plain ol' Contender frame needs a barrel.......?s

[Alaninga]

I'm actually back to a frame and NO barrel. Deer and coyotes are my only game here in Georgia [that I go after]. I've had many barrels, but now find myself back at ground zero-no barrel at all---> a great place to be in and now I have ALL barrels at my "ready to buy" position.
A friend still has a 12" bull [no muzzle break] 45/70 T/C Custom shop barrel. I keep thinking "fun to reload for",,,,and,,,"NOT fun to shoot factory in".
Deer season is coming,,coyote season is here [always open]. I would appreciate a caliber/barrel suggestion. There is no "wrong" answer or suggestion.
If you were starting over,,,what would you buy?
Alan in GA.

[flyfisher]

If I had to do it all over again, and was looking to hunt only deer/coyotes, I believe that I could choose the 7-30 Waters.  Never have gotten the opportunity to own one...yet.  I have always heard good things about the cartridge, and that would be my first choice (if I had to start over).  For coyotes, you could load with a lighter bullet (and use a pointed style of bullet since we're talking single shot) and there should be plenty of options available for loading up a heavier ball for deer.  Just my opinion.

[nfmMike]

I second flyfisher - and similarly, I have not been able to try one yet, but it's on my short list to aquire.

I don't know if there is a market for coyote skins, or if Ga fur is even marketable, but if you are not interested in keeping any part of the dog, you could always go with a .30-30, or the AI version.

But, 7-30 W for sure!

What is the coyote population like in Ga?

[Redhawk1]

The 30-30 sounds like the ticket.  

[jhalcott]

GAWD,I hate this question! I thinkI'd go nuts if only ONE barrel was on hand! I have a 7-30,7tc/u 6.5JDJ ,30-30,et cetera! The 358jdj and 45-70 are a bit on the heavy side for deer and coyote but can /have been used for those and ground hog too. The 223 is a bit on the light side for big deer, but in a pinch ,will work. My buddy has a 6tc/u that he uses regularly on Md deer.After having my ammo lost/stolen a LOONG way from home I think a factory available round is a better choice for a 1 gun shooter. That leaves the7-30 (some times hard to find) or the 30-30 and 35REM. A REAL pistol nut might go for a real pistol round,357,44 or 45colt.
  Me, I'd buy 2 barrels.a short range 357,44.or..and one of the mid range ones,7-30,30-30etc just because I could!

[Alaninga]

22 LR Match in 10" bull
223 in 21" Carbine
6TCU in 20" Carbine
30/30 in 21" carbine
.357 Mag in 10" bull
.35 Rem in Super 14" [great gun!]
44 Mag in 10" bull w/internal choke [never shot it]
45 Win Mag [even factory loads are HOT!]
......just to let you know what I've had before.
Alan in GA

[Pinkerton]

You need the one I've got in the classifieds, The 358 JDJ is just enough for coyote, and ok for deer if you place your shots right :-D

I think the 7-30 waters or 30-30 would be just right.

[flatlander]

Add another to the 7-30 list. It is the one that will never be sold.

[Alaninga]

I'll either buy a barrel, or sell the frame. Been 'in and out' of Contenders for about 20 years or so. But I have kept the same wife for 30 1/2 years!
Alan in GA.

[jhalcott]

I guess a man needs to know his limits!
 I can attest to the effectiveness of the 7-30 and the 30-30.The 7-30 has a better trajectory,but inside 200 yards there ain't that much difference with comparable bullets.