I am in the market for either a new or used 30-30 barrel for my Contender. Does anyone have an opinion on what I will be giving up by using a 10" vs. a 14" tube? I am having trouble finding a used 14" but know where I can get a 10" in good shape for $150. So, is this an area where patience really will pay off? or are we talking such a small velocity increase that it is splitting hairs. I generally hunt out of box blinds on the ground, with the occasional prone ground ambush when I want to change things up. Last year I shot deer from 13yds out to about 100yds, with my .41mag 10" tube. I would like to use a 30-30 barrel to get me out to about 150yds with comfort. Also note that this close to deer season i will be having to use factory ammo to do all of my hunting. I was thinking Hornady Leverevolutions. Let me know what yall think.

there are different schools on this me i would wait for the
14" but that is me dont like 10" to loud on my old ears for
one another i like the control of the longer others will say
it doesnt matter it may not but i does to me so i say wait
i know that may not help just my 2cents
larry

I had a friend with the 14inch barrel, every time he shot it climbed 45 degrees. I bought a 10inch sent it to get magna-ported, it recoiled like a .357 Mag. With a scope it was a sweet whitetail gun. Hope this helps.

I agree with Larry223. I would wait on the 14". My 14" "used" bbl in 30-30 was as accurate as some of my SSK custom bbls. Then I improved it to AI. It is even better now. The 14" will lend itself to being improved if you so choose in the future.

In a 10in a 30 Herrett will out perform a 30-30 Win… or that is what all the books I have state anyways… Not enough barrel length for efficient powder burn and it is really loud. I would say go with a 14in 30-30 or maybe even a 30-30 AI!

I agree. I would also wait on a 14 inch barrel. Like TC Man everything I have read said the 30-30 does best in a 14 inch. I have a 10 inch 30 Herrett and like it, but you either have to reload or know someone who will. Check out edstc.com. He may have a used 14 inch 30-30.

There is a big velocity drop from 14" to 10", can be as much as 400 FPS depending on powder. Whereas from 16" to 14" is only about 100. If shooting factory a 14" would be prefered for performance.

Look at Midsouth, they have blued and stainless 14" contender tubes. I also prefer the 14" over the 10".

I've had a 14" since 1978, and it is excellent. I also owned a 10" from '78 until about '81. I never achieved the accuracy level with it that I did easily with the 14". I would absolutely recommend the 14" for the definite velocity and potential accuracy advantage over the 10".

For hunting, I'd recommend the 14". I have a 10" I shot silhouettes with for years. It is extremely accurate if loaded properly. Just use some 170 grain bullets in it, those work real well on deer.

I'll agree with what the others have recommended - wait for a 14" barrel. Check with Ed's TC or the classified forums at Graybeard Outdoors or Specialty Pistols. I see them there quite often.

Mike

All right guys I cracked and ordered a new 14" 30-30 barrel from my local gun shop. Hopefully by next weekend I will be playing with my new toy....

i guess iam alittle to late. i would have made you a deal on my 30-30 barrel.

I took my new 30-30 win. Contender to the range today. All i really had time for was to put a few rounds downrange and see if there is anything that needs real tweaking before serious practice can begin. The only ammo I could find was Remington 170 gr. HP's, and to be honest with you i might hunt with them do to the inch and a half groups that appeared at 100 yards. That is a personal best with a handgun for me. Thank you all for all of your feedback, I learned a lot and am very happy with the decision I made.

You know I spent several years helping run a range and the guys that would crawl out of the woodwork during what we called "sight-in" season would consider minute of pie plate good shootin' with a rifle so I think you will do ok. Just remember to stay within your capabilities and have fun.

Rich

If there is one thing guiding deer hunts has taught me is that Minute of angle at the range turns into Minute of Pie Plate in the field. And Minute of Pie Plate turns into Minute of Economy Car. I just have to shoot a gun until I know when hunting that any and all mistakes were mine. Clean killed meat just tastes better.