Author Topic: Elk hunting with a contender. (Read 2288 times)

Arkansas Lefty · « **on:** December 13, 2012, 01:38:52 PM »

I'm curious, have you hunted elk with an old style contender handgun. If so, what caliber did you use? Barrel size. Overall thoughts of the performance of the hundgun.

Ladobe · « **Reply #1 on:** December 13, 2012, 02:14:04 PM »

Many years ago I did. Preferred my SSK 14" 375JDJ's, a hammer on the long shots fairly common in the west. Buddy used a 338JDJ #2 for same, scored one past 500 yards with it so no slouch either. My 6.5 Super Bower would have been deadly on them even further than the 375JDJ's. Any of the handcannon factory, JDJ, Bower, etc wildcat barrels are capable of getting it done depending on range. Never did get the barrel built I actually wanted for my Contenders, a 30 Merrill on the 225Win case. Saw it do a huge bull DRT 1-shot once with a RPM at a fair range. Lends to the possiblitity of many other similar size up to the handcannons being capable with the Contenders depending on range.

tigerbight · « **Reply #2 on:** December 14, 2012, 08:17:58 PM »

375 JDJ

Arkansas Lefty · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2012, 05:51:13 AM »

Interesting.....For some reason, I was under the impression that the jdj barrels where too powerful for the original contender and I would be better off using a G2 frame for such calibers. How about the 45-70 gov.? I believe it is ok to use in the original frame, trapdoor loads of course, Limiting the range to 100 yards or so I would think it as an acceptable load for elk. In reality I doubt that I have the skills for 200 yard shots. Although I like having barrels that are up to the task. So many barrels, so little money.

Keith L · « **Reply #4 on:** December 16, 2012, 06:01:17 AM »

Officially the G2 is no stronger than the original. If you stick with the recommended loadings you will not hurt an original with a JDJ.

Ladobe · « **Reply #5 on:** December 16, 2012, 10:59:17 PM »

Yep, most misconceptions about the differences between a Contender and a G2 are wrong, started by some ACE and just passed along until most believe it to be the truth. Probably assumed because the G2 was redesigned to look like a baby Encore - just a marketing decision by TC (who has NEVER claimed it is stronger than a Contender). It is true some of the wildcats for both can be pushed beyond what is safe in them. But with the 375JDJ (and others), following proven rec loads for up to 300 grain bullets is all you need from a 375JDJ to hunt anything that walks the earth, and to long range depending. So there is no reasonable need to push them any harder. Some of the standard cartridges in factory barrels can also be pushed too far.

Anduril · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2012, 08:09:38 AM »

Look around to see if you can find a .35 Remington barrel for your Contender.
It will do the job.
..

edit: and Welcome to GBO!

Arkansas Lefty · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2012, 12:58:54 PM »

Good information. Thanks

The Famous Grouse · « **Reply #8 on:** December 21, 2012, 06:54:57 AM »

I see absolutely no reason why a 7-30 Waters wouldn't stop an elk in its tracks.
What you have to keep in mind is that in many cases bullet contstruction and performance have VASTLY improved over the last 20 years. So it's not just a question of hitting them with something bigger and/or faster. These days if you're using a quality bullet, you're hitting them harder with something better than you would have gotten 20 years ago.
Also the key is to work within your zone of successful shot placement. I have to say good for you to the guys that can honestly shoot a tennis ball sized group at 400, but that ain't me. Just because the gun can shoot that far doesn't mean EVERYONE can shoot it that far.
Know your range and stick to it. The sport is called hunting, not shooting. If you find yourself constantly having to take animals at the very edge of plausable range, you need to ask the question: What am I doing wrong?
Is your setup bad? Do you need to work on your stalking skills, wind management, stealth, tactics, etc? Are you not in condition for the terrain and therefore are not able to move/climb fast enough?
Hunting involves more than just a big gun. Read Pope's book on archery and in the beginning of the book there is a great part about what a man from the stone age teaches him about how far behind Pope is in terms of hunting skills. The tools don't make the craftsman.
Grouse

7-30 Waters · « **Reply #9 on:** December 22, 2012, 02:34:53 PM »

Don't forget the trusty 357 Herrett at close range. Steve Herrett intended this cartridge for hunting elk, bear, and moose at distances under 100 yards.

