357 Hot Shot shotshell barrel questions

[ralfus]

Greetings all, I'm new to contenders and have some questions. I have an early Contender (4 digit serial#) and I have a normal 10" 357 barrel and also the 10" shotshell ported barrel with the screw-in choke/wad stripper thingy.

What was the original intent of the hotshot rounds?

My only knowledge of shotshells for pistols was for snake problems.

I have no plans on using shot cartridges but with the tube removed does the porting do a good job and would I be happier with the ported barrel with exposed threads or just stick with the standard barrel for 357??

My future plans are to keep only one 357 and get a 223 pistol barrel


Any help would be appreciated.

[spinafish]

old T/C magazine ads showed hunters blasting birds on the rise with them.  I think most who bought them were looking for versitility..or a survival gun.  tough on snakes too..

[Hopalong7]

If you're not interested in shooting the shotshells I'd think you'd be much happier with the regular .357 barrel....I know I would.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 
BTW Welcome to the world of contenders AND welcome to the forum!!!

[ralfus]

Thanks for the info. I'd like the extra velocity from the longer bore on the normal 357 barrel. I guess I'll be trading the hot shot for a 223.