem, 357 Mag. 30-30. I enjoy them all. On my Encore I have a 6MM Dasher and a 204 Ruger carbine barrels . The Dasher is one deer killing cartridge. I use 85 grain Barnes TSX bullets, One shot DRT on the last 4deer I shot with it.

[Bloodhound689]

My first Contender had a 10 inch 357 Herritt barrel that I got through a trade, Came with brass and dies and a 2.5 power scope. I learned what a accurate pistol was. I was having trouble3 with my feet and legs and it allowed me to hunt the last two years my sons were home. I now have barrels both pistol and rifle length from 17WSM 17 Hornet, 5MM Craig, 20 AI Hornet, 204 Ruger,.22 Mag, .223 Rem, 357 Mag. 30-30. I enjoy them all. On my Encore I have a 6MM Dasher and a 204 Ruger carbine barrels . The Dasher is one deer killing cartridge. I use 85 grain Barnes TSX bullets, One shot DRT on the last 4deer I shot with it.

Nice. I was looking at a 204 Ruger a while back. What are your thoughts on yours for the Contender?

[quilbilly]

Nice. I was looking at a 204 Ruger a while back. What are your thoughts on yours for the Contender?
I have an Encore Rifle with a heavy barrel in 204 which was gifted to me years ago. It is incredibly accurate. I downloaded it a bit to have the 39's going out at about 3500 fps and it is a coyote killing machine even to 600 yards (and a little farther). Where I have the scope set, it is point of aim out to 370 yards. My only complaint is that it is so heavy, it is definitely not a "walking around" rifle so I use it as a set firing position rifle (on top of a desert bluff with lots of view). For that it excels.

[dk17hmr]

Is Eds TC still operating? What's the best way to contact them email or phone?

[Bloodhound689]

Is Eds TC still operating? What's the best way to contact them email or phone?

I was able to email back and fourth with him sometime early this year or late last year. Tried to find the emails to see when but couldn't. I read on another forum that he was having some health concerns so not sure how he is doing now.

[stubshaft]

That is sharp. Who made the stock and forearm? Been wondering if I would like a carbine barrel

I ordered the unfinished blank from Fred at Bullberry years ago. He used to mill them with a slight cast off and it fits me perfectly

[contendernut]

Good to hear Ed is still at it.

[Tar Heel]

This has been my fear in getting one. I have passed on a couple frames because of what i have read about the G2's. Then there are many who swear by them. I have stalled a little with getting more barrels just because the barrel is probably the cheapest part in getting a new caliber as stated in a few posts back. Finally have scopes on all my barrels and am happy where I am at with them.

Who am I kidding...... If a good deal comes around, I will probably end up getting it.

The G2 frame definitely has a hard trigger and is "chunkier" than the original frames with their sweet sweet triggers. The nice thing about the G2 frame is their beef. With the extra metal along the axis, they are going to withstand some of the hard pounding that can be delivered with a .375-JDJ, .411-JDJ, and a .45-70 SSK barrel. When I was doing load development for the 411 and the 375, I was constantly worrying about stressing the G1 frame up near 40K PSI. Convention has it that the G1 frames are spec out at 44k PSI max before damage can be done including cracking.

Another good feature of the G2 frame, well the trigger actually, is that new T/C shooters will not let off rounds unintentionally with the harder trigger. I can't begin to tell you how many people I let shoot my T/C's had the gun discharge before they had it on target, or otherwise ready to shoot. The light trigger got them every time - even though I had warned them REPEATEDLY about the light trigger. I had one friend, a "gunsmith", peel the skin off his thumb gown to the bone when he discharged the .45-70 with the muzzle pointing up at about 70 degrees. The recoil brought the hammer down his thumb from the tip to the palm and flayed it beautifully. I could see the entire bone and knuckle down to the web of the digit. The G2 isn't this sensitive.

Of course to a seasoned T/C shooter who cut their T/C teeth on a G1 frame, the G2 is horrendous to fire. Having fired one now for a few years, I am getting better with the hard trigger and it fits in with other pistols with equally hard trigger pulls. Hollywood Triggers if you will. That didn't help Baldwin though did it?

Truthfully, I have not looked for springs or aftermarket trigger components for the G2 frame. I am just going to deal with the factory trigger. I appreciate the extra beef the frame offers for my real hard kicking SSK barrels. Were I going to take a ram at 250 yards though with the .375-JDJ, I would definitely use the G1 frame which has taken its share of abuse from the SSK family of barrels already.

Apparently the use of G1 and G2 naming conventions is inaccurate. The G2 frame is actually called a G2 frame by T/C but there never was an actual G1 name. In fact, you probably know that there were 3 distinct (some say 4) versions of the G1 frame, but we all simply refer to them all as a G1. My preference is the rotating lever for the firing pin on the G1.3 frame.

Love my Contenders!

