What 10" contender chambering would you choose for Alas

[HHI 812]

I'm sure there are a lot of 14 inchers that would be preferable, but was looking for a easy handling 10" contender barrel. Not really looking to get a big grizzly with it, but there is usually a good chance that they are around. Thanks for your choice. e-mail at dennis.madriaga@gmail.com

[poncaguy]

45-70 in Contender, but would get an Encore pistol instead, 460 S&W, could also shoot 454 Casulls anf 45 Long Colts in it too.............

[HHI 812]

Have access to a stainless Encore frame, but grip doesn't fit my small hand as well as the contender? If only the Encore was the same fit as the contender.

[Dusty Miller]

Do you have access to a file or rasp?

[HHI 812]

I use Pachmayr rubber grips on my contenders. It helps tame the recoil. Any chance there is a similar grip for the Encore?

[Redhawk1]

I use Pachmayr rubber grips on my contenders. It helps tame the recoil. Any chance there is a similar grip for the Encore?

There rubber grips are not as thick as the walnut grips.  

[HHI 812]

Redhawk1, does it have the cushion pocket in the back like the contender Pachmayr's? If it does, and is smaller than the wood grips, I might just have to get the Encore?

[bigbore442001]

If you are set on a 10" barrel I would choose the 445 Supermag. Personally, I would take my 16" 45-70, but that is me.

[Brian T]

In a standard cal I would go with the 44 Mag shooting the heavy garrett load.  If you want to go to a wild cat go to the SSK and Gary Reeder websites and pick out one of their rhino blasters

http://www.reedercustomguns.com/

[dubber123]

I would have to go with the 45-70 also.  I'm not sure that it is commonly available in a 10" barrel, but any of the custom companies would make one for you.  I have shot some out of my brothers 12"  that have made some impressive power, like 460's @ 1500fps.  Not sure if this is recommended, but we shot a lot with no problems.  I have a custom 6-1/2" 50-70 govt' that gets 900+ with 500 grainers, but for big bears, I would rather have the penetration of the 45-70.

[Lone Star]

I hunted Alaska for most of the 27 Falls I lived there with Contenders.  I used 14"/15" barrels mostly, but I had good success with 10" barrels too.  While is doesn't really answer your question, I used short .30 Herrett, .25-35 and .45 Colt barrels to good effect on deer and caribou.

I'd recommend a .44 Mag or .445 SuperMag in the 10" barrel.  The .45-70 loses too much power in the short barrel (200-300 fps) and becomes very unpleasant to shoot (it ain't a peach in a 14" barrel either!).  Plus it just isn't 'needed' for most Alaskan game (although I've used it extensivley).  The result is performance about on par with the .445 SuperMag anyway.  This latter is not a pussycat with full power loads, but it can be loaded down for deer, etc.  With a 200+ fps advantage over the .44 Mag, it is a good choice.

Don't consider using a Contender as a grizzly hunting arm, although as defense it 'works' I guess.  I've faced down several charging bears with a Contender, and it wasn't a fun experience - at the time.  :roll:

[DutchV]

Are you worried about defending against a grizzly?  If so, I think I'd rather have more than one shot.  I'd definitely have my .44 Mag Super Blackhawk with 300 grain loads, and maybe a 12gauge with slugs.  Life is good.  I'm gonna keep at it as long as I can.

[buffalohunter]

I would choose a .45 Colt and shoot heavy cast bullets.

[JD HHI 6092®]

Dennis,
How many barrels have you owned in the past?  Just pick one and cut it....

[HHI 812]

Javier,
Lost count? But you know me, in order to get something new, I have to sell or trade what I have now. Still not using any of my wages for my toys. Anything new with you??
Dennis

[Lloyd Smale]

id have one made up in .475 linebaugh or posibly a .475 max.

[PaulS]

Lets see, a ten inch barrel, a contender, a new cartridge.

How about a 40 caliber maximum? the 357 maximum is a great round but it could have a big brother. There is a lot of interest in 40 caliber -10mm  so the choice of bullets will grow. The 375 Winchester case could be the platform. Cut it down to 1.6 and stretch it to be a straight wall case. you now have a 40 caliber or 10mm Maximum. The cartridge is good to 52000 CUP but could be limited to say 42000psi. There is a powder that is nearly ideal for a cartridge of this size - AA1680 and there are other powders that would be almost as good - H110, 2400, 4227. If you need to load it down all the medium to slow burning powders should work well in it. Right now you have a limited supply of 40 caliber bullets but you can find jacketed in 155, 180 200, in lead bullets you have the bullets that were made for the 38-40 and the new lead bullets that have been produced for the 10mm. Do you think there might be a market for a 40 caliber handgun that can launch a 200 grain bullet at 2100 fps or more?
I think there is a future for this thing!I think I will draw it up and register it. Any members of GBO can use it - there is your permision - Do you think Ruger will make a Super Red Hawk in it? I want the third one off the line. Thats all I want.

[deerstalker]

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[PaulS]

Well, I drew up the cartridge and grabed an old case to trim and find out the water capacity and did some math to see what kind of loads would work for it. The 40 Maximum is now on the books. I was surprised to se that there is already two other cases out there based on the 375 in 40 caliber. there is one that I submitted back in 1986 at 1.29 inches, and one at 1.442 inches long and another at 1.3 something. I wonder why no one took it to 1,6 before now. The theoretical ballistics look better than the 454 Cassull and if the 40 caliber stays popular then more bullets will be made for itand the 40 Maximum will be on its way.

What was the "Flash Flash" all about? Did I or am I missing something?