Author Topic: Which Deer Cartridge for T/C G2? (Read 1672 times)

edmehlig · « **on:** December 09, 2005, 10:44:48 AM »

OK, I have a 22LR Match with my G2 and I now want to get a deer cartridge for hunting in PA. My shots will probably be under 100 yds. Should I go with the 7x30 or 7x30AI or 30-30 or the 30-30 AI?

Or is there a better cartridge I should consider? I don't want to shoot a hand canon.

Thanks for the advice!!

Ed

EdK · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2005, 12:04:49 PM »

Your choices are fine to be sure. For the conditions you described (which are similar to mine here in NH) I would also vote for the 357 Maximum. I believe those bottle-necked cartridges do have the edge over the 'Max at 100-200 yards, but at 100 yards or less the 357 Max really shines. Reloading is a snap - no case forming. You can also get by with a handier 10-12" tube wheras those others really benefit from a full 14" barrel.

Have fun deciding :grin:

Gregory · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2005, 12:06:02 PM »

Any of the ones you list would work fine, but they will need at least a 14" barrel for best performance. Out to one hundred yards a .41, .44, or .357 Max. would work just fine and they will perform out of a handier 10" barrel.

I'm restricted in Illinois to a bottleneck case that can't exceed 1.4" or a straight walled case. My choice is a 357 Max, and it has worked well for me.

rickyp · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2005, 01:09:54 PM »

First check your hunting regs and see what you can and can not use/
If you can use a bottle neck case I would get (and have one) a 14 inch 375 JDJ. You can use the 220 bullets for deer with more then enough power for longer shots if you should get one. then you will ahve enough gun for hunting almost anything you want to latter on

T.J. McSuds · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2005, 01:28:56 AM »

The old 30 Herrett is still a great deer round. My load gives a Nosler BT 150 @ 2000fps.

poncaguy · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2005, 07:35:15 AM »

357 Max or 45-70...............

smike308 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2005, 07:44:08 AM »

The .375 Winchester cartridge is an excellent deer round out of the Contender.
Mike

bigbore442001 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 10, 2005, 08:38:19 AM »

Ok. All of the cartridges you listed are excellent for deer hunting. My criterion would be whether you already have them for a rifle. Say you and your family shoot 30-30's or any other 30 caliber and you reload for it. Then either 30-30 round would make sense. Say you shoot some sort of 7mm rifle, then go with the Waters. The idea would be that you have reloading components that can be used in the new barrel that are already on the bench.

Do you shoot a large bore handgun? Say you own a 44 magnum revolver. Then get a 12 or 14" 44 magnum barrel. The closed breech will add a couple hundred feet per second or so and again, you have the loading components already with you.

Just my opinions on this issue.

spinafish · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2005, 11:33:59 AM »

The .414 SuperMag is a good choice especially if you like the .41 Mag. I have one and its a thumper!

Gregory · « **Reply #9 on:** December 10, 2005, 01:01:35 PM »

From Ed's original post:

Quote from: Ed Mehlig

I don't want to shoot a hand canon.

Ed

Yet the 375 JDJ, 45-70, 375 Win, and 414 SuperMag have been suggested.
These all seem like hand canons to me.

rickyp · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2005, 01:17:06 PM »

a hand cannon to one maynot be to another
the 375 JDJ when set up right is no more harder to shoot then a full power 44 magnum

Gregory · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2005, 01:35:24 PM »

Quote from: rickyp

a hand cannon to one maynot be to another
the 375 JDJ when set up right is no more harder to shoot then a full power 44 magnum

I guess I'll let Ed be the judge of that. But running the numbers, the 375 JDJ has about twice the recoil energy of a 44 Mag. (per my load from a disk program). I think by most people's definition the 375 JDJ is one of the original hand canons.
I was just trying to answer Ed with his stated criteria in mind.

spinafish · « **Reply #12 on:** December 10, 2005, 02:21:16 PM »

In defense of the .414 it doesn't have to be a handcannon to work well..and there is always .41 Mag ammo to fall back on..

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 12, 2005, 08:25:17 AM »

The 35 Remington is also a good choice and very managable.

poncaguy · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2005, 03:54:19 PM »

I still like the 357 Max........

edmehlig · « **Reply #15 on:** December 12, 2005, 04:05:23 PM »

Guys, I want to thank you for all of your input. Being this is my first deer cartridge with a hand gun I want to do it right. Right now from what I've read on this site and others the nod seems to go to the 7x30 or 30-30. I do reload and I currently shoot a 280Remington, so I do have a supply of 7MM bullets (139grSST and 140gr Nosler BT and Partitions). From what I've read I don't think there acceptable for the 7x30???

Is there much differnce with the AI of both versions? Another words if the 7x30 has a slightly better edge on the 30-30 ? ? Would the same be true with the 7x30AI over the 30-30AI ? ?