[Bloodhound689]

The G2 frame definitely has a hard trigger and is "chunkier" than the original frames with their sweet sweet triggers. The nice thing about the G2 frame is their beef. With the extra metal along the axis, they are going to withstand some of the hard pounding that can be delivered with a .375-JDJ, .411-JDJ, and a .45-70 SSK barrel. When I was doing load development for the 411 and the 375, I was constantly worrying about stressing the G1 frame up near 40K PSI. Convention has it that the G1 frames are spec out at 44k PSI max before damage can be done including cracking.

Another good feature of the G2 frame, well the trigger actually, is that new T/C shooters will not let off rounds unintentionally with the harder trigger. I can't begin to tell you how many people I let shoot my T/C's had the gun discharge before they had it on target, or otherwise ready to shoot. The light trigger got them every time - even though I had warned them REPEATEDLY about the light trigger. I had one friend, a "gunsmith", peel the skin off his thumb gown to the bone when he discharged the .45-70 with the muzzle pointing up at about 70 degrees. The recoil brought the hammer down his thumb from the tip to the palm and flayed it beautifully. I could see the entire bone and knuckle down to the web of the digit. The G2 isn't this sensitive.

Of course to a seasoned T/C shooter who cut their T/C teeth on a G1 frame, the G2 is horrendous to fire. Having fired one now for a few years, I am getting better with the hard trigger and it fits in with other pistols with equally hard trigger pulls. Hollywood Triggers if you will. That didn't help Baldwin though did it?

Truthfully, I have not looked for springs or aftermarket trigger components for the G2 frame. I am just going to deal with the factory trigger. I appreciate the extra beef the frame offers for my real hard kicking SSK barrels. Were I going to take a ram at 250 yards though with the .375-JDJ, I would definitely use the G1 frame which has taken its share of abuse from the SSK family of barrels already.

Apparently the use of G1 and G2 naming conventions is inaccurate. The G2 frame is actually called a G2 frame by T/C but there never was an actual G1 name. In fact, you probably know that there were 3 distinct (some say 4) versions of the G1 frame, but we all simply refer to them all as a G1. My preference is the rotating lever for the firing pin on the G1.3 frame.

Love my Contenders!

I have actually wondered that myself with the 375JDJ with the pressures. I did just get one of the most recent early frames with the selector switch and it has a very light trigger. Someone has definitely worked it. Haven't shot it yet but I am sure itching to take it out.

[Tar Heel]

I have actually wondered that myself with the 375JDJ with the pressures. I did just get one of the most recent early frames with the selector switch and it has a very light trigger. Someone has definitely worked it. Haven't shot it yet but I am sure itching to take it out.

It may be stock factory. All of my G1 frames have incredibly light triggers and of course have the over-travel adjustment too. The T/C G1 triggers are absolutely the best factory triggers I have ever felt. Crisp and light break. You better be ready when you caress the trigger.

[jeffsmith13]

291149
I like my contender in 44 magnum, would love to have a 45 acp barrel to go with it. I believe it’s a 1968 manufactured date

[donald duck]

fELL IN LOVE WITH THE CONTENDER MANY YEARS AGO. hAVE HAD TWO OF THE ORIGINAL AND NOW HAVE TWO g 2 FRAMES. SEVERL BARRELS. jUST SOLD MY 14 INCH 30-30. oNLY EVER SHOT CAST BULLETS MILD LOADS. FAVORITES ARE .256 wIN mAG, .257 tcu AND 7 mm tcu. BRASS IS NEXT TO FREE AND CAST MY OWN BULLETS. 120 GRAIN IN THE 7mm tcu AND 65 GRAIN lYMAN IN .257. 52 GRAIN IN .223. . ALSO .32 h & r MAG, .38 SPECIAL. sorry for all caps. I forget to check it and use it a lot.

[curioushooter]

I've had G1s and G2s. I now only have a G2.

I have never understood the reasoning behind the excessively hard trigger. It's a single action pistol. You have to hammer back before it fires. You DON'T hammer back until you are ready to fire! Like sights/scope over the target. The trigger is just to say when.

I have had both Mike Bellum's boy and the guy over at E Arthur Brown do their "trigger job." I can't really tell either one of them did anything to improve it's let off weight except for the bills they sent me. Very dissapointing. One of the reasons why I went back to big bore revolvers. Even my factory Blackhawk has a much better trigger than my G2.

[Hays47]

Long time Contender lover here. My first one was back in the 70's. It was the first version where you needed a screwdriver to change from rimfire to centerfire. It is commonly called the " hard to open " model. The 2 frames I have now are the " easy open ".
I really liked my first one until the newer barrels would not function with it. At one time had 25 different barrels for it. The only two I did not care for was the 45/410 and the 22 jet. I sold those almost as fast as I bought them. My favorites I have now are the 221 "furball" and the 22K hornet. Shot the hornet for quite a while but went to the K for better brass life. Both are deadly accurate. Of the bigger bores the 357 Maximum is my favorite. Ohio has a straight-wall cartridge limit on deer hunting. The 44 Mag was a good one too. But I liked the flatter trajectory of the Max especially loading with Remington PSP 150 grains. Combined with WIN 296 powder and WIN SR primers it gives my varmit barrels a run for the money.

