300 Savage in a contender?

[hunt4570]

   While looking around for a barrel I came across a 300 Savage barrel made by SSK for a Contender. I thought the 300 Savage was a bit too much for a Contender frame? Is it safe ?? or does it need to be loaded down a little?

[Graybeard]

Don't push the limits with it. If it were not safe with factory ammo JD would not chamber it. He chambered one for me. I'd stay a grain or so below max loads and avoid the faster burning powders in the manuals.

It's an OK round but the .309 JDJ is a better choice and other than lack of pressure tested load data the .30-30 AI is almost as good.

Get some factory ammo and shoot it across a chrono to establish what velocity level to load for then don't exceed it.

[hunt4570]

Thanks GB, I just opted for and bought a 7x30 Waters instead..

[sweetwyominghome]

Actually, .300 Savage factory fodder, while nonetheless mild, is a bit much for the Contender, and while both J.D. Jones and Fred Smith once chambered for it, I don't think they'll do so anymore -- much like the BRs, which JD chambered for a while before they were determined to be too much for the Contender.

With the Contenders, it's not simply a numbers game with pressure when it comes to safety and limits. Many factors come into play, including case taper. 

Your choice of a Waters was a good one. You'll enjoy it.

[hunt4570]

Thanks SWH...