Author Topic: Contender 45 win mag  (Read 1285 times)

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Offline trapdoor

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Contender 45 win mag
« on: November 04, 2003, 07:33:04 AM »
I just got this 45 win mag barrel 14" in a trade it is in pretty good condition my question is I don't see it offered anymore and does this make it more collectable . I know it was first introduced in the early 80's . I really wanted a 45-70 barrel 14 or 16 " w/muzzel brake to add to my contender collection and was wondering if it was worth keeping this barrel. Also does anyone know a source for 45 win mag brass , I guess you can use 45 colt dies with a different shellholder. I know I am asking alot but any help would be appreciated. Thanks Trapdoor :)

Offline KYODE

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Contender 45 win mag
« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2003, 08:06:11 AM »
i'd say it would be a dandy deer barrel, although i've never actually used one. www.midwayusa.com has starline brand brass in 45winmag. i'd keep it if i were you. :wink:

Offline KYODE

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Contender 45 win mag
« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2003, 08:10:24 AM »
i'd say it would be a dandy deer barrel, although i've never actually used one. www.midwayusa.com has starline brand brass in 45winmag. i'd keep it if i were you. :wink:

Offline Blackhawk44

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Contender 45 win mag
« Reply #3 on: November 04, 2003, 02:51:01 PM »
Will do anything 44mg will and then some.  Order Starline brass direct and save the freight.  Use ACP dies, not Colt.

Offline MnMike

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Contender 45 win mag
« Reply #4 on: November 04, 2003, 05:19:29 PM »
I agree with Blackhawk 44. It is a good round. At the high end it is close to the 45-70. At the low end it is a nice .45 ACP plinker. Mine is very accurate. I use it with iron sights. It could be good enough for a scope but I like having a shorter range brush pistol.
Mike Ellestad

Offline wheelgun

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45
« Reply #5 on: November 05, 2003, 01:42:59 AM »
Keep that one you will really like it.I have a 14" and it is very accurate round.I will be carrying it and my 375 win(different times) this deer season.I have shot 45 acp in mine for a plinker/practice gun.

Offline Dr. Michael

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Keep IT!!!
« Reply #6 on: November 05, 2003, 02:04:31 AM »
If you want a powerful hand gun, its one of the most versatile out there. The brass is actually stronger than 44 mag and can be loaded WWAAYY up in pressure and be just fine. The nice thing is very easy to reach 1500 foot pounds of muzzle energy in the 45 win mag. in a 10 inch barrel. Or you can load it down into the 800-900 44mag range, or lower into the 45acp range. Becareful though, it can be a kuckle buster. My first 45wm was a full custom LAR Grizzly 1911 pistol. It was flat out scary.

have a blast...literally
Doc

Offline trapdoor

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45 win mag input
« Reply #7 on: November 05, 2003, 11:28:47 AM »
Kyode I want to thank you for the heads up on the 45 win mag brass at midway, and Blackhawk44 Thanks for the input on the 45 acp dies .I did read in my contender reloading manual that 45 acp dies would do the job after posting this . Thanks to mnMike and Wheelgun for their hands on expierence with this caliber. The one thing you all have in common is that you think the 45 win mag is a great handcannon . There is a couple questions I still have how bad is the recoil and about how much is the barrel worth I know the started putting them in contenders in 1980 because my #7 catalog says new for this year in it. I am still toying with the idea of selling or trading for a 45-70 ,I love the caliber as you might figure out from the name. Thanks to all and any other info would be  appreciated Thanks TRAPDOOR :D

Offline wheelgun

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45
« Reply #8 on: November 05, 2003, 03:21:28 PM »
Trapdoor
I like shooting the big bores.I have four 44 mags,454 casull,45 colt,45 wm,45-70,375 win and a few 35 calibers.I really don't notice recoil much I guess 45 wm might be about like a hot 45 colt or 44 mag  load.Price?I paid $130.00 for my 45 wm barrel don't know what would be the average price.If I HAD to sell my 45 wm or 45-70 I would let the 45-70 go I  guess.The 45 wm is twice as accurate as the 45-70 not the energy of the 45-70 but i enjoy shooting the 45 wm alot more.

Offline KYODE

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Contender 45 win mag
« Reply #9 on: November 05, 2003, 03:24:58 PM »
you're more than welcome. glad to help. :D
i really doubt that it's worth a lot more than any other barrel in like condition. UNLESS, you find someone wanting that exact barrel. you may get a few dollars more that way.

Offline MnMike

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Contender 45 win mag
« Reply #10 on: November 05, 2003, 04:51:27 PM »
Trapdoor

You asked about recoil. It is more manageable than a 45-70 with heavy loads, but it will teach you about hand positions quickly (like any of the heavier contender calibers). I have been caught a few times switching from 223 or even 7-30 to 45 Mag. "That hurts, don't do it again".

mike
Mike Ellestad

Offline Blackhawk44

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Contender 45 win mag
« Reply #11 on: November 06, 2003, 07:20:58 AM »
You are welcome.  Handloading you can make the recoil as easy or as tough has you want.  You can go from ACP target loads to near Casull loads.  You may want to play with this aspect for a while to see if you truly want to go for the 45-70.  The Win can handle anything from roundballs up to about 340gr or so, and that should get you close enough for a viewpoint.  And you probably don't even have to buy dies.