I picked up a lightly used Contender today with a 10" 44 Mag barrel, and a 14" 223 barrel, what do you think i should load in the 44.In my inventory I have 240 gr. XTP"s and 240 gr. laser cast hardcast bullets, load them fast or just coasting, what do you think,either way she"s going to bark.

And kick like a mule ;-)

I've shot some pretty heavy hitters, but a 10" 44 MAG Contender is about the most unfun thing I've had the displeasure of.

I like shooting big bullets slow out of my tender. They don't bark as loud and are a tad easier on the hand.

I've been shooting a contender in 44 mag for over 25 years. Mine wears decelerator grips to tame the recoil. You will find that you get near, but not quite, 454 casull revolver velocities due to the closed breech design. Plus the blast is not nearly as bad as a revolver due to this same feature. I have used this gun quite a bit for hunting over the years, and have found the Hornady 265 grain jsp to be a reliable performer on whitetails and hogs. I would probably step up to a 300 grain xtp or hard cast if I were to hunt something bigger.

The handle can make all the difference. IIRC the 44 I shot had the Herrett style grip with the finger grooves which had more angle to it. I prefer the Competitor grip with the rubber insert at the rear. Have never tried the Pachys.

My 44 10 inch has the pachmeir grips and they Huuuurt. Much easier to shoot my rugers same loads.

Does your 44 have the shotshell shredder on the muzzle.

It is funny how the grip angle makes all the difference in felt recoil. My Freedom Arms 454 kicks like hell, but doesn't really hurt unless you let your nuckle get into the trigger guard. But, my Contender, and my S&W 629 pound the web of my hand much more. And the Redhawk I used to have....well it was brutal with heavy loads.

Yeah, a healthy amount of H110 is LOUD.