What Caliber for a Contender Carbine?

[Majbg]

I already have 12" 7-30 and 35 Rem bbls.  Looking for something more powerful to put in a carbine.  I'm considering a 30-30AI in 23", or up to a 358 or 375JDJ.  Planning on hunting deer/hogs out to 250yds or so and maybe elk someday (I have other rifles for elk sized animals). How bad does a 375JDJ kick out of a light weight contender carbine? Any comparisons or preferences is appreciated.  Price is an consideration (can't afford a $400 bbl).  Any other suggestion is appreciated.  Thanks.  Bill G

[Bob C]

If I were looking for a barrel to do what you describe, I'd get a 30/30 barrel and have it rechambered to .30 GNR.

This is a more improved version of the 30/30 AI.

I have a 14" .30 GNR barrel, and it's been totally satisfactory.

[brownhipower]

I have been thinking along the same lines. I want bullet weight but do not want the recoil of stout 45-70 loads. I was curious how the 375 win and 375 jdj would compare.

Steve

[Majbg]

Bob C, where would I search to get more info on the 30GNR?  I'm using a contender, and I had read that the 30-30AI may be approaching the limits of the reciever.  What is the pressure limits of the Contender anyway?  I appreciate the response.  Trying to get the carbine up and running before Thanksgiving (rut) in TX.  THanks.  Bill G.

[Bob C]

The GNR cartridges are done by Gary Reeder. If you do a Google search on that name, you should get their website.

I have a 14" barrel in this round, which I really like. I also had a .358 JDJ. The Contender seemed to hold it OK, but it was just more than I wanted to handle.

[Graybeard]

The .309 JDJ is about the most .30 caliber power you can put in a Contender. It is the ballistic equivalent of the .308 Win. Same goes for the .358 JDJ as compared to the .358 Win. In a light rifle anything over .30 caliber the recoil gets wicked. But recoil tolerance is a very personal thing. What one thinks is punishing another thinks is mild.

For what you say you want to do I think the .309 JDJ in a Contender or the .308 Win. in an Encore would be a near perfect match. SSK will rechamber most any .308" barrel to the .309 JDJ for a reasonable fee.

I personally don't care for the Reeder rounds super short neck. This is a personal matter not really related to any real problem they present. Just don't like that tiny 0.10" neck. And it really doesn't increase the case capacity over the .30-30 AI by enough to truly matter in real world performance.

Even in 14" barrels the .309 JDJ will push 165s to 2400-2450 fps. From a carbine barrel you can add another 200 fps or so. Maybe more depending on your barrel.

[Majbg]

Thanks Graybeard, That pretty much answers my question.  Just curious how much a 375JDJ kicks compared to say, a 30-06 or heavy loaded 45-70 (what is it equivelent to).  I recently read a thread saying something about you writing about the 358JDJ.  Do you know where I can find this information?  The 358 is also a consideration.  Unfortunately, I like the idea of picking up a TC factory bbl (375JDJ) and running with it, rather than picking up a 30-30 bbl and having it sent in to ssk (extra wait and cost). Thanks again.  Bill G

[pigboy]

The last list I saw from Ed (Ed's TCs), which was just a couple of weeks ago had a 30-30AI carbine barrel on it.  He also has quite a selection of new 24" barrels in many different calibers.  You can not beat his prices.

[Graybeard]

For some of my info on the .358 JDJ you might check here:

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/cartridges.htm

and here:

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/358jdj.html

That second one is probably what you're referring to.