7-30 Waters Contender Hunting in a Post SSP World

[ShootnStr8]

Now that Hornady and Sierra have dropped their SSP bullets, what are you Contender pistol hunters using for deer.  Have had mixed results with Hornady 139 SSTs moving at 2150,  They are wonderfully accurate but don't always leave a nice exit wound on a broadside shot.  I've had to go through shoulders to make for them to expand.  I'm toying with using 100 Hornady HPs and moving to neck shots. They travel at 2550.  Nosler BTs are extremelly accurate but I have never hunted with them (2350 fps).  I heard a rumor that they toughen them up.  Is that true?   I've also wondered about 120 V-Max bullets as well. 

What loads are working for you in the field?

Blessings!

ShootnStr8

[Graybeard]

I don't use Contenders anymore but with the SSP bullets no longer available I'd fall back on the Nosler 120 BT. I used it long ago even when they were available and it worked nicely. Still I favored the Sierra 130 SSP over all I've ever tried in the 7-30 so went to them exclusively until I stopped using TCs.

[Lloyd Smale]

ive allways used the 120bt in mine. It was hands down the most accurate bullet back when i was doing load developement for that gun and its accounted for about a dozen whitetail and most were  bang flop kills.

[ShootnStr8]

GB,

I kinda noticed that you got me addicted to Contenders and then left me hangin'!    Are Ballistics Tips the same creatures they were 10 years ago?   

Blessings!

Shootnstr8

[shot1]

They have changed the ballistic tips over the years. I believe it has been three times. Anyway they have got them right now. After many hundred white tail deer kills I can tell you that if you do not hit the shoulder bone and go in just behind the front shoulder at least 50% of the time the deer is going to run off a ways regardless of caliber or bullet construction. It is dead because it's lungs and heart may be gone but they will run off. If you put a bullet into the shoulders most of the time they will drop in their tracks.

[BCB]

ShootnStr8,

I too had that problem several years ago.  I just love the 120 SSPSP bullets.  The difference between you and me is that I have (200--2 boxes) laid back on the dark parts of my reloading storage shelf…

(I also have a couple of boxes of the 130 grain SSPSP bullet for my 30-30 Contender.)

I save them just in case I get some other 7mm cartridge in a handgun—specifically a Contender…

I did go to the Hornady V-Max bullet in 120 grain…

I have not taken a deer with it yet—I am trying as our season is in—but they are as accurate, almost, as the SSPSP bullet.  By that I mean, around M.O.A. at 100 yards but proportionally a bit better at 150 yards—say ≤1.50”…

I would submit a picture for your viewing, but this site is not user friendly when it comes to submitting a picture…

I you PM me an e-mail address, I will try to send you a pic of the loaded round.  It is impressive looking, but I know that doesn’t get the job done when one is using it for its designated function…

Good-luck…BCB