In carbine/rifle mode the 222 Remington is a groundhog's worst nightmare.

[Jtarm]

Need to get a carbine kit for mine, .300 BO.

[Rapier]

I just did a trigger job on an old original offering, carbine for a 78 year old fellow, been shooting it for years with a real awful trigger. not to make you feel bad but, a 256 Win Mag. He has taken many deer with it, shoots them in the ear. I saw the barrel 6-8 years ago, gave him some brass at the time, then he bought the gun by a couple days ago. He still shoots open sights, lucky.

[alrighty]

Contenders were always rare in my area it seemed. One day while traveling back and forth to trade school I ran into one at a small gun shop. It was a super 14 .223 with a Redfield golden five star 4x12 rifle scope mounted and a custom made padded suede gun case. This was back in the mid nineties and it looked almost new. Picked it up along with a box of fifty factory reloads and drove straight to the nearby public range. Using a makeshift rest , me and my friend shot a group a quarter could cover at 150 yards. I kept it that way several years until I decided I wanted a 45/70 carbine length barrel to hunt with , good decision for my hearing but still regret selling that .223 barrel. I justified selling it because I had recently picked up a TCR83 in .223.
Hunted with the 45/70 , liked the caliber and decided I wanted a lever gun so don't shoot that barrel much after picking up a Marlin. I have since picked up 10" barrels in 22 lr match , 22 hornet, 270 ren, and a .30 herrett and a super 14 hunter in 35 rem. My favorite is probably the 270 ren , it is nothing more that a 22 hornet case that is straight walled. It has very mild recoil, economical to shoot and accurate with anything I have tried.
My frame is one of the early models with the rotating block that you have rotate with a screwdriver to change between rimfire/centerfire. kind of awkward but it was made after the change to the easy open frame, my serial number is 199xxx. I still keep an eye out for barrels whenever I get a chance to visit gun shops but still rare in my local area. On the lookout now for a 30/30, because I have plenty of brass and a few molds and a 357 herrett , picked up a die set including a form/trim die used years ago.

[MDC]

I just did a trigger job on an old original offering, carbine for a 78 year old fellow, been shooting it for years with a real awful trigger. not to make you feel bad but, a 256 Win Mag. He has taken many deer with it, shoots them in the ear. I saw the barrel 6-8 years ago, gave him some brass at the time, then he bought the gun by a couple days ago. He still shoots open sights, lucky.

The 256 Winchester will do work. This is from my carbine. They also say that you can't form nickel brass
295244
295245

[Blanco]

I know someone here will have an answer for this. I have only ever seen 222 Rem as a pistol barrel for TC, but never as a rifle / Carbine?
I would think a 222 Would be a perfect rifle caliber for the Contender?

[Lonegun1894]

Blanco,
I have seen and shot one that was a rifle, but it was before I learned to appreciate these, and all I can tell you is that I was about 13-14 and it belonged to an older gentleman I met at the range one time. And I mean OLD. He was probably 35 or something, but to me not even being out of jr high yet, he seemed old. I remember it had a scope and made even me look like a good shooter, and had almost no recoil. Sorry for the very limited and useless information, but the only reason i remember it is because I remember thinking he meant .223 when he said .222, asking him about it, him correcting me, and then going home and looking it up because I’d never heard of it before. So there’s at least one rifle lenght Contender out there in .222.

[Walks]

I saw 4 .222Rem 14" bbls about 30yrs ago. at a gunshop in So Cal. By the time I got back with $$$ 3 days later. They were gone, returned as a mis-shipment. Couldn't find one after that.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I wish i would have bought a Contender pistol years ago. If i got one today i would lean towards a .357 max.

[Blanco]

Has anyone heard any news on what is going to happen with TC?
Last I heard S&W was trying to offload them?
They may just let them die ...what a shame!

[dannyd]

The new hand cannon

296650

[regdor1999]

I related to the original poster regarding these things at gun shows. 30 years ago when I was doing gun shows with my dad, they were everywhere (NW PA). I recall one guy that went to every table at a certain number of shows and the same question every time: "Have any Contender barrels?" Answered no, he shuffled on to the next table. For years I saw this guy, same question every show, I think in Edinboro PA. I think he was floored once when we actually said yes as we received all kinds of stuff in trade that didn't make it onto the table right away.

[Hays47]

For those that did not know. Thompson made many 222 Remington barrels in rifle length. I purchased the 22 Hornet and 222 Remington barrels when Thompson first made them in rifle length. Used the hornet for up to 150 yds and the 222 for anything over that. Both of these were never made in the quantity of the 223 Remington though. Sold both when it looked like my shooting days were over, Finally found a good Doc that enabled me to be a shooter again. I will never get back the collection of Thompson Center I once owned. So far I have been able to restore some of it. Right now my favorite barrel is a 14 inch 22K Hornet. Mild recoil , quiet and ungodly accurate with handloads.

