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Author Topic: Contender barrels  (Read 2104 times)

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Offline shooter

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Contender barrels
« on: March 22, 2010, 09:07:49 PM »
Did T/C ever make something better for deer in a rifle barrel ? 30-30 and 45-70 dont really interest me.I shoot 308 and 30.06 normally.I also bear hunt alot.Isnt there a lower pressure cartridge out there that will work with the contender frame.I know they used to make a 35 rem,right ? Guess i should have bought an Encore.
Shooter
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Offline Madmark

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2010, 09:50:22 PM »
They made a 35 Rem, and the 7-30 Waters was another good deer caliber. I'm not sure if they made the Herrets or JDJ's in rifle barrels, but that's about all the choices I can think of for a deer/bear rifle..
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Offline sweetwyominghome

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2010, 03:03:44 AM »
The custom makers can set you up with some fantastic rounds that are fully suited to the Contender platform. The 30-30 AI and .309 JDJ would be about optimum for your needs. A 6.5x30-30 AI wouldn't be a bad choice either.

From a long-throated, 1:8 26" barrel and using N160 powder, my 6.5x30-30 AI (aka 6.5 Bullberry IMP) from MGM very safely does 2500 fps with 140s and 2600+ with 129/130s. It's about as good as it gets for a deer round in the Contender, and I've used it to take a number of hogs as well. Plus, it shoots amply flat for taking out larger varmints as well. (A 6.5 JDJ from SSK Industries would do the same thing.)

Check out the existing inventory at matchgrademachine.com They may already have what you want without any waiting. But even if you have to order, they generally take no more than 4-5 weeks to complete an order.













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Offline EdK

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2010, 03:32:02 AM »
If I understand you correctly you want a lower pressure cartridge that is good on deer and chambered on the Contender platform. For handgun hunting I don't think you can beat the effectiveness of the 35 Rem you mention. Problem solved.

The 6 - 6.5 - 7mm rounds on a 30-30 case probably are pretty good too but they certainly benefit from the longer 26" barrel as "sweetwyominghome" uses. You'll give up a good bit of their effectiveness in a 10-14" pistol barrel - not to suggest for a minute they wouldn't get the job done but the 35 in a handgun configuration will demonstrate more authority on bigger deer and hogs.

So you are used to 308 & 30-06? Good rounds to be sure. I really like the 308 in an Encore. So much for low pressure though.
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Offline sweetwyominghome

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2010, 03:37:48 AM »
EdK-

I nearly went in and changed my post once I realized I was in the TC handgun section. But then I re-read his post, and he does say "in a rifle barrel."
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Offline EdK

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2010, 04:14:36 AM »
I guess you are correct. I assumed too much because we are in the handgun forum.

In rifle barrels the 30-30 based wildcats would be a good choice then and have better range than the 35. I'll admit being partial to the 35 bore but then again I do not hunt with my Contenders @ 200 yds.
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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2010, 04:43:48 AM »
Quote from: shooter on March 22, 2010, 09:07:49 PM
Did T/C ever make something better for deer in a rifle barrel ? 30-30 and 45-70 dont really interest me.I shoot 308 and 30.06 normally.I also bear hunt alot.Isnt there a lower pressure cartridge out there that will work with the contender frame.I know they used to make a 35 rem,right ? Guess i should have bought an Encore.
Shooter
38-55 and 375 Win.
A friend of mine has a 357 Max carbine barrel for his Contender too but I don't know how that would work on bear.
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Offline Slowpoke Slim

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2010, 05:44:53 AM »
You should give Ed over at Ed's TC's a call:

http://www.edstc.com/

(405)-879-0879

Ed is very busy, works a full time "regular" job, plus does the TC thing. He doesn't really keep his online inventory fully up to date, but he has a larger pile of TC stuff than anyone I've ever known. Leave him a message detailing what you're looking for, and he will call you back.

How about either a 35 Rem, 375 Win, or 375 JDJ carbine barrel? Any of those aught to be plenty for you (I would lean towards the JDJ). TC at one time or another made all 3 in carbine length barrels.

If you're willing to go custom barrel, then really, the sky's the limit. A 309 JDJ would be nice also. Or give the TC custom shop a call...
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Offline Ladobe

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2010, 06:26:36 AM »
Besides asking for rifle/carbine length, he also asked if "TC made".   That suggests factory and not third party custom barrels.    From todays selection at TC that pretty much leaves it at the 7-30 Waters for production barrels.   Or if TC's so called custom shop is considered then IMO the 375JDJ is the top chocie for both deer and bear.