If I get bit by the bug which I'm sure I will, I can definetly see other bbls in my future. I remember a friend of mine said one time that T/C thought the 375 Winchester was the best deer cartridge they offered with the contender? ? But I'm sure it has much more recoil than the 7x30 or 30-30?

Again, thanks for all of your input! !

Ed

flyfisher · « **Reply #16 on:** December 14, 2005, 06:09:00 AM »

Ed,
I also live, breathe, fish, and hunt in PA. When it came time to choose a Contender cartridge to hunt deer with, I found a 14", .375 Win. barrel for sale, brand new. I knew that it was going to be a hand thumper, but I also found the chambering interesting and different from what everyone else was using (there's also something about sliding that big, straight-walled cartridge in the chamber of a handgun). The barrel has no break on it, and I find the recoil quite manageable, and I am no large man. To be totally honest, my brother-in-law's .44 mag Super Blackhawk has a sharper recoil.

If I could do it all over again, I'd still stay with the .375 Win. but I really liked the 7-30 and 30-30, and would some day like to try one. If recoil is an issue, you can always get a barrel with a break...yes they're a lot louder, but they do manage alot of nasty recoil.

There is nothing wrong with any of the cartridges listed in any of the responses that you got. I'd trust every one for hunting deer here in PA, and since we are not limited to the handgun cartridges here in PA, you have a lot of options.

Good luck on your choice.

teamnelson · « **Reply #17 on:** December 15, 2005, 02:20:42 PM »

I've been watching this thread as I am interested in the same topic ... what length 30-30 would you go with if that were your recommendation? Is the 10" too short to get full benefit? Is there really a big difference in terminal performance (deer's perspective) at say 100 yds. between the 10, 12, or 14?

Thanks!
Rob

Keith L · « **Reply #18 on:** December 15, 2005, 05:01:24 PM »

Quote

Is there really a big difference in terminal performance (deer's perspective) at say 100 yds. between the 10, 12, or 14?

Most likely not. But I only have a 12 inch so I can't crono all three and know for sure. The 12 inch works well for the range I use it (35-60 yards) on deer, and out to 100 easily with yotes. I hope someone with data answers this, because I always wonder too.

jw4570 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 15, 2005, 05:06:54 PM »

I just picked up my first Contender a few months ago along with several barrels which include:

30-30 10"
375 Win 14"
7mm TCU 10"

I'm going to skip the other barrels I got as they are too odd or not useful for deer in my opinion.

The 30-30 is easiest to get ammo for. However, the 10" 30-30 Barrel shoots adequate but not as good as the 375 14" or 7mm TCU 10".

Out of the three, the 375 WIN is the definate choice for hunting with the 7mm TCU being my second. I got the 30-30 Barrel because I have a 30-30 (of which I only shoot factory loads). Since I don't reload for the 30-30, I don't think I'm going to get as good results as the 375 or 7mm TCU as I got dies with the barrels and worked up loads for those.

I thought the 375 would be a thumper, and my loads are about 1800 fps with a 220 gr Hornady. The less than max loads probably helps with recoil a lot. It didn't kick that bad with the 14" barrel and scope.

After shooting these, I am entertaining getting rid of the 30-30 barrel but haven't quite decided to do that quite yet. I think it shoots acceptable at 100 yards (I could only muster about a 3" group but the barrel is used and not in perfect condition). If I were limiting my shot to 100 yards (which I will do initially), I don't think I'd worry about using this barrel.

As for the 7mm, I wouldn't recommend the 140gr Partitions as I didn't feel they opened up at 7x57 Mauser rifle velocities and switched to the Hornady 139 gr BTSP for my Mauser. I have used this bullet to load my 7mm TCU and it shoots well, but only time (and opportunity) will tell how well this performs at 2100 fps.

So, I would have to vote with flyfisher, and say I'd pick the 375 Winchester 14" Barrel all things being equal.

If you want factory ammo and local availability, I feel your only choice is the 30-30 as the others are just too hard to come by. I guess there is no disadvantage to the 30-30 AI, and actually I was going to get that barrel instead but the guy had already sold it. I have a feeling that the 14" 30-30 Barrel will be better though I have no personal experience.

