Best .30 for a Contender and where to source barrels...

[WL44]

I bought my first TC on the wekeend at an auction (came with 357 Mag, 357 Max and 22 LR barrels). Its an easy open (thanks for the info here - serial number over 195 000). I know nothing about them, but I've shot a few before (445 Supermag, 44 Mag and 375 JDJ).

Any thoughts on the best .30 for the Contender (like the .309 JDJ or .308 Bellm) and why? If the Bellm, who would I be able to source barrels from?

I'm in South Africa, so this may be quite a process and licence apps take forever, so the sooner I get going on this the better.

Thanks for any pointers.

WL

[Graybeard]

I'm not one who believes in the concept of a single BEST of anything and your best and my best are not necessarily the same best. If you want maximum case capacity then the .309 JDJ is it. If you want the best quality then again the SSK barrels have to come close to that goal.

So how would you define BEST? That really is the determining factor isn't it?

If you want to get maximum velocity from it then I'd say go with the .309 JDJ. If factory ammo availability is an issue for you then the .30-30 or .300 Savage would be good choices. If it isn't then toss the .30-30 AI into the mix. In reality the velocity potential among them is small and unless you think 200 fps is a show stopper then all will serve you fine. If you think it is a show stopper then I'd recommend the JDJ. But then if velocity really is king for you why not an Encore where you can pick up another 300+ fps?

[skb2706]

Gotta agree with that...best is whatever you think it is. If you handload and have access to components/dies/etc. then for the money I'd buy a 30-30 AI from Midway (factory barrel) and go for it. There is really nothing wrong with a standard 30-30 either. If however you have a lot of disposable income, can wait a bit longer to recieve it, want something different and can get any loading materials you need go for a full up  custom job the the chambering of your choice (JDJ, XXXXX or any other obscure wildcat thats been developed). As was said the difference in velocity is small.....I like the AI.

[mcwoodduck]

A vote for the 30-30 here.   If you want to make it an Akley Improved (AI) then great but the basic 30-30 would be what I would get as there are factory loadingd for it, Brass and componets are easy to find.  As well as the barrel would be easy to find as well.
There are multiple listings here for everything from 10" to 21" for a 30-30 or the AI version.  To make the AI brass you shoot factory ammo in the gun and POP goes the shoulder to the AI and both 30-30 and 30-30 AI can be used.  As long as the US post office can send things to SA then I don't see a problem and if you go to Ed's above the T/C home page you can order what ever you want or custom order from SSK that also advertise here.  Personally I would look at 12 to 14" for pistol hunting to get the added speed out of the bullet.  If your thinking a 10"  I don't think it matters what you pick most of the powder is going to be burned as a large fire at the muzzle.
Depending on what you are hunting for "The Best" is subjective.
I would rather have a well placed shot from a 30-30 than a bad shot from a 309.  Speed kills but it can also kill accuracy.

[Grumulkin]

As long as the US post office can send things to SA then I don't see a problem and if you go to Ed's above the T/C home page you can order what ever you want or custom order from SSK that also advertise here.

There is something you may not realize.  In the USA, the receiver is considered to be the "firearm" and can be shipped via U. S. Mail.  In Europe, South Africa and many other countries, the barrel is considered to be the firearm.  You can't legally just ship a barrel to South Africa.

The 30/30 is a good cartridge but using it for 250 yard shots on something like a Wildebeest is expecting a bit too much from it.  In addition, 444 Marlin brass is of a lot better design and construction than is 30/30 brass.

[mcwoodduck]

Knew that about Europe but not that SA had same restrictions.
But still the Post office could send it to thier version of an FFL.