Author Topic: Traditional HG rounds in the Contender (Read 606 times)

contendernut · « **on:** July 03, 2003, 09:32:48 AM »

I've never loaded or shot any of the traditional handgun rounds in the contender. I mostly shoot bottleneck wildcat rounds. I just picked up a couple barrels in revolver chamberings. I don't plan on using any crimp if I don't have to. What is everyone's experience with the crimp issue?

3rgunman · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2003, 09:50:11 AM »

I have read that it is needed for consistant ignition when using slower powders in .44 Mag and .357 Mag. I dont know first hand what kind of differance it makes though.
Robert

contendernut · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2003, 10:22:03 AM »

Robert,

I'm going to try it both ways with a 14" 357 Max and 12" 45LC.

kciH · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2003, 10:28:50 AM »

Contendernut,
Using the Super 14 in .357 Max I found that some crimp did help the uniformity of the rounds. AA1680 and H4227 are very good powders in this cartridge when using heavier bullets. I primarily shoot the 180gr Remington JHP and the SAECO 415 which is a 220gr TCGC design. Don't forget that this cartridge uses small rifle primers, not small pistol. I've had good luck with the Federal 205 or 205M.

contendernut · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2003, 11:11:36 AM »

kciH,

I'm going to start with Win680 and go from there. I'll probably shoot a 170g FT bullet. Anyone know if the 357 max's are .357 or .358?

kciH · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2003, 12:06:49 PM »

The one I have is .357, works good with cast sized to .358. I've had no problem shooting the Hornady 180SSP in this barrel which is a .358 bullet. If you want to hunt with it, the Hornady 180gr SSP is a good bullets for deer sized game.

Graycg · « **Reply #6 on:** July 03, 2003, 04:54:08 PM »

Crimp will be needed with some powders, especially H110, 296 or some of the other powders, if you don't crimp you will get wide velocity variations...don't know why, but your chrono will tell you if your groups don't.
As for 357 max, my TC barrel is .356 (a Bellm rechamber of a mag) and my VVCG is .357 I think the max is the best ten inch barrel for your contender bar none. The 180 grain hornady SSP is hard to beat but the 180 remington semi-jackets are also good. Good luck with the Max.

regards,
Graycg