TC book reviews

[Ray Cover]

Hey guys,

I have found a couple books I would like to get your input on before I buy them.  Basically what I want to know is if they are worth buying. 

What I especially would like to know on the VOL 1&2 on the reloading manual is if it is really new loading info or is it just a repeat of info I would find in a Sierra or Hogden loading manual?


"The Complete Reloading Manual for the Thompson/Center Contender vol. 1 & 2" (Spiral-bound)

"Thompson/Center Contender Pistol: How To Tune, Time, Load, And Shoot For Accuracy" (Paperback)

Thanks, 

Ray

[Keith L]

I can't speak for the loading manual, but the other one sounds like one I bought years ago when I first got going with Contenders.  If it is the same one it is a wast of money.  I got more good information free from TC in the flyer they send with new Contenders.  I got mine off of eBay, and it was a photo copied booklet, not really a book.

[Czech_too]

With regard to the 2nd 'book', I'd have to agree with Keith.  I have both vol. 1 & 2 of the reloading manuals, these can also be found as one manual, have that too.  Someone probably figured they could make more money by breaking it up.  While of value, the latest Lyman manual also has a section specifically for Contenders.  I can't say if this section has all of the information in the other manuals, but that might be a better buy.

Brian, in Ohio

[Ray Cover]

Thanks for the info guys,

I guess in light of that I probably should alter the original question.

Are there any books any of you would recommend?

What I am looking for is .........................

1. A good book on tuning your contender / encore. (trigger tuning, accurizing, etc.)

2. A good bound source for reloading data for contenders / encores.
It is good to hear the Lyman manual has a contender section.  I just got a new RCBS manual and it doesn't.  It doesn't even have 30 herrett or 357 herret in it, anywhere.

Ray

[Keith L]

I guess I recommend doing some Internet searches on Contenders, but be careful what you decide to do.  I wonder about the safety of some of the suggestions you will find.  You can't hurt them by burring and polishing things, but don't remove lots of metal from sears etc.  Do a search here on ideas you find, and you will harvest an assortment of opinions.  In the long run you will have to decide what to do.  I try to err on the side of safety, and it hasn't done me wrong yet. 

Good luck.  I know I looked for the definitive work on Contenders when I got my first one, and now years later I still have questions.  that is part of the fun I guess.

[MnMike]

I have the spiral bound "The Complete Reloading Manual for the TC Contender"
I have made good use of it. It puts a lot of load info in one place.
I do use other sources, but I like this book since i do a few different calibers.

JMHO

mike

[Doc T]

     The two reloading manuals listed are great if you shoot Contenders as pistols.  Most of mine are set up as carbines.  While the data is good for the different loads, it doesn't give very good info on expected muzzle velocity.  Most of the data is for 10 or 14 inch tubes.

     Doc T

[Hopalong7]

The reloading mauals are actually reprints of all the other loading manuals' Contender info condensed into one source which is very useful and handy.  I have two editions and my newest is still pretty old....i.e. ..the newer powders are not included. but there well may be newer editions than mine.    GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt