What caliber for Contender Carbine? Any Experience w/ 375 JD

[Majbg]

I posted this on another forum and thought I'd try for results here. I already have 12" 7-30 and 35 Rem bbls. Looking for something more powerful to put in a carbine. I'm considering a 30-30AI in 23", or up to a 358 or 375JDJ. Planning on hunting deer/hogs out to 250yds or so and maybe elk someday (I have other rifles for elk sized animals). How bad does a 375JDJ kick out of a light weight contender carbine? Any comparisons or preferences is appreciated. Price is an consideration (can't afford a $400 bbl). Any other suggestion is appreciated. Thanks. Bill G

[Jay HHI6818]

I have a 16 1/4 inch 375JDJ barrel. I bought it used as a Carbine Rifle setup. The first year I bought it, I shot two W.Va. deer which run on the small size and you all I can say is its to much gun!!!  Its a real thumper shooting it off the bench but you don't notice it when shooting at game.

[Hopalong7]

I have no experience with .375, but I have a non ported 16 1/2" 45-70.  When I first got it I tried it as a carbine with fairly light loaded 300gr bullets.  Shot it 3 times and said that was enough for me.  Switched it to pistol form and loved it ever since.  I would expect the 375JDJ to be the same if not worse.  GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt  

[DropTheHammer]

What T/C factory .375JDJ pistol barrel lengths are offered?  As far as I can see, its only offered in 14".

[billjoe]

I have the 14" barrel and it's a handful.  It's got the power of a 30-06 I'd say.  I also have a 30-06 Remington 700 rifle that kicks like a mule.  Considering that the 375 is a larger caliber than the '06, I'll bet the carbine barrel would kick at least as bad as the '06 and probably worse.  Those 23" carbine barrels are really light.  I almost bought the same barrel you are considering, but changed to a 30-30 just to avoid the aftermath....

bj