The TCR 83 Aristocrat was a single shot rifle that T/C also made. Mine was a magnum frame but barrels were 22-250 , 7mm-08 and 243 Winchester. All three barrels were deadly accurate also. At todays prices I will never get these back.

[wichitadude]

If your still around tell me about your 150 ge loads with the 32-20

[725]

Blanco; I bet MGM would make a dandy one up for you if you wanted one.

[5Shot]

Has anyone heard any news on what is going to happen with TC?
Last I heard S&W was trying to offload them?
They may just let them die ...what a shame!

Haven't heard, but SKS is coming out with an Easy Open frame, so parts etc won't be an issue.

[ubetcha]

I have Super 16 bbl in.223rem. I have seen nor heard to much about them. I also have a rifle stock and forend for it. When it is on the frame it measures 16 1/4 in from breach to muzzle. That should make it a legal rifle.

[Rapier]

The TC must always have the pistol grip with the short barrel. If you put the stock on then you must use the rifle barrel or you have a short barrel rifle.

All of the factory 32-20 barrels I have seen for the TC are .308 with a 1-10 twist and work well with 4227 and cast rifle bullets 150-200g. The RCBS 165 Silhouette does well.

[jeffsmith13]

I have one frame ,1968, and one 8.5” 44 magnum barrel. The combo is very accurate and I’ve taken some nice bucks with it. I want another barrel but can’t decide which caliber. Something 30 cal for my suppressor.

[donald duck]

My two favorites are .256 Win. Mag, and .257 TCU. Cast the Lyman 65 grain w/gas check. Fun to shoot, accurate, both 14 in. barrels. would like to sell .30 Mauser dies for case forming the .256. Email me @ dworley790@gmail.com.

[BobT]

Just read the entire thread again this morning! Anyone new to the fold? I picked up another complete pistol at a gunshow this past weekend, a fairly late pre-easy open frame with a .45 Winchester Magnum 10" bull barrel. The gun looks absolutely new and I'm super anxious to get it to the range. I have a love of all things Thompson Center!

[Firesubie]

I'm new to the Contenders. I wanted one for years but was more interested in bowhunting but now have more interest in handgun hunting. I picked up an easy open frame and have bought 2-10" 30 Herrett barrels (one with irons and one with a scope mount), a Super 14 30-30, and recently traded into a 14" .223 Rem. I'm definitely hooked now. Still on the wait list for one of the SSK50 frames.

[BobT]

I'm new to the Contenders. I wanted one for years but was more interested in bowhunting but now have more interest in handgun hunting. I picked up an easy open frame and have bought 2-10" 30 Herrett barrels (one with irons and one with a scope mount), a Super 14 30-30, and recently traded into a 14" .223 Rem. I'm definitely hooked now. Still on the wait list for one of the SSK50 frames.

Welcome to the obsession! I finally got my hands on my SSK50 frame. I like it pretty well so far but I haven't fired it yet. I have a .30 Herrett that is one of my most accurate barrels. I have a .223 that is very accurate as well and the .30-30 is a favorite (my current .30-30 is the AI version).

[Firesubie]

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with all of my obsessions. Contenders, Single Action Rugers, reloading, casting, lever action carbines, woodworking, raising sheep, the list goes on. I suppose I'll always have something to do. And good thing I have an understanding wife.

[Bloodhound689]

Haven't pulled out the contenders in a while. I am now on a lever gun kick. Ended up giving one of my contenders to my son (7mm TCU) for his Birthday last year. Of course I had to give him a reloading setup too so he can shoot it when he moves out. Only have the 357/44 Bobcat left.

I do regret selling the 309 JDJ barrel. I'll more than likely get another some day.

[Dman75]

Looking to get into a contender. What’s the best cast bullet barrel to look for to deer hunt? 30-30? 44 mag? What’s your opinion?

[BobT]

Looking to get into a contender. What’s the best cast bullet barrel to look for to deer hunt? 30-30? 44 mag? What’s your opinion?

I would probably stick with one of the .357 or larger bore cartridges although the .30-30 will work too! The various .357s should all work well with cast as would the .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .45 Winchester magnum, anything on up to the .45/70 in factory barrels. Contenders are too much fun! I am currently working on a cast load for the .375 Winchester and am about to start working on one for the .357 Max too. I will add, the old octagon .44 Magnum Hotshot barrels are the hardest kicking Contender barrels I have ever shot and also probably the most common .44 Mag. barrels found for sale, I have no desire to ever shoot another one!

[P Flados]

Looking to get into a contender. What’s the best cast bullet barrel to look for to deer hunt? 30-30? 44 mag? What’s your opinion?

For 10" my recommendations are as follows:

A standard 10" in 44 mag and open sights has a reputation for being punishing with full power loads. People use them and they are effective, but pay attention to your hands/wrists and limit your range sessions if needed.