__________________
Yeah, you know me... after having owned and shot 4 SSK 375JDJ pistols over the years I'd always lean to suggesting that cartridge to someone.   ::) ;D ;)
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Offline Dezynco

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2010, 03:17:25 PM »
Lots of interesting wildcat chambers for the Contender in carbine length.  However, if you're looking for flat shooting, consider the 7x30 Waters if you don't want to "wildcat".  The 6.8 Rem. wouldn't be a bad pick either.
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2010, 08:54:40 PM »
I am in the contender rifle section,aren't i ? Thanks for the input.
Shooter
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Shooter

Offline Keith L

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #11 on: March 24, 2010, 12:43:04 AM »
It is now.  I moved it last night.
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2010, 05:54:06 PM »
Wow,thanks...thought everyone was goin crazy....nope just me. ;D
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Shooter

Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #13 on: March 25, 2010, 04:35:07 AM »
In reference to your original post, you mentioned low pressure.  When I hear that I think of things like the 45-70 and old cartridges of the sort.  The 38-55 is a very low pressure cartridge and I've seen articles where people have hunted black bear with it.  Personally, I've never hunted anything larger than a prairie dog with my 38-55 but I certainly can comment on it being quite accurate.  In addition, have you considered the 45 Colt in a carbine length barrel?
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Offline Camp Cook

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #14 on: March 25, 2010, 05:59:33 PM »
My favorite Contender carbine cartridge/barrel is a s/s 21" factory tapered 375 Win barrel rechambered to 375JDJ loaded with 260gr Accubonds @ a muzzle velocity of 2280fps - 2300fps it is still doing 1800fps @ 300 yards and retains 1900 ft lbs of energy...    8)

I just put together a MGM 14" s/s bull barrel in 45 Colt for my T/C Contender carbine (yes that is legal here in Canada) overall length is 29" I am getting 1550fps with 280gr Beartooth WFNGC's and 3" groups @ 100 yards.
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #15 on: March 30, 2010, 07:29:48 AM »
Am i wrong ?
I found a 35rem 21 inch barrel here from a member but he wants $200 plus shipping.I declined because i can get one fom T/C's custom shop,for $284.I think the fella was insulted because i offered $150 for a used barrel.
Thoughts?
shooter
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Offline Slowpoke Slim

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #16 on: March 30, 2010, 07:55:30 AM »
The carbine length barrels tend to go for more than the pistol length barrels. I think 200 for the carbine was a fair price if it was in nice condition. 150 would have been a steal (like in wear a mask and gun). I wouldn't have sold one of my carbine bbls for 150 either.
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Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #17 on: March 30, 2010, 08:02:00 AM »
Quote from: shooter on March 30, 2010, 07:29:48 AM
Am i wrong ?
I found a 35rem 21 inch barrel here from a member but he wants $200 plus shipping.I declined because i can get one fom T/C's custom shop,for $284.I think the fella was insulted because i offered $150 for a used barrel.
Thoughts?
shooter
$200 for a blued, good condition carbine barrel is a good price.  $200 for a good condition stainless steel carbine barrel is a really good price.  Add sights to any of these and at $200 you're getting into the steal category.  Asking $150 is probably an insult. 
You also must remember that it usually takes about $16.00 to ship a carbine barrel and insure it for it's value.  So, if you're paying $200 for it shipped, you're getting a really good price.
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #18 on: March 30, 2010, 08:30:45 AM »
He wanted $200 plus shipping...guess its my bad....
Shooter
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Shooter

Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #19 on: March 30, 2010, 08:37:19 AM »
I must be crazy,i usually discount things i'm selling more than 30%.I can buy a new one for $284,why pay $200 used even if its in good shape.Tapered 16 1/4 to 24 inch standard factory blue $284.95
Shooter ;)
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Shooter

Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #20 on: March 30, 2010, 09:48:37 AM »
Quote from: shooter on March 30, 2010, 08:37:19 AM
I must be crazy,i usually discount things i'm selling more than 30%.I can buy a new one for $284,why pay $200 used even if its in good shape.Tapered 16 1/4 to 24 inch standard factory blue $284.95
Shooter ;)
Buy the new one.  Right now Thompson Center is offering a $50.00 rebate on new barrels.  Get on their site, download the coupon and send it in after you buy a new one.  I just spoke with them this morning and custom shop stuff does not apply.  Also, from what I've heard, it takes a LONG time to get your rebate.
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #21 on: March 30, 2010, 10:33:50 AM »
Blackhawker ,
 yes,you're correct on everything.Rebate doesnt apply to the 35 rem custom shop barrel i want...not sure if i would be satisfied with 30-30 or 7-30 waters.Besides i dont handload and that makes the 7-30 less than attractive.I'm sittin and stew :-\in on this one ,got till end of May for the rebate and i already sent one is this week on a 12inch 44 mag barrel.
Shooter
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Shooter

Offline Blackhawker

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #22 on: March 30, 2010, 10:38:51 AM »
Quote from: shooter on March 30, 2010, 10:33:50 AM
Blackhawker ,
 yes,you're correct on everything.Rebate doesnt apply to the 35 rem custom shop barrel i want...not sure if i would be satisfied with 30-30 or 7-30 waters.Besides i dont handload and that makes the 7-30 less than attractive.I'm sittin and stew :-\in on this one ,got till end of May for the rebate and i already sent one is this week on a 12inch 44 mag barrel.
Shooter

Well, there is always the option of getting into reloading.  This will open many doors to calibers you never thought about shooting due to expense.  Yes, you'll spend a bunch up front but in the end you'll be amazed at how crazy it is to spend top dollars on general run of the mill factory ammo.  Plus, you can customize your loads to what you like.  Not only that but reloading makes shooting twice, if not three times as fun!  Even when you're not at the range or out in the field, it's fun to prep things via reloading. 
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #23 on: March 30, 2010, 10:41:47 AM »
I just called a dealer and he has a new 35 rem barrel in stock....calling me back tomorrow with specifics....new for $249.Now ya'll think i should pay $200 for a used one ?
hooter
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Shooter

Offline Slowpoke Slim

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #24 on: March 30, 2010, 11:42:55 AM »
Wow.


I'll tell you what shooter, when you get tired of that barrel and are ready to send it down the road, I'll give you $150 for it shipped. Assuming it's still in really nice shape that is.

Sound like a deal?

 ::)
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #25 on: March 30, 2010, 12:22:17 PM »
Lol ,funny guy.I tell ya what.I'm always getting picked on by my buddies for buying and selling things and usually i pass along a nice deal to the buyer.So,yes...if i sold it a few years from now i'd be happy to sell it for $150.Can i count on you ?
Shooter  ;D
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Shooter

Offline Slowpoke Slim

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #26 on: March 30, 2010, 01:44:15 PM »
Sure, as long as you don't wrap it around a tree before you stick in in the box...
 ;D
If it's still in nice shape, you got it shooter man.
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Offline shooter

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #27 on: March 30, 2010, 05:13:54 PM »
Hahaha-no problem.Everything i end up selling is in great shape cause i dont keep it too long ! lol
Shooter
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Shooter

Offline Dezynco

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #28 on: April 04, 2010, 03:40:13 AM »
LOL  :D

Shooter, you should still consider getting into reloading, even for the 35 Remington.  Like Blackhawker said, reloading will give you many more options by allowing you to customize your ammo for your rifle.  You will also be able to load "spire" points for the 35 Rem, which are not available in factory ammo (with the exception of Hornady Leverlution).  Will give you an extra few hundred feet per second.

I always tell folks who scoff at the old 30-30 that "the 30-30 hasn't begun to shine until you handload it for a Contender".  Same would be true for the 35 Rem.  Give handloading some consideration, you might get hooked like the rest of us!
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Offline Camp Cook

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Re: Contender barrels
« Reply #29 on: April 04, 2010, 11:25:44 AM »
I just paid $160.00 + shipping Canadian funds from a fellow Canadian for a brand new never fired 23" blued 204 Ruger barrel...

Just paid $275.00 for a brand new MGM 14" 45 Colt carbine barrel + shipping.

$200.00 isn't bad...

Your offer of $150.00 wasn't out to lunch either...

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"A gun is a tool, Marian. No better, no worse than any other tool. An axe, a shovel, or anything. A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it. Remember that" -movie "Shane" 1953
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