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Post by bigbrowndog on Jun 21, 2021 22:07:04 GMT -5
Could the original Contender take the 358win. ? It was my understanding that 52k CUP was beyond the limits for the original TC, asking because of a discussion elsewhere. Trapr
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 21, 2021 22:18:49 GMT -5
There were a few custom manufacturers who made 358 Win barrels for the Contender. I have one that fires both 356 and 358 Win.
The case capacity/expansion ratio seems to allow this chambering without stretching the Contender Frame.
Hope this helps...
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Post by bigbrowndog on Jun 21, 2021 23:17:22 GMT -5
Sure does, thanks.
Trapr
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Post by potatojudge on Jun 22, 2021 0:07:28 GMT -5
Curious what's on the list of "pushing it" for contender frames? G2 frames? Lots of varying info out there based on what custom smiths will and won't do, so I realize the list isn't carved in stone.
I think I've seen some 50 cal Contender barrels 300 Savage 444 family?
What else?
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Post by 45MAN on Jun 22, 2021 6:31:49 GMT -5
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A SANELY LOADED 300 SAVAGE, I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM 308 CASE BASED CHAMBERINGS IN THE CONTENDER, MY BASIS FOR SAYING THIS IS THAT BACK IN THE EARLY DAYS OF IHMSA AND HANDGUN HUNTING WITH CONTENDERS (BACK IN THE 1980's) NEITHER THE FACTORY, NOR SSK, NOR REEDER OFFERRED CONTENDER BARRELS IN 308, 356, etc. SSK WENT WITH THE 444 MARLIN AS A PARENT CASE, WHILE REEDER WENT WITH THE 405 CASE. THE 358 JDJ IS A THUMPER IN THE CONTENDER.
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 22, 2021 7:00:36 GMT -5
Most of the custom smiths who built barrel (or still build) would build these barrels for customers who understood TCs.
It was before Socialism invaded the USA. When knowledge and understanding still mattered.
Just the smiths you named built me 356 Win, 358 Win, 300 Savage, 7x57mm, 444 Marlin and probably a few more.
Was talking to another smith recently and ask if chambered for 225 Win or 6.5 Grendel. He quickly told me the Contender wouldn't hold the pressure. Didn't bother to tell him if shot those for years.
It's all about common sense, or at least it used to be about common sense...
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Post by Ken O'Neill on Jun 22, 2021 7:27:41 GMT -5
With the existence of the well proven .309 JDJ and 358 JDJ, I don’t understand why one would opt for a higher pressure .308 or .358 in a Contender. Of course, its your gun, your hands, and your eyes. Like Encore64, I also have a JD- built .225 Win. I use on a late stainless frame. I’m careful to load slightly below factory ammo pressures, and it is fine, loaded that way. Curiously, though, best accuracy is achieved at only slightly greater velocities than a .223 Contender. But its rimmed and I like that.
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Post by bula on Jun 22, 2021 8:35:21 GMT -5
Am coming to understand, all of the above, is why the .430 JDJ came to be. Folks wondering if the full size/pressure 444 Marlin could be chambered, but JDJ and others not quite sure at that point in TC history. Luck and safety to you all.
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Post by magnumwheelman on Jun 22, 2021 9:10:56 GMT -5
I had always heard that factory 375 Winchester was about maximum for the Contender ( base size verses pressures )... of course 45-70 can be loaded too hot for the Contender even though factory barrels are common...
I always wanted a 50-70 barrel, but never found someone who would build one for me... apparently things get too thin at the breach... even though I only load 50-70 pretty mild
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Post by contender on Jun 22, 2021 11:00:47 GMT -5
Many, many different calibers have been custom built for Contenders. Many work when used with knowledge & common sense.
Sadly,, we live in a world of lawsuits & liability. That's why many won't build some of the calibers some desire. Add in the fact that we are all just temporary custodians of our firearms,, and down the road,, someone else will own them. Putting aside the liability issues,, I often think; "What if my grandson or great grandson or granddaughter were to NOT use proper ammo in one of my customs and got hurt?" Sometimes, it not always "just about what I plan to do with something." SO, on anything questionable,, where potentially dangerous ammo could possibly be used,, I often share a thought. "Put DETAILED information on a tag, tied directly to a particular firearm that MIGHT be an issue in the future for my descendants."
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 22, 2021 11:11:22 GMT -5
I had always heard that factory 375 Winchester was about maximum for the Contender ( base size verses pressures )... of course 45-70 can be loaded too hot for the Contender even though factory barrels are common... I always wanted a 50-70 barrel, but never found someone who would build one for me... apparently things get too thin at the breach... even though I only load 50-70 pretty mild I have two Contender Barrels in 50-70. It works extremely well and I've had no problems.
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Post by potatojudge on Jun 22, 2021 12:12:06 GMT -5
If it fits physically, you can down load anything to safe levels.
I've seen one 50 cal contender barrel, but I'm not nearly as experienced as y'all when it comes to these. At 37 years old, I wasn't there during the heyday.
But I strongly prefer the Contender to the Encore and really to any other specialty pistol, so getting the most out of one holds a lot of interest to me. For now, that's a 7-30 Waters, not because it's the absolute top of the heap but because it's close and easy.
Still, I enjoy learning what can be done. Appreciate the responses.
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 22, 2021 14:30:00 GMT -5
I won't argue the point, but I'm of the belief that the 30-30 Ackley is one of the best chamberings for the Contender.
My barrel is an SSK 14" and pushes a 150 grn SST to 2400+ fps.
I also like the 25-35 Ackley for a 100 grn BT at 2800 fps.
Have a lot of metric and obscure calibers too. But, the two above are probably the most practical for my use.
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Post by 41freak on Jun 22, 2021 15:34:57 GMT -5
I remember Reeder did 500 Nitro Express in the contender, I had a friend that had one and when loaded correctly was a hoot to shoot, but with a case that big I have no doubt that someone will blow one apart. (If it hasn't already been done.) I would love and have tried to get the 50GI chambered for my G2 and no one will do it and the answer most given is the chamber gets to thin and or they can't drill and tap screw holes for sights or mounts and that is with a case the same length as a 45ACP.
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Post by Encore64 on Jun 22, 2021 18:24:55 GMT -5
You can blow one apart with an improperly loaded 38 Special or 30-30.
As far as sights go, any good gunsmith can work that out. My 50-70 has a rear sight base built to accept a Ruger Blackhawk Rear Sight. The base is soldered on as is the front sight. The front sight accepts Freedom Arms Blades. So both front and rear are fully adjustable.
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