A 41 mag from a 10" barrel can be pretty much just as good for effective range as a 44 mag, will have good terminal performance with cast and will have a little less recoil than the 44.

My 357 max only shot good when loaded hot, and was bad news for my wrist if I shot more than a handful of rounds at the range. It is the only Contender barrel I have sold off. In 35 cal, I think 360 Dan Wesson is actually better. The 360 DW can be loaded to near 357 max velocities while using less powder resulting in overall less blast and recoil. It is also more likely to be happy if you want to use 357 mag for "just shooting".

The 30 Herrett has a reputation for being a great 10" deer barrel, but this is with normally done with 110 - 130 gr jacketed bullets. The 30 Herrett is usually easy to find as a used barrel. If you are wanting a new made 30 cal barrel, I strongly recommend the 300 BO over the 30 Herrett. It will get the same velocities as the 30 Herrett (the higher allowed pressure offsets the smaller case capacity), has much less risk of frame stretch, and is better from a brass perspective.

I have a 7 TCU and love it for IHMSA. I feel it is kind of small for cast and deer. I am not sure how easy it is to find good jacketed bullets that will perform well at 7 TCU velocities.

For a 14", my recommendations are as follows:

The 44 mag recoil will be much less of an issue with the longer barrel. This is a good choice and effective range is based on your field accuracy. Wind drift and bullet drop are bigger issues than with smaller calibers.

The 41 Mag is also a good choice for cast again. It can be pushed to nearly the same speeds as the 44 with close to the same weight bullets. This results in less velocity loss at longer ranges and also helps with good penetration.

The 357 max, 350 Legend or the new 360 Buckhammer will all do about the same with small pros and cons for each. For cast, you will not get much better for effective range. I have a 357 Max and think is is probably just a tad better for the contender.

For a 14", the 30-30 becomes a more attractive choice for a 30 cal. However the 30 Herrett and 30 BO are both pretty good. Again, for 30 cal, jacketed probably has an edge, but cast is not terrible to consider.

The 7-30 Waters is another that has a great reputation when used with jacket bullets. The 7 TCU will shoot faster in 14" than in 10", but I am not how much the extra does in terms of extending the effective range.

[dale2242]

My 14" 30-30 barrel is my favorite cast barrel.
I bought it specifically for shooting cast bullets.

[Dman75]

Thanks for replies. This is why I want a contender. Allows so many good options.

[firefly1957]

I have two frames both are pre easy open in 10" octagonal barrel I have .256 WM , 30-30, & 357-44 B&D . The 357-44 B&D is a early poorly engineered barrel with the containment screw for ejector in the barrel lug bottom . A couple year ago it broke and they stopped repairing or replacing them under S&W management .
I also have a 14" 44 Magnum barrel and two other .357-44 B&D barrels a ten inch bull barrel with internal choke so effective length is about 8.3 inches. I also have a 27" MGM barrel in 357-44 B&D it is by far the most accurate barrel I have .
I guess I would call the 357-44 B&D my favorite If I could get better bullets for the .256 WM I would like it better .
The velocity of the .256 WM in 10" barrel is lower then any currently made .257 bullets will reliably expand at . The 25-20 flat point bullet will expand however it shoots terribly in my gun.

[725]

.30 Herrett is very accurate and does take deer. A better option is the .357 Herrett. As for my experience, the .357 H did a better, quicker job of it. Of course, the .44 mag does quite well, too.

[Rapier]

Regards the 30-30 VS the 44. The 30-30 in a 10" Contender with 31 grains of 3031 and the 165 RCBS silhouette bullets will give you "stout" recoil and very good accuracy. Same load with a 165 Speer SP. I had a set of Packmeyers (signature grip and forend) on mine to add weight to it. It is accurate from 50 to 200. Shot deer and hogs with the 10" TC and a 10" Merrill with the same load. Had a 1,800 Fps GC w lube 4227 load that was also very good.

[racepres]

Hands Down, the 357Herrett has been my Favorite..slightly better accuracy, than, the 7TCU, and more powerful!! A bit Violent...but, Effective!
The 7TCU is hard to beat if that much Report and Recoil is not desired. Note, I only use 10" barrels. Thus the 44 Mag is Not really in the Game.
Honerably mention the 45Win Mag.. Easily runs with the 44 Mag...But shoots 45ACP like a House Afire...actually need to Try to Miss!!!

[BobT]

Hands Down, the 357Herrett has been my Most Accurate..slightly better than, the 7TCU, yet more powerful!! A bit Violent...but, Effective!
The 7TCU is hard to beat if that much Report and Recoil is not desired. Note, I only use 10" barrels.

Do you mind sharing what projectile you are using in the .357 Herrett barrel? I haven't even fired mine yet but am anxious to get started on load work up.

[racepres]

Do you mind sharing what projectile you are using in the .357 Herrett barrel? I haven't even fired mine yet but am anxious to get started on load work up.

