Handgunhunt
FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE
Posted By: REDHAWK1954
FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/21/2017 1:51 PM
Has anyone hunted deer with a 14 inch contender using factory loads, if so what load do you like. I am playing with the Hornady 160 gr plastic tipped load and the Federal 125 gr hp. I plan to reload in the future but need a factory load to use to maybe 150 yards for now.
Posted By: karl
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/21/2017 3:18 PM
I tried the Hornady custom lite when I first got my barrel and they didn't group well.
I know I tried the 140gn monoflex, but not sure if that was factory or handloads, but I remember not being impressed by grouping or recommended minimum velocity.
I shot a bunch of the Barnes 150gn flat nosed TSX in handloads. The highest muzzle velocity I achieved was ~2050fps with a variety of powders. On paper the max range was ~150 yards based on minimum recommended terminal velocity. I don't think factory would do much better (or much worse). If you were closer i'd get you some of the 110gn TAC-TX to try.
Posted By: Boartuff
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/22/2017 12:35 AM
Federal Power-Shok 150 gr soft point flat nose. Very accurate and deer deadly. One of the best buys, too, for factory rounds.
Posted By: REDHAWK1954
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/22/2017 12:39 AM
Boartuff, how far will shoot at deer with that load.
Posted By: nomosendero
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/22/2017 1:20 AM
I used the 150 Bal. Tip in a Super 14 30-30AI to good effect
Posted By: AK hgunner1
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/22/2017 2:31 AM
Factory....Old Remington 150 Core Lokts.
Reloads preferred though. 150 Hornady spire points or round noses with a healthy dose of LeverRevolution.
Posted By: H2OBUG
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/22/2017 3:01 AM
Factory 150 gr Remington Core Lok
Buy them at Walmart
I dI'd a lot of hand loading for mine -- overall it is really hard to beat this factory load.
Posted By: Charlie SA
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/22/2017 11:04 AM
I am pleased with the groups out of my 14" TC with the factory Hornady 140 grain monoflex. I was told by Hornady the minimum recommended velocity for the 140 to be 1600 fps which from my chronograph tests would put my max range at about 175 yards. Have I shot anything at that range? No, max shot for me has been hog at 75 yards, dropped in tracks.
YMMV
Posted By: REDHAWK1954
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 04/22/2017 3:12 PM
How far have you taken deer with the core lok load?
Posted By: REDHAWK1954
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/10/2017 1:22 AM
I am getting tight groups with the Winchester 150 gr hollow point. Has anyone used this load on deer?
Posted By: dhom
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/10/2017 1:38 PM
My favorite deer load with a 14" uses a 125 NBT with a max load of H4895. I never sent it through a chrono but, estimate 2250 fps. The last doe I shot at 125 yds [lazered] was DRT. I also tried a 150 Horn Spire but, no evidence of expansion. [est. 1950 fps]
Posted By: AK hgunner1
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/10/2017 10:41 PM
Core Lok 150's is what I use......But that is for smaller blackies
Posted By: REDHAWK1954
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/13/2017 10:30 AM
I think I have found the factory load I will deer hunt with this season. This group measures 1 3/8 inches center to center at 100 yards. This is the Winchester 150 gr hollow point load that I can find about anywhere around here.
Posted By: s4s4u
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/13/2017 2:41 PM
Sure seems accurate enough. Do you know what speed you are getting? I would line up a half dozen one gallon milk/water jugs and see if that bullet will expand at pistol velocity as well. Being a hollow point I'd think it would but it wouldn't hurt to check.
Posted By: REDHAWK1954
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/13/2017 4:18 PM
I emailed Winchester and told them that I was shooting this load in a 14 inch contender. I asked them what was the lowest velocity it would open up and perform properly on deer. Their reply was that it would perform properly at 300 yards out of a 20 inch barrel. I do not plan to take any shots beyond 175 yards and almost all will be less than 150 yards so I believe it will work. What do you think?
Posted By: s4s4u
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/13/2017 7:51 PM
As I said I'd think it would work being a hollow point.
Posted By: Chance Weldon
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/14/2017 11:39 PM
Good shooting! I think that'll do the trick.
Posted By: dhom
Re: FACTORY LOADS FOR DEER IN A 30 30 14 INCH CONTENDE - 06/15/2017 11:23 AM
I am not familiar with that load but, if you have time the milk jug test sure wouldn't hurt.