tc contender

[Bigut]

I am thinking of buying a tc contender and was wondering what would be the best caliber? I live in mississippi and I will not be shooting over 250 yards. I was thinking about the 30-30 in a 14 inch barrel.What do yall think?

[Shadow]

The 30-30 in a long rifle barrel runs out of gas real fast past 150 yards. The energy at 200 yards is already below 1,000 foot pounds. The shorter barrel on the pistol is going to make this even worse, as there will be a decrease in velocity. I am not familiar with the chamberings for the T/C Contender. I have shot one, and it was a sweet little gun. I think you would be better served with something like a 7mm 08 or a .260. I am not sure what recoil will be like with these rounds out of a pistol. If they chamber the .243 that would also have enough speed and energy, but I personally prefer heavier bullets than what is available with the .243. Still, it is plenty of gun if you place your shots well, and recoil is very mild. You might also consider the .308 if it is chambered.

If I remember correctly, I think I have seen or heard of Contenders in .30-06. That would be the ticket, but I wouldn't want to pull the trigger on it. It can thump a little in a rifle, and I would think it would be real nasty in a pistol.

[ November 23, 2001: Message edited by: Alan Shadow ]

[Dick Fuehrer]

If you can shoot a handgun out to 250 yards, you've got to be a heck of a lot better shot than I am. A lot of rifle shooters can't hit at that range.

Dick

[EricB]

T/C does not chamber the contender for high pressure rifle cartrides like he 3006, 243, and 308. They make the encore for those. The most powerful cartridge for the contender is a 45-70 unless you want to handload the jdj line of cartridges.

I have a buddy who has a contender in 30-30. He limits his shots to 75 yards and has had good luck with it. It is fun to shoot!

[wheelgun]

I have 12 contender barrels and enjoy them all.One of my favorites is 7-30 waters,I have killed mule deer at 150 yards with one shot .Two of them dropped where they stood ,one ran about 50 yards.They 7-30 can be very accurate,just get out and shoot it all you can,practice,practice.Best of luck.
love them contenders.

[EricB]

Wheelgun
Is factory ammo available for the 7-30 waters? I know it is simply a necked down 30-30 so brass is common and it is easy to reload.