Author Topic: Help... I want another Contender carbine barrel........ (Read 3613 times)

Camp Cook · « **on:** April 07, 2012, 04:16:45 AM »

I am going nutz must be cabin fever...

I already have 10 Contender carbine barrels but I can't stop thinking that I need another one but I just can't decide what I want.

I know I have everything basically covered but I have this nagging feeling that I am missing something.

I would appreciate any thoughts/suggestions that you guys have and if you say that I am covered then I will even look at that and save some money.

Here is a list of what I now have.

1) 21" blued factory tapered 17 Rem

2) 16.5" s/s factory tapered 22LR

3) 21" s/s factory tapered 223

4) 23" s/s bull 6.8SPC

5) 21" s/s factory tapered was a 30-30 had he that cannot be named rechamber it to his 308X444 wildcat

6) 21" s/s med factory tapered was a 375 Win now rechambered to 375JDJ by JD Jones

7) 18" blued factory tapered 10mm

14" s/s bull 45 Colt

9) 22" s/s bull 45-70

10) 24" s/s bull Gonic 50 cal mag muzzle loader

Silvertp · « **Reply #1 on:** April 07, 2012, 07:13:31 AM »

Camp Cook...
Looking at your collection it is hard to identify a true "need" but there are a few out there worth wanting.

Consider the flat shooting and hard hitting 6.5 and 7mm's. Neither have much recoil and these calibers seem to kill game beyond their ballistic credentials. My next contender will be one of the 6.5 wildcats for all round hunting of game up to / including well placed shots on elk.

Better hurry...spring is approaching and your cabin fever will soon be behind you.

Silvertp

dave29 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 07, 2012, 07:32:12 AM »

Quote from: Silvertp on April 07, 2012, 07:13:31 AM

Camp Cook...
Looking at your collection it is hard to identify a true "need" but there are a few out there worth wanting.

Consider the flat shooting and hard hitting 6.5 and 7mm's. Neither have much recoil and these calibers seem to kill game beyond their ballistic credentials. My next contender will be one of the 6.5 wildcats for all round hunting of game up to / including well placed shots on elk.

Better hurry...spring is approaching and your cabin fever will soon be behind you.

Silvertp

Exactly what I was going to suggest!! A 6.5 wildcat or a 7-30 waters.

I have been into Encores for a while but I am just getting in to Contenders.

I have Contender barrels in 7-30 waters and 30-30 AI. My next will be one of the 6.5's. Not sure if I want the Bullberry Improved (6.5x30-30 improved), the 6.5 JDJ, or the 6.5 BRM that Eabco sells. Leaning towards the JDJ, the brass (.225 Winchester) is stronger and a little easier to form from what I understand.

schuetzen · « **Reply #3 on:** April 07, 2012, 12:07:14 PM »

Quote from: Camp Cook on April 07, 2012, 04:16:45 AM

7) 18" blued factory tapered 10mm

You don't need that one. Let me take it off your hands

Camp Cook · « **Reply #4 on:** April 07, 2012, 01:48:59 PM »

Sorry there schuetzen but thats not happening...

When I bought it from the T/C Custom Shop they told me it was the longest 10mm barrel they had ever made...

On Glock Talk in the10mm reloading section there is a sticky with carbine loads/ballistics I have my load data/velocities for this barrel in that list.

woods · « **Reply #5 on:** April 07, 2012, 03:40:29 PM »

If I had the choice I would see if I could have the custom shop make one of the new 17 hornet barrels up, My 2 cents.

woods

Camp Cook · « **Reply #6 on:** April 07, 2012, 04:38:58 PM »

Thats actually a good idea that I would consider I find I do not use my 17 Rem barrel very often due to it having more punch than I really need if I were to get a 17 Hornet I would sell the 17 Rem barrel.

hendog · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2012, 07:29:17 AM »

I want a .357 Mag carbine re-chambered to .357 Maximum. My list below:

1) 21" Tapered Factory T/C .17HMR
2) 22" Tapered MGM .22LR Match
3) 21" Tapered Factory T/C .222 Rem
4) 23" Bull Factory T/C .223 Rem
5) 24" Tapered Custom T/C 7x30 Waters
6) 20" Bull Factory T/C .375JDJ (cut from 23" to 20" by SKS)
7) 16 1/4" Tapered Factory T/C .45/410

OK hunter · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2012, 04:07:57 PM »

I just received a CVA Apex barrel that was rebored from 222 Rem to 357 Max. Working on some load data now and will get it out soon.

circles · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2012, 04:09:32 AM »

Camp Cook my friend, you have a real problem, but probably not the one you think.

Think of your gun safe as if it were a nice stand of hardwoods. It’s all mature climax forest in there, what you need is a little thinning to let the light in and stimulate some new growth. I’ll bet there are any number of guys around here that would be willing to help you out.

