I'm looking at a contender that is pre. G2 that's never been shot.It has a 10 inch 45/410 barrel thats on it right now.But they have a 10 inch 30-30 barrel there as well that i'm looking at.My question is looking at the hornady reloading handbook they say that the 30-30 in 10 inch lacks in performance and accuracy. What has been your guys expirence?
Norm

The 30 Herrett will out shoot it in a 10’ barrel. Just not enough barrel for powder burn. I shot my Dad’s and really had a lot of muzzle blast as well. The advantage is that you can still shoot factory ammo out of it. I would say if it is a good deal and want a 410 get it. You could always sell/trade the 30-30 barrel if you don’t want it.

I have both a 10 and 14 inch barrel. As far as accuracy I can't tell much deference. They both group about the same at the 50 yards I usual shoot.

I've shot many mid to high 30s with my 10" .30-30 barrel in silhouettes. It'll kill a deer handily. Not as efficient as a .30 Herrett, but still fun nonetheless.

Obviously, a little more length would improve the velocity and the downrange energy but shouldn't do much for accuracy other than a longer sight radius if using irons. The 10" 30-30 is an effective deer and pig killer out to 150 yards or so, given the choice I'd rather have a 12 but a 10 will do.

I've had both and found the 30-30 10" to have a lot more muzzle blast and more recoil then the 14" tube. As far as accuracy, if you reload you'll find a good load for it. I had no problem getting 1 1/2" out of my 10" and used it to take several coyotes. I eventually sold it and got a 14" 30-30AI. I missed the compact and easily carried 10". I would not have hesitated to use it on deer out to 150 with the 125 Nos. BT.

Bill in OR

The impession that i'm getting is that it's ok but nothing special. It's not a need thing it's a want thing.Maybe it's the nastalgia of the hole thing.Like i said before it's all your guys

oop's let me finish
Like i siad it's all your guys fault.I was perfectly happy with my wheelguns.LOL

That pretty much describes anything hunting/shooting related that I get anymore!

If you plan on reloading anyway, sell the 30-30, call up JD at SSK and order up a 14" 6.5 JDJ, 7mm JDJ, or 309 JDJ. You will reduce your felt recoil (with the 6.5 & 7), be good out to 300 yards and beyond, and be more than capable of sub 1" groups at 100.

jwindh1 I have a G2 in 7-30 water that i shot my mule deer at 273 yards with this year.So long range is not the issue, i like the idea of a compact package.And yes i do reload.

My favorite compact package is my 10" .357 Maximum. Although 150 yards is on the outer reach of it, that thing is my go-to carry gun in a T/C.

I used to have a 10" Waters, as well as a 14" Waters, and that 10"er was a loud bucking little bugger while the longer tube is a creampuff with the same load.

I was simply making a suggestion in reference to the debate over the 30-30. It seemed that distance was the hot topic, and I just shared my opinion. The 7-30 is a great cartridge and congrats on the mulie kill will the 7-30.

I had a 10" 30-30 and that was pretty much my take on it. Lot'sa blast, very whippy recoil and decent accuracy. I ended up ditching it.



If this is the case, then get the classic 10" Contender .30 caliber cartridge.....the .30 Herrett. It performs equally well as the 10" 30-30 w/ the same bullet weights. Recoil and blast are also lessened. My 10" .30 Herrett shoots like BR gun compared to the 10" 30-30 I sold.

Thanks for the help guys. From the info. you all gave me i'm going to pass on the 30-30 barrel.A few of you mentioned the 30 herrett,can you buy brass for that round or do you have to make it?

There are a couple of places that make 30 Herrett brass, but its expensive. If you don't want to make your own, Buffalo Arms sells the brass.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/4,4155.html

You have to make it...but super simple. I even have a pile of formed and once fired that I'd sell reasonable.