Arkansas Lefty · « **Reply #10 on:** December 23, 2012, 04:58:34 AM »

Thanks for the responses. What I am looking for is, what have you USED and your assessment of its performance. I'll admit, the responses have been enjoyable.

musicman10_1 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 23, 2012, 05:39:23 AM »

I have harvested an elk with a Contender chambered in 7-30 Waters. I had a cow elk tag and took the shot from 94 yards using a tree limb as a rest. The shot was effective as the elk was hit and reared up like a bucking bronco and took about 5 steps and fell over. 30 minutes (or so) later I approached the animal and it was ready to be dressed!

These days I would probably use a different gun as I have more variety in my safe but in a pinch, . . . the TC would be just fine.

tigerbight · « **Reply #12 on:** December 23, 2012, 09:32:24 PM »

I live in Alaska so have not taken a Elk with my 375 jdj. I have taken a Bull Moose, Black Bear and a large woodland Caribou. 375 jdj took them clean 1 shot. I have used it for years with no problems on the original frame.

ted · « **Reply #13 on:** December 24, 2012, 03:08:01 AM »

Here's a photo of a 15 year old who got an elk cow with a 10" T/C in .357 magnum. I am jealous!!
http://www.handgunhunt.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=5416&limit=recent

deerman406 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 24, 2012, 10:39:29 AM »

I have to agree with the Famous Grouse!! The 45-70 will work as well but the recoil is horrible!! I took a cow elk about 10 years ago with a Contender 10"er 44 magnum, the range was only 45 yards and she took 3 steps and was down for the count. The right bullet and the right range really matters more than the exact caliber. I was using a 300 grain hornady JHP. Shawn

Arkansas Lefty · « **Reply #15 on:** January 13, 2013, 04:47:55 PM »

I have harvested an elk with a Contender chambered in 7-30 Waters. I had a cow elk tag and took the shot from 94 yards using a tree limb as a rest. The shot was effective as the elk was hit and reared up like a bucking bronco and took about 5 steps and fell over. 30 minutes (or so) later I approached the animal and it was ready to be dressed!

These days I would probably use a different gun as I have more variety in my safe but in a pinch, . . . the TC would be just fine.

Fascinating, the 7-30 waters is one of my favorite barrels. I am curious, what bullet did you use? Load recipe? I'm not sure that would be my choice for the job, but I'm willing to keep an open mind. My shot range would be about 125 yards tops. I love the wealth of experience and information you guys bring to the table.

streak · « **Reply #16 on:** January 13, 2013, 05:22:15 PM »

Quote from: Anduril on December 17, 2012, 08:09:38 AM

Look around to see if you can find a .35 Remington barrel for your Contender.
It will do the job.
..

edit: and Welcome to GBO!

10-4! On the 35 Remington!!
Bob Milek was a strong proponent of the 35 Remington for elk and also used it on moose in Alaska! There are many articles that Bob Milek wrote on the .35 Remington and it`s performance. There is one in particular where he compares the .375 JDJ to the 35 Remington which is a very good read.

Anduril · « **Reply #17 on:** January 14, 2013, 08:13:50 AM »

Quote from: streak on January 13, 2013, 05:22:15 PM

There are many articles that Bob Milek wrote on the .35 Remington and it`s performance. There is one in particular where he compares the .375 JDJ to the 35 Remington which is a very good read.

Where might a fellow find this piece?
..

wvjoetc · « **Reply #18 on:** January 15, 2013, 03:14:27 AM »

I like the 35 also, and don't forget the trusty 30-30 at reasonable range.

Joe

streak · « **Reply #19 on:** January 23, 2013, 11:28:54 AM »

Quote from: Anduril on January 14, 2013, 08:13:50 AM

Quote from: streak on January 13, 2013, 05:22:15 PM
There are many articles that Bob Milek wrote on the .35 Remington and it`s performance. There is one in particular where he compares the .375 JDJ to the 35 Remington which is a very good read.

Where might a fellow find this piece?
..

Might can do a Google search on this subject or a search on old articles in "Guns & Ammo" magazine or " Shooting Times" magazine!