I am looking into a new barrel for my contender. I am torn between 7x30 and 300 savage. I prefer larger calibers so I am not wild about 7mm class. The 300 interest me but I read the 300 savage is at the upper end of the contenders pressure limits. Will factory ammo or max reloads (never more than what's in books) stretch the frame. The 300 also has more bullet options to play with. Never should have started reloading. I just have to expirement. It's contagious. What's your opinion on these two rounds? I hunt deer and hogs only in the south. If I go after something larger I have the 375 and 45-70.

You wouldn't be able to load the Savage to it's full potential in a Contender. I love the 7-30 Waters, it is my favorite bottleneck pistol cartridge. If you like 30 cals perhaps the 30-30 AI is in order.

I have the standard 30-30 in a ten inch barrel on the contender and love it. The accuracy amazes me.

The 30-30 ackley improved will be near 2400fps with 150gr bullets and 2600fps with 125gr bullets out of 14"-15" barrels.

I would certainly select the .30-30 AI or .309 JDJ over the .300 Savage rimless case.

X2

I agree about the 30-30 Ackley Improved. My brother has a carbine barrel for his contender.
Great Case shape after fire forming. Being rimmed makes it perfect in a Contender. Probably about all a 30 caliber can do from a Contender also.

I have a 35 Bullberry which is basicly a slightly longer 35 Remington Rimmed, formed from 375 Winchester brass. It is a great Contender cartridge also. The 375 Winchester Rim makes it a big improvement over a 35 Remington.

Look at the 30-30 Ackley Imp, and I think you will really like it. E Arther Brown should have the barrel.

Another very good point is it being formed from Easy to Find 30-30 brass.

Bob

In 30 caliber, I would suggest the 309JDJ. If you want a bigger bore there is the 338JDJ or the 358JDJ.

I like the Waters, It"s one of my most accurate barrels.

The 7-30 Waters is hard to beat for accuracy, light recoil and effectiveness at 150 yards or so.