I started with the 200 gr Rem. Soft point...didn't like the recoil nor the FPS... Went 150 gr Rem PSP...Remarkable accuracy, and No Deer hit with it has even Kicked...DRT!!! Yes, I like the 200 or even 220 Cast with GC...But, Not in that Barrel...I use those in my 35 Remington,(98 Mauser) ...and Push 'em Hard.. Those Cast do Better in that 35 Rem. than the Jacketed do.. and the FPS is right there with jacketed...or Better!!
Anyway, 150 Rem PSP, over AA1680...and I don't plan on Changing!!!!

[BobT]

I started with the 200 gr Rem. Soft point...didn't like the recoil nor the FPS... Went 150 gr Rem PSP...Remarkable accuracy, and No Deer hit with it has even Kicked...DRT!!! Yes, I like the 200 or even 220 Cast with GC...But, Not in that Barrel...I use those in my 35 Remington,(98 Mauser) ...and Push 'em Hard.. Those Cast do Better in that 35 Rem. than the Jacketed do.. and the FPS is right there with jacketed...or Better!!
Anyway, 150 Rem PSP, over AA1680...and I don't plan on Changing!!!!

Good to know, thanks!

[Firesubie]

Dang! Now I want a 357 Herrett.

[JDHasty]

You won’t be sorry. Mine is super accurate. I shoot 158 SWC GC bullets out of mine.

[BobT]

Honerably mention the 45Win Mag.. Easily runs with the 44 Mag...But shoots 45ACP like a House Afire...actually need to Try to Miss!!!

I just got my first .45 Winchester Magnum barrel the other day, it came on a frame I wanted or I probably would never have acquired one. I really need to try it I guess. It came with a 50 round box of ammo so I might as well shoot those up anyway.

[BobT]

Dang! Now I want a 357 Herrett.

I wanted one for a long time before I found the right deal on it. I give Steve Herrett and Bob Milek much of the credit for my handgun hunting and shooting interests. I thought that a pair of early frames with matching 10" barrels and Herrett grips would be a fitting tribute to Mr. Herrett and for Mr. Milek I have a clone of his Trapper Gun XP100 in 6mm-.223. There were other influences along the way for me but these 2 gentlemen were by far the biggest.

If you do get either Herrett I highly recommend this fellows cut off jig for brass forming, it fits the Harbor Freight mini chop saw

https://www.etsy.com/shop/dangerleoballistics/?etsrc=sdt

[racepres]

I just got my first .45 Winchester Magnum barrel the other day, it came on a frame I wanted or I probably would never have acquired one. I really need to try it I guess. It came with a 50 round box of ammo so I might as well shoot those up anyway.

I wouldn't dream of getting rid of my 45 Win Mag.. Runs with the 44 Mag accross the board, which is Nice. But, With 45 ACP, It is Phenomenally accurate. Best with 200 gr CSWC, and AA#7... Been watching the Extractor for bending from holding the rim...None, in many Hundreds of rounds (my eldest just cant put it down) the Primer indentation has Not Changed one bit, and Never a FTF.

[Firesubie]

I wanted one for a long time before I found the right deal on it. I give Steve Herrett and Bob Milek much of the credit for my handgun hunting and shooting interests. I thought that a pair of early frames with matching 10" barrels and Herrett grips would be a fitting tribute to Mr. Herrett and for Mr. Milek I have a clone of his Trapper Gun XP100 in 6mm-.223. There were other influences along the way for me but these 2 gentlemen were by far the biggest.

If you do get either Herrett I highly recommend this fellows cut off jig for brass forming, it fits the Harbor Freight mini chop saw

https://www.etsy.com/shop/dangerleoballistics/?etsrc=sdt
Thanks for the link! I just bought one for 357 Herrett. I guess that means that I am obligated to get a barrel and dies now. I mean, that is the rule, right?

[P Flados]

When I got my first Contender over 40 years ago, my available 35 cal options were 357 magnum, 35 Herrett and 35 Rem. The 35 Herrett was considered to be “the choice” for a 10” gun if you wanted more than the magnum. It was known to be mean at full power, but the performance was impressive.

Now we have more options. We also have tools that can determine which choices make more sense. I did a comprehensive evaluation that shows that there are better Contender options than the 35 Herrett when it comes to a 10” barrel.

Frame stretch on the Contender can occur when the breech thrust is too high. With 357 mag, or 223 based cartridges, you will start stretching primer pockets on your brass before you damage your gun. This is not true with larger diameter cartridges.

A detailed thrust analysis is complex but I will simplify my effort by using a consistent assumed case wall thickness. A first pass Quickload evaluation with default parameters showed the 35 Remington to have the highest estimated breech thrust, just less than 4800 lb. Using 4800 lb thrust, the allowed chamber pressure was backed out for all calibers. This pressure was then used to evaluate velocities. Note that I do not guarantee that this level of thrust is acceptable and do not recommend any load used in this evaluation. The entire exercise is just to compare cartridge choices on a level basis.