Jason

rickyp · « **Reply #20 on:** December 16, 2005, 02:52:33 AM »

If you want a good 10" 30 caliber contender barrel do not over look the 30 herrett. it was made to preform out of a 10 inch barrel. it is way more efficient then the 30-30. it does have some down sides, the cases are somewhat a pain in the butt to make or if you buy them made they are $$$$, you must hand load for it so no running out to the local gun store if you run out of rounds on a hunt, some of the good things about it are, good used barrels are now very cheap with todays new bullets and powders it is better then ever case life is very good if you reload them right.

determined451 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 17, 2005, 01:41:37 PM »

Ed, I did alot of research before I bought my first contender...I decided on the 14" 7x30...I really enjoy it...I set up on the 130 Sierra ssp bullet...had groups under 2 inches at 100 often...now they quit making the 130 bullet...there is no reason you could not use 139 to 140 grain bullets...alot of folks like the balistic tips....for your first one...factory ammo is easy to find in the 7x30 or 30-30...AI cases are not much advqntage from what I have seen...If you get a 30-30 AI, of course you could shoot plain 30-30 ammo...by the way they are on sale at Midway for $179...........only problem is these are adictive...I wanted one barrel...now have 6....I hunted with a 35 Rem. today....any way you go...these things are fun...D451

contender hunter · « **Reply #22 on:** December 18, 2005, 08:06:26 AM »

YOU JUST CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THE 7X30 WATERS AND -- I want to try nosler 140 gr. BT should be a great bullet little stronger than the 120 gr. should penetrate good , now PA has bear in at the same time as deer so I went with the 140 gr partition -- nice feature both 140 gr shoot with-in a 1/2 in. of each other.

poncaguy · « **Reply #23 on:** December 18, 2005, 08:25:45 AM »

If you had an Encore, the 7mm-08 makes an excellent pistol round..........

xphunter · « **Reply #24 on:** December 18, 2005, 08:31:07 AM »

7x30 Waters

steveus · « **Reply #25 on:** December 18, 2005, 06:16:33 PM »

I am fairly new to handgun hunting and to Contenders, but I'm shooting 1.75" groups with my 14" .30-30 barrel. I understand that most all of these 14" .30-30s shoot well. Winchester 150gr. soft points and Silver Tips do just fine, very common in stores too.

ilv2hnt · « **Reply #26 on:** December 22, 2005, 02:18:12 AM »

I think the 7x30 waters is an awesome cartridge, and don't overlook the 120 grain ballistics also, I don't think you have to have a big bullet to knock down a little deer, if the shot is placed in the KILLZONE it doesn't matter.

As for the 7mm tcu, it is an awesome cartridge, that I would not hesitate to use on any deer, especially as you are keeping shots inside 100 yards.
This cartridge is not picky at all and I have shot deer with 100 gr HP (HORNADY), but they are messy I like the SSP bullets from SIERRA, 130's, or have used the NOSLER BT 120'S ALSO

As for barrel length in the TCU, my 10" will outshoot my 14" anyday of the week regardless of what I do to them during reloading, there is not enough difference in velocity to matter between the 2 at 100 Yards.

My 11 year old keeps me busy reloading for the TCU BARRELS, BUT THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT

TAKE A CHILD HUNTING TODAY, YOU WON'T HAVE TO HUNT FOR THEM TOMORROW

ilv2hnt · « **Reply #27 on:** December 22, 2005, 02:21:11 AM »

I think the 7x30 waters is an awesome cartridge, and don't overlook the 120 grain ballistics also, I don't think you have to have a big bullet to knock down a little deer, if the shot is placed in the KILLZONE it doesn't matter.

As for the 7mm tcu, it is an awesome cartridge, that I would not hesitate to use on any deer, especially as you are keeping shots inside 100 yards.
This cartridge is not picky at all and I have shot deer with 100 gr HP (HORNADY), but they are messy I like the SSP bullets from SIERRA, 130's, or have used the NOSLER BT 120'S ALSO

As for barrel length in the TCU, my 10" will outshoot my 14" anyday of the week regardless of what I do to them during reloading, there is not enough difference in velocity to matter between the 2 at 100 Yards.

My 11 year old keeps me busy reloading for the TCU BARRELS, BUT THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT

TAKE A CHILD HUNTING TODAY, YOU WON'T HAVE TO HUNT FOR THEM TOMORROW

ilv2hnt · « **Reply #28 on:** December 22, 2005, 02:23:04 AM »

I think the 7x30 waters is an awesome cartridge, and don't overlook the 120 grain ballistics also, I don't think you have to have a big bullet to knock down a little deer, if the shot is placed in the KILLZONE it doesn't matter.

As for the 7mm tcu, it is an awesome cartridge, that I would not hesitate to use on any deer, especially as you are keeping shots inside 100 yards.
This cartridge is not picky at all and I have shot deer with 100 gr HP (HORNADY), but they are messy I like the SSP bullets from SIERRA, 130's, or have used the NOSLER BT 120'S ALSO

As for barrel length in the TCU, my 10" will outshoot my 14" anyday of the week regardless of what I do to them during reloading, there is not enough difference in velocity to matter between the 2 at 100 Yards.

My 11 year old keeps me busy reloading for the TCU BARRELS, BUT THAT'S THE WAY I LIKE IT

TAKE A CHILD HUNTING TODAY, YOU WON'T HAVE TO HUNT FOR THEM TOMORROW