If you just can’t bring yourself to fire up the chainsaw, how about a 21” tapered .22 mag set up with the same scope you have on that hot rod .30? Basically get a low maintenance twin sister who really likes going on cheap dates.

streak · « **Reply #10 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:05:37 AM »

Camp Cook,
On your item #5 on your list are you talking about a 309 JDJ?

streak · « **Reply #11 on:** April 27, 2012, 08:21:23 AM »

As Silvertp mention , a 7MM would be neat in the 7TCU configuration!!

Camp Cook · « **Reply #12 on:** April 27, 2012, 02:51:14 PM »

Quote from: streak on April 27, 2012, 08:05:37 AM

Camp Cook,
On your item #5 on your list are you talking about a 309 JDJ?

No it is a wildcat from the Contender/Encore guru (censored word) I typed in his name and this is the result for some reason we are not allowed to say his name on this site.

I use 308 Win dies to resize the 444 Marlin brass looked like a long necked/rimmed 308 Win.

Camp Cook · « **Reply #13 on:** April 27, 2012, 02:57:41 PM »

Quote from: streak on April 27, 2012, 08:21:23 AM

As Silvertp mention , a 7MM would be neat in the 7TCU configuration!!

I like the idea of a 7-30 Waters or a 7mm B wildcat from the fellow I just tried typing in his name in my previous post I'm thinking the 7mm TCU doesn't have enough oomph for my hunting style.

streak · « **Reply #14 on:** April 27, 2012, 05:23:33 PM »

"All Righty" scratch the 7MM scenario and look at a 8MM JDJ! 444 Marlin necked down to 8MM lots of " oomp"!! wide range of bullet selection! Long range capability and great out of a TC carbine!

SD Handgunner · « **Reply #15 on:** April 27, 2012, 09:09:49 PM »

You are indeed missing in calibers from .22 to .270. I would vote for a 6mm T/CU or maybe a 6mm Bullberry Improved. I would think that that you make a dandy filler for what you have.
Larry

7-30 Waters · « **Reply #16 on:** April 28, 2012, 04:03:39 AM »

I have the following Contender barrels:

12" 22LR Match
12" 357 Maximum
15" 357 Herrett
15" 30-30 AI
24" 222 Rem

You need a barrel in 25 caliber for varmits.

Currently, I am having a 22" 25-20 Winchester rechambered to a 25 Remington. Should have in about 5 weeks.

Camp Cook · « **Reply #17 on:** April 28, 2012, 10:59:10 AM »

Two more very good suggestions but I have the 6.8SPC Contender barrel imagine a rimless 30-30 case/brass necked down to 270 loaded with a 95gr TTSX @ 2825fps - 2850fps = deer/varmint round extrodinaire...

Camp Cook · « **Reply #18 on:** April 29, 2012, 04:12:21 AM »

Thanks for the suggestions I totally appreciate them I'm now thinking I have everything covered so starting to think a bit differently.

I'm seeing that I have almost everything covered so after reading another thread I started thinking what would be a good hunting cartridge combo for my now 5 year old son for when he is big enough to hunt deer with me.

I then realized that I basically have that covered as well my 14" bull s/s 45 Colt barrel or shorten my 23" bull s/s 6.8SPC barrel to 18.5" (just to reduce the weight) will cover him until he can handle the 308X444 barrel.

I thought about a 7-30 Waters instead of the 6.8SPC but realized that that is like comparing a 270 Win to a 280 Rem the 7-30 Waters is a necked down 30-30 and a 6.8SPC is a shortened and necked down 30 Rem which is basically just a necked down rimless 30-30.

I also found out that if I get the 6.8SPC chamber counterbored I can neck down 30-30 brass with my 6.8SPC dies and load either rimmed or rimless 6.8...

Kind of cool actually.

Curtis · « **Reply #19 on:** April 29, 2012, 02:47:47 PM »

All the suggestions are good but how about that caliber gap between your 308x444 and the 375JDJ? Maybe a 357 Max or Herrett or a 338 JDJ? Hard for me to say though since most of my barrels are pistol length. I only have 22 rf and 17 Rem in carbine length.

Curtis

Camp Cook · « **Reply #20 on:** May 05, 2012, 04:45:14 AM »

Curtis you are right there is definitely a caliber gap between 308" - 375" but there is a reason for that = I have never found a need or a desire for a caliber/cartridge between 308" - 375" even my bolt rifles have that gap example I have 3 Rem 700 LSS rifles in 30-06 - 300RUM - 375RUM.

7-30 Waters · « **Reply #21 on:** May 05, 2012, 04:59:31 PM »

Since you have a caliber gap then I would suggest a 22" barrel in 357 Maximum. This would make an excellent gun for your 5 year old son.

You can make reduced loads that shoot like a 38 special and throttle it up when it is time to hunt the big stuff.