Recoil and muzzle blast are also concerns for these options. Both are minimized with reduced muzzle pressures and blast is reduced with higher percent burn values. The top choice for least recoil and blast is 360 DW. This reduction comes at some loss of velocity, but I consider this to be a reasonable tradeoff. The rest of the choices all deliver essentially the same performance for velocity but are ranked best to worst for recoil and muzzle blast.



Bullet : .358, 180, Speer FP 2435
Barrel Length : 10.0 inch = 254.0 mm

C A U T I O N : any load listed can result in a powder charge that falls below minimum suggested
loads or exceeds maximum suggested loads as presented in current handloading manuals. Understand
that all of the listed powders can be unsuitable for the given combination of cartridge, bullet
and gun. Actual load order can vary, depending upon lot-to-lot powder and component variations.
USE ONLY FOR COMPARISON !

Cartridge: .360 Dan Wesson Base Diameter (in): 0.379 Wall (in) 0.02 Thrust (lb): 4800

Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma R123 99.0 16.0 1.04 1754 100.0 53180 5006 0.702 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Ramshot Enforcer 100.1 16.5 1.07 1727 98.9 53180 5296 0.695 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant 2400 101.1 15.5 1.00 1724 98.3 53180 5320 0.695 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!




Cartridge: .357 Maximum Base Diameter (in): 0.379 Wall (in) 0.02 Thrust (lb): 4800

Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Winchester 296 97.7 23.4 1.52 1933 95.4 53180 8534 0.665 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon Lil'Gun 98.9 23.0 1.49 1931 100.0 53180 7844 0.660 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Hodgdon H110 98.2 23.6 1.53 1895 97.5 53180 7930 0.669 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!


Cartridge: .350 Legend Base Diameter (in): 0.39 Wall (in) 0.02 Thrust (lb): 4800

Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Winchester 296 87.3 27.2 1.76 1986 96.9 49890 10533 0.676 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon Lil'Gun 88.0 26.5 1.72 1969 100.0 49890 9496 0.676 ! Near Maximum !
Hodgdon H110 88.1 27.4 1.78 1947 98.6 49890 9755 0.679 ! Near Maximum !




Cartridge: .357 Herrett Base Diameter (in): 0.422 Wall (in) 0.020 Thrust (lb): 4800

Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Norma 200 *C 101.9 36.0 2.34 1962 91.2 41882 12475 0.732 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Vihtavuori N120 *C 101.0 33.3 2.16 1948 96.8 41882 11467 0.712 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!
Alliant Reloder TS 11 *C *T 98.9 34.4 2.23 1940 91.8 41882 11579 0.708 !DANGEROUS LOAD-DO NOT USE!


Cartridge: .35 Remington Base Diameter (in): 0.458 Wall (in) 0.02 Thrust (lb): 4800

Powder type Filling/Loading Ratio Charge Charge Vel. Prop.Burnt P max P muzz B_Time
% Grains Gramm fps % psi psi ms
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Alliant AR-Comp *C *T 101.9 42.8 2.77 1945 86.6 34978 14163 0.753 ! Near Maximum !
Alliant Reloder-10x *C 95.2 39.0 2.53 1921 86.8 34978 13378 0.770 ! Near Maximum !
Norma 200 *C 92.0 39.0 2.53 1915 88.2 34978 13495 0.790 ! Near Maximum !

[Firesubie]

That's some interesting data. I definitely don't want to damage my frame. What is a safe thrust for the 1st generation frames to prevent frame stretch? I value accuracy over velocity but I still want the best terminal performance which seems to favor higher velocities.

[BobT]

I wouldn't dream of getting rid of my 45 Win Mag.. Runs with the 44 Mag accross the board, which is Nice. But, With 45 ACP, It is Phenomenally accurate. Best with 200 gr CSWC, and AA#7... Been watching the Extractor for bending from holding the rim...None, in many Hundreds of rounds (my eldest just cant put it down) the Primer indentation has Not Changed one bit, and Never a FTF.

I'll have to give the .45ACP a try, I love my 1911s!


Thanks for the link! I just bought one for 357 Herrett. I guess that means that I am obligated to get a barrel and dies now. I mean, that is the rule, right?

You may as well go ahead and get the .30 Herrett also. :wink:

[P Flados]

That's some interesting data. I definitely don't want to damage my frame. What is a safe thrust for the 1st generation frames to prevent frame stretch? I value accuracy over velocity but I still want the best terminal performance which seems to favor higher velocities.

Back when TC stood behind their guns, lots of people pushed 30-30 based rounds pretty hard and many ended up getting sent back to the factory. This is a big part of why TC came out with the G2 with those raised regions that stick out on each side of the frame.

I did not know anything about "frame stretch" for the first couple of decades that I loaded the 30 Herrett.

The biggest problem is that there is no simple & easy "rule" that is sure to prevent you from stretching a contender if you try to rely on "working up" loads based only on the results you see.

The best advice I have for the typical reloader is to find pressure tested data and use exactly the same bullet, powder, charge and COAL. You should be in pretty good shape. Double checking results with a chrono is a good idea if you want to push it all the way to the max listed charge.

