Not so bad

[flatlander]

I just got back from the range with my contender. I was trying out my new Simmons 2-6 ProHunter Scope that I just mounted on my 30-30 and while I was there, I had to fire some rounds through my 44 barrel even though it didn't have a scope on it yet.
First, the ProHunter scope. Not bad, especially for the money. The worst that I can say about it is you have to watch parallax since it seems to shift up to 1" or so either way at 100 yards. But the optics were bright and clear. It will stay on my 30-30 barrel.
Second, the 10 inch 44 barrel with 200 grain XTP's in it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. I think that after I put a scope on it, I'll definitely move up to at least 220 grain bullets and maybe 240's. It really isn't a bad little shooter, and once the burris 1.5-4 is mounted on it, it will be a terrific little field gun. Recoil was fairly pleasant, but I did start to show a little red on the palm of my hand after a few rounds. But not unpleasant by any means. Another good day with the Contender!

[doc-and]

Glad you like your 44mag barrel, I also have a 10inch 44mag with a 4x Burris scope and am shooting 240gr bullets, I also have a 14inch barrel with a TC 3x scope.  Both barrels will shoot my load into 1 1/2inch groups @ 100yds when I do my part (which aint often).  I only load the 240gr cast bullets and use the same load in all my 44's (Ruger SBH, S&W 29, Browning 92, and the two Contender barrels.  I also working on a jacketed 240 load that I can shoot in my Ruger 44Carbine.

doc-and

[myronman3]

i have a 44 hot shot barrel.  i shoot 310 gr. cast out of it with 9 grains unique (not a top notch loading).  my gun loves them, puts it right where i am looking every time.  i think of the four 44's i owned, this is my favorite one for this load.   i have pachymer grips and mine is a real pussycat.  i highly suggest anyone shooting a heavier caliber get a set of these as they make a world of difference.