Camp Cook · « **Reply #22 on:** October 06, 2012, 07:20:10 AM »

Well guys it has taken me a while to figure it out but I'm thinking I finally came up with the answer to what cartridge I need when I leaped up in rifle size and ordered a NIB stainless steel 26" fluted T/C Prohunter in 7mm mag picked it up at the post office this morning.

I really don't have a need for a 7mm mag so I am thinking of selling this barrel and purchasing a non-fluted s/s Encore barrel in 375H&H plan is to get the barrel shortened to 20" - 21" this will give me a short fast handling mid-velocity 375 cal rifle/cartridge combo that will fill the performance gap between my 375JDJ and 375RUM.

My goal is to load 250gr Barnes TTSX @ 2600fps and 300gr Prohunters/A-Frames/Partitions @ 2375fps and mount my Leupold VX3 2.5-8X scope that is mounted on my mostly parked in the safe Rem 700 LSS in 30-06 now.

Drugstore Cowboy · « **Reply #23 on:** October 15, 2012, 05:21:24 PM »

Started out afew years ago 30/40 Krag barrel on a Contender. MGM barrel that shoots well. Added a 375JDJ this spring and will deer hunt in a few weeks. Just purchased a 444 barrel. Have wondered about a 348 Win barrel but don't know if the G2 frame would handle that cartridge.

Camp Cook · « **Reply #24 on:** October 15, 2012, 09:58:19 PM »

I've been busy since the Prohunter arrived last weekend I've made a deal on a used fired 6 times 28" s/s Prohunter barrel in 375H&H sent the money order today so should have it early next week and I'm trading the 7mm mag barrel for a used fired 20 times 28" s/s Prohunter barrel in 30-06.

Plan on having both barrels shortened to 21" - 22" mounting a Leupold VX3 2.5-8X B&C reticle scope on the 375H&H and when I sell my Rem 700 LSS in 30-06 I'm buying a second identical scope for the 30-06 barrel.

I'm into black/gray laminate stocks so plan on ordering a set from Gun Stocks Inc and to make it so the recoil is managable I will install a Kick-Eez recoil pad.

I am planning on loading 200gr Accubonds for the 30-06...

Have to say I have been enjoying figuring this all out.

Camp Cook · « **Reply #25 on:** October 30, 2012, 03:50:50 AM »

Barrels are now at the gunsmith decided on shortening them to 22" this will give me a Prohunter with an OAL that is appr 4" shorter than my 20" Rem 700 LSS in 30-06.

The 375H&H barrel came with blued Leupold DD scope base/rings and I just bought a used set of Leupold quick detachable base/rings for the 30-06 barrel.

Going to mount my VX3 2.5-8X36mm B&C reticle scope onto the 375 and an appr 30 year old Vari X 11 3-9X40mm duplex reticle scope first Leupold I ever bought onto the 30-06 barrel.

Patience has never been my strong point I'm going nuts waiting for this to all come together.

Graycg · « **Reply #26 on:** November 01, 2012, 04:35:04 PM »

PM Sent.

regards,
Graycg

Camp Cook · « **Reply #27 on:** November 01, 2012, 08:04:52 PM »

and received I sent a response pm but it bounced back saying you are not set up to receive pm's.

thank you for the offer.

Update I shipped the barrels Monday received them back today (Thursday) only 4 days later both are now 22"...

Raced home put the 30-06 barrel together ran to gun club with older son sighted in 1" high @ 100 yards dead on @ 200 yards left gun club drove up logging road 10 minutes before dusk son spotted 2 point coastal blacktail buck 15 - 20 minutes later as we were getting ready to let the dog out to run.

I had to lol the thinking about my lack of patience = the Prohunter/30-06 is already broken in son very happy he got to be the one that shot at game first.

I'm just waiting for another scope base/rings to arrive and I'll put the 375H&H together.

The rifle feel so good balances perfectly glad I stepped up to the Prohunter now what other barrels should I get for it...

Camp Cook · « **Reply #28 on:** November 05, 2012, 03:49:39 PM »

Here is a pic of the Prohunter with the shortened to 22" 30-06 barrel and my son's coastal blacktail from the other night.

Camp Cook · « **Reply #29 on:** November 07, 2012, 03:21:23 AM »

I was able to get to the gun club yesterday only had time to shoot 9 bullets and FYI the rifle with the 22" 375H&H barrel set up with a VX3 2.5-8X scope/base/rings/sling weighs 7.5 lbs means there is just a bit of recoil.

Here are the loads I chrono'ed I was sighting in the scope so do not have accuracy results it does look promising so far though.

Now that I have found out that I can make my velocity goals I can start working on an accurate load.

250gr Sierra Gameking + 77grs IMR4350
1) 2552
2) 2515
3) 2519

250gr Barnes TTSX + 75.5grs Alliant Reloder 17
1) 2593
2) 2607
3) 2609

250gr Barnes TTSX + 76.5grs Alliant Reloder 17
1) 2618
2) 2643
3) 2648