An above average reloader can probably use Quickload in combination with a chrono to take pressure tested data and come up with any needed powder charge adjustments to deal with bullet substitutions where both bullets are pretty similar. Some amount of "back off just a little from max" is called for.

A really sharp reloader can probably safely work up loads with a just a chrono and enough reference data for similar pressure tested loads.

For me and my 30 Herretts (10" & 14") and 30-30 (14"), I ended up assembling all the pressure tested load data I could find (not much 30 Herrett to find), using Quickload and went pretty hard core with the "back off just a little from max" mentality. My goal was IHMSA shooting so any load worked up needed to be suitable for high volume usage.

However, in truth I also just decided to "avoid the issue" more than anything else. I bought 7 TCU barrels to use in lieu of my 30 Herretts.

For the same reason, if someone wants a 30 cal, and is willing to "buy new" I would recommend a 300 BO barrel over the 30 Herrett.

And just for comparison, when I run the 44 mag through my spreadsheet for estimated thrust it comes out a little higher than the 35 Remington.

[BobT]

When I got my first Contender over 40 years ago, my available 35 cal options were 357 magnum, 35 Herrett and 35 Rem. The 35 Herrett was considered to be “the choice” for a 10” gun if you wanted more than the magnum. It was known to be mean at full power, but the performance was impressive.

Now we have more options. We also have tools that can determine which choices make more sense. I did a comprehensive evaluation that shows that there are better Contender options than the 35 Herrett when it comes to a 10” barrel.

Frame stretch on the Contender can occur when the breech thrust is too high. With 357 mag, or 223 based cartridges, you will start stretching primer pockets on your brass before you damage your gun. This is not true with larger diameter cartridges.
[/code]

Frame stretch is a very real concern with the Contender but it can be mitigated by following established loading procedures.
Don Bower and J.D. Jones probably stretched more frames between them than everyone else combined but they came up with some impressive cartridges. Any firearm can be ruined by poor reloading practices and the Contender is certainly no exception. If higher performance is desired there are some trade offs but it doesn't mean you can't use any of these cartridges in the Contender, it simply requires some attention to detail.

I have been shooting and hunting with Contenders since 1979 and have fired many thousands of rounds of mostly handloaded ammunition from the .22 Squirrel up to the .45/70. I have yet to stretch a frame nor as far as I know do I personally know anyone who has. I consider it a risk / reward situation, the .38 Special would virtually eliminate any risk but what fun would that be. I enjoy shooting my pistols and shoot them a lot but I also want to do things besides punching holes in paper at 50 yards, I'll guarantee that if you like to shoot, the first time you bang a steel plater over 500 yards away with a break open pistol will put a big smile on your face! Muzzle blast and recoil are trade offs for performance. Earlier this week I shot a large male coyote at a lasered 208 yards with my 7-30 Waters, he was stalking a couple of mature whitetail does. I might not have taken that shot with a lessor cartridge but even from a makeshift rest I was pretty confident in the Waters.

[racepres]

Frame stretch is a very real concern with the Contender but it can be mitigated by following established loading procedures.
Don Bower and J.D. Jones probably stretched more frames between them than everyone else combined but they came up with some impressive cartridges. Any firearm can be ruined by poor reloading practices and the Contender is certainly no exception. If higher performance is desired there are some trade offs but it doesn't mean you can't use any of these cartridges in the Contender, it simply requires some attention to detail.

I have been shooting and hunting with Contenders since 1979 and have fired many thousands of rounds of mostly handloaded ammunition from the .22 Squirrel up to the .45/70. I have yet to stretch a frame nor as far as I know do I personally know anyone who has. I consider it a risk / reward situation, the .38 Special would virtually eliminate any risk but what fun would that be. I enjoy shooting my pistols and shoot them a lot but I also want to do things besides punching holes in paper at 50 yards, I'll guarantee that if you like to shoot, the first time you bang a steel plater over 500 yards away with a break open pistol will put a big smile on your face! Muzzle blast and recoil are trade offs for performance. Earlier this week I shot a large male coyote at a lasered 208 yards with my 7-30 Waters, he was stalking a couple of mature whitetail does. I might not have taken that shot with a lessor cartridge but even from a makeshift rest I was pretty confident in the Waters.

My Situation as well..I try very hard to run Published Loads..as I do Not believe the Contender has had a Handful of "factory" loads.
Plus, I always Chrono said Published loads. Knowing there is No Free Velocity...Load Accordingly. Luckily, If I need more, I have a Couple Longer Guns!!!

[FergusonTO35]

I think some states (Missouri?) allow centerfire handguns during bow season or have special extended seasons for handgun hunting. That would certainly be appealing, especially if you personally had the ability to shoot high pressure rifle cartridges from a handgun. I draw the line at .357 for handgun power level so a Contender wouldn't do me any good. The cost of Contender barrels just keeps going up too.