I got a nice used Contender in 223 with a Burris 2.5 x 7 scope for Christmas. It shoots great but I am trying to decide if I should use it next deer season for the 75-150 yard shots or get another barrel for it or just buy a CVA Scout in 243.

What would you do? If you were going to buy a new barrel for deer hunting which one would buy?

a 14" 30-30 ackley improved would make a nice one! I would not do the .223 on deer myself, unless i had no other choice.
....or the cva .243 might be interesting. 😉

223 with the right bullet/load (think high/full weight retention and good expansion in a strong) works great on deer if you want to save your pennies.
As for other options?
I'm enjoying a factory 30-30 barrel with hand loads using the 300 blackout TAC-TX. The low velocity performance of the bullet gives the combination an effective range far longer then my abilities. I think any of the 30 cal cartridges could benefit from bullet in a short barrel configuration.

As for other round/barrels, I've always thought the 45-70 looked interesting and would be a great conversation piece.

The CVA looks very interesting, but you got to remember how many people say the .243 isn't big enough for deer and you have to have at least a 30-06.

For the handloader, the 7-30 Waters or 30-30 AI are among the best deer cartridges around for the Contender out to about 250 yards. The good ole 30-30 will do well, as well as the 6.8 SPC, 300 BLK (300 whisper/screamer/etc), and 35 Remington for those who shoot factory. There are also the various JDJ chamberings if you want to go that route. What twist is your 223 barrel?

I am not sure what the twist is in my barrel. After Christmas I sighted it in with some American Eagle 55 gr FMJ. It seemed to like these very much.

Then I shot some Barnes 55 gr TSX factory loads and was very pleased to see that they grouped good also and had the same impact location as the American Eagle.

My plan is to practice with the American Eagle loads and hunt with the Barnes.

What do you think about that?

I would say pick your shots carefully, be very precise and do not expect a blood trail .Were it all I had,or if injured and could shoot nothing bigger I would use it. I have better guns for the task and prefere to use them. jmho

30-30 AI or just a standard 30-30 if you dont reload

I vote a new barrel. IMHO the 223 isn't a deer caliber even in a rifle, let alone a handgun. I know I will catch flack for saying that, but it's how I feel. My next barrel will be a 30-30 or 30-30Ai.

For factory, the 30-30AI, 30-30, or 7-30 would be ideal. I also have various JDJs and they work exceptionally well also. I really have a soft spot for the 6.5 JDJ and the 309 JDJ. If you want big hammer, you can go to the 375 JDJ. It will put them down with authority with the right slugs.

.30-30 AI from Math Grade Machine.