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Contender pistols #202118 09/22/2019 10:08 PM
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Mr. Bisley Offline OP
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What cartridge and barrel length is your automatic go to when the T/C Contender pistol comes out for deer/big game hunting?

Personally, I cannot just pick one.

12 inch 357 Max gets the nod in heavy timber with 190 grain Ranch Dog cast bullet with gas check.

15 inch 30-30 Ackley gets the nod for open country with 160 grain Hornady Lever Evolution bullet.

Been wanting to try some Hornady 140 GMX designed for 30-30.






Last edited by Mr. Bisley; 09/22/2019 10:15 PM.
Re: Contender pistols [Re: Mr. Bisley] #202119 09/22/2019 10:34 PM
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Zee Offline
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Factory:
.45/.410 (10in)
.445 super Mag (10in)
.44 Mag Hunter Model (12in)

MGM:
.223 Rem (13in)
.357 Mag (10in)
.30-30 AI (13in)
.35 Rem (14in)

The .30-30 AI is probably my most practical Deer/Pig option. But, I really like the .445 Super Mag. Just depends on the terrain.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: Contender pistols [Re: Zee] #202120 09/22/2019 11:03 PM
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KYODE Offline
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When i was deer hunting i used my 14? 35rem rimmed the most because its such a powerhouse.
I love the 14? 30-30AI and i could do just fine with it. It actually makes a better overall hunting gun for the area imo. Not too big.....not too little.

Also have 357max contender and 7-08 encore which are great. I still used the 35rem most.


Kentucky….no place like home.
Re: Contender pistols [Re: KYODE] #202121 09/23/2019 12:30 AM
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REDHAWK1954 Offline
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I like my 44 mag sweet 14 for woods hunting and early and late but my 30 30 sweet 14 for around fields.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Contender pistols [Re: REDHAWK1954] #202122 09/23/2019 1:01 AM
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wvhitman Offline
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14" .309 JDJ, 3-12 Burris BPlex, 150 BT for deer. 165 BT ,165X for bigger stuff.

Re: Contender pistols [Re: KYODE] #202123 09/23/2019 1:16 AM
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Mr. Bisley Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: KYODE
When i was deer hunting i used my 14? 35rem rimmed the most because its such a powerhouse.
I love the 14? 30-30AI and i could do just fine with it. It actually makes a better overall hunting gun for the area imo. Not too big.....not too little.

Also have 357max contender and 7-08 encore which are great. I still used the 35rem most.


KYODE

I have a 15? Bullberry barrel in 357 Herrett. Anything out to 200 yards usually doesn?t go very far after being thumped by a 200 grain bullet.

Re: Contender pistols [Re: Mr. Bisley] #202125 09/23/2019 1:53 AM
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KYODE Offline
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Ive killed deer with a little of everything, but that 35 just impressed me lol.


Kentucky….no place like home.
Re: Contender pistols [Re: KYODE] #202126 09/23/2019 1:58 AM
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Gregg Richter Offline
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FACTORY: 30-30.

WILDCAT: If I had to pick just one it would be the .309 JDJ; if I could choose two they would be 6.5 JDJ and .375 JDJ. No "need" for anything else! lol







Re: Contender pistols [Re: Gregg Richter] #202130 09/23/2019 11:30 AM
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45MAN Offline
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WITH CONTENDERS, I HAVE KILLED DEER WITH A 10 INCH 300 WHISPER, A 14 INCH 6.5JDJ AND A 12 INCH 357 MAX, AND, IN A PRM XL 15 INCHER IN 375JDJ, THE LATTER I RECHAMBERED TO 376 STEYR. FOR DEER, WITH WHAT I HAVE IN CONTENDER CALIBERS, A VERY EASY CHOICE: 6.5JDJ.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: Contender pistols [Re: 45MAN] #202131 09/23/2019 11:36 AM
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500WE Offline
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For deer and similar size game, my choice is the .257 JDJ with 100 gr. bullets. For the largest game, a .375 JDJ is my choice.

Re: Contender pistols [Re: 500WE] #202135 09/23/2019 2:30 PM
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Russell Offline
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I have a drawer full of contender barrels, but if I had to choose, I would take my .30-30 AI. I run the discontinued 130gr Hornady SSP in it, but I've also had good luck with Sierra 150gr spire point.


It's not the gun, but the man behind it.

Sheriff Russell Cottle, Ret.
USMC; 1967-1970; Vietnam-'68-'69
Re: Contender pistols [Re: Russell] #202141 09/23/2019 5:15 PM
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junebug Offline
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.358 jdj 14 in, 35 Rem 14 in,30-30 10 in,45-70 12 in Sometimes it just comes down to which one I have [proper hunting ammo] loaded for or which stand I will hunt that day. My favorite barrel will always be the 30-30 had it the longest and it was my competition barrel for IHMSA.


junebug
Re: Contender pistols [Re: Mr. Bisley] #202142 09/24/2019 12:44 AM
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billa Offline
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The 358 JDJ has been my go to big game Contender since 1981. Deadly on just about anything out to 200 yards.


"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,... "
Matthew 28:19

Handgun hunter since 1979 - haven't used a rifle since!
HHI member #992, NRA, SCI.
Re: Contender pistols [Re: billa] #202148 09/24/2019 3:18 AM
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tred1956 Offline
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This one 357 Max for Short Range:


Or This one 6.5 BB IMP for LONG Range:


Safe shooting
Doug


Enjoy life but, remember we are only practicing for something better.
Re: Contender pistols [Re: tred1956] #202156 09/24/2019 10:40 AM
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Ernie Offline
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My G-2 barrels are 14"


Ernie the Un-Tactical
Re: Contender pistols [Re: Ernie] #202163 09/24/2019 5:13 PM
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Mr. Bisley Offline OP
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 Originally Posted By: Ernie
My G-2 barrels are 14"


Ernie what?s your go to cartridge(?s) in your Contender?

Re: Contender pistols [Re: Mr. Bisley] #202164 09/24/2019 7:31 PM
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Ernie Offline
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 Originally Posted By: Mr. Bisley
 Originally Posted By: Ernie
My G-2 barrels are 14"


Ernie what?s your go to cartridge(?s) in your Contender?


22lr and 7x30 Waters


Ernie the Un-Tactical

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