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.

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.

Federal Power-Shok 150 gr soft point flat nose. Very accurate and deer deadly. One of the best buys, too, for factory rounds.

Boartuff, how far will shoot at deer with that load.

I used the 150 Bal. Tip in a Super 14 30-30AI to good effect

Factory....Old Remington 150 Core Lokts.

Reloads preferred though. 150 Hornady spire points or round noses with a healthy dose of LeverRevolution.

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.

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

How far have you taken deer with the core lok load?

I am getting tight groups with the Winchester 150 gr hollow point. Has anyone used this load on deer?

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]

Core Lok 150's is what I use......But that is for smaller blackies

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.

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.

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?

As I said I'd think it would work being a hollow point.

Good shooting! I think that'll do the trick.

I am not familiar with that load but, if you have time the milk jug test sure wouldn't hurt.