Contender question

[olywa]

I see references from time to time about Contenders being chambered for the 6mm PPC and even the 6mm BR. However I don't see any of the barrel makers advertising those chamberings in the Contender barrels, for the most part. I say for the most part because the SSK site mentions the 6.5 Grendel in a Contender, and it is based on the PPC/220 Russian case. What is the definitive word on shooting these in the new G2 Contender frame. Are they borderline, like the 250 Savage, as long as you don't exceed specific load levels?

[Lone Star]

There is a simple reason you do not see these cartridges listed by reputable barrel makers - they are patently unsafe in the Contender.  The 6mm BR is loaded to over 50,000 cup, and the slightly smaller 6mm PPC is loaded in the same range.  This is the same range as full-house .308s - unsafe in any Contender.  No responsible barrel maker would chamber for a factory cartridge of this diameter loaded to such high pressures*.

IME the .250 and .300 Savage cartridges are not a problem in Contenders - as long as factory-level loads are used.  Some .250 data in particular is for bolt rifles and exceeds SAAMI pressures - these are unsafe in the Contender. 

* I state responsible  because in the past few months I have seen several Contender barrels for sale on eBay that were re-chambered to .358 Winchester.  The gunsmith who did the chamber cut should be boycotted, and the seller should be banned.

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[221fireball]

lone star do you say any load over 50 k is unsafe in t/c contenders i just started back shooting my 221fire ball t/c contender been looking at  new and old data and they are some over 50k the barrle was made by t/c this is handgun and rifle data so why don't powders co. put warning not to use in t/c contenders

[olywa]

I understand that the case diameter as well as the pressure factor in to this formula. But it seems like the PPC would fit in somewhere under the limits if you compare it to cartridges such as the 6.5 JDJ which is based on the 225 (pretty darn close in diameter) case and loaded to similar pressures. I don't want to do anything unsafe but I am a bit confused about the upper limits of the Contender.

[Grumulkin]

It is indeed both case diameter and cartridge diameter that determine whether a cartridge will be safe in a Contender.  There are certain barrel makers with a good reputation you could ask to determine if a cartridge would be safe.  SSK Industries would be one place to inquire.

I would also agree that chambering a 358 Winchester in a Contender is clearly dangerous and irresponsible.

[Lone Star]

The limiting factor in loading the Contender is case head thrust, as JD Jones noted decades ago.  This value is found by multiplying the maximum internal cross-sectional area of the case by the pressure in psi.  Exceed the maximum and the action will begin to stretch and become hard to open after the shot.  Eventually the frame will be permanently stretched and be worthlless.  Don't ask me how I know this....


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[olywa]

Sounds like the PPC might be a go but the BR would be pushing it. I guess I'll save my Contender for the rimmed cases it does so well with. I just like the idea of those short, efficient cases in that small frame.

[Jim Stacy]

The 6 PPC was made off the 7.62X39 or 5.4X39 ,same case, and factory loads for the 7.62 run 53K and with that head size it will damage a TC in short order. Now that being said I believe TC had a very limited run of 6PPC barrels out at one time . I remember Bob Milek doing a write up on the barrel. It was accurate but the velocity was too impressive as I remember but that has been 20+ years ago and memory is a volatile thing. :-)

[7-30 Waters]

I have a 14" Contender in 7.62x39 from Bullberry.  The barrel is strictly a handloaders barrel.  Bullberry chambers it with a .308 bore and doesn't recommend shooting factory ammo under any circumstances.  I bought the barrel mainly to duplicate the 30 Herrett without all the hassle of making Herret brass.

[Lawful Larry]

Sounds like the PPC might be a go but the BR would be pushing it. I guess I'll save my Contender for the rimmed cases it does so well with. I just like the idea of those short, efficient cases in that small frame.

Maybe we should remember that we are shooting handguns and not mini-rifles!!!   If you want to shoot a 50m +, then get a rifle. 

I think we have more then enough calibers for the Contender.  I thoroughly enjoy shooting my .375 JDJ in my Contender.  And also my .44 magnum, and .30-30 and oh yeah the Hornets, Bees, etc.

If you want something larger you could always buy an Encore I guess.

[Lone Star]

Larry Larry Larry, I shot 200 meters all the time in IHMSA competition, with Contenders, XPs and revolvers and had loads of fun!   Gads, with your opinion you are trying to set handgun shooting/hunting back fifty years!   More than enough calibers?  Fine, don't buy any more.  The rest of us will enjoy collecting and shooting a variety of new and old chamberings in the same old calibers....     



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