Loading for the T/C Contender...

[Three50seven]

I found a deal on a T/C Contender that I couldn't pass up. For now, I have two 14" barrels, one in .357 Max and the other in .223 Rem. Anyway, since I am brand new to this addiction, I'm wondering if there is a good source for load data for the Contender, G2, etc. I would think the closed-breech single-shot design would allow you to really push the limits with handgun calibers, while the short barrel may affect/limit performance for rifle calibers. Am I correct in this line of thought? can anyone point me in a good direction for load data for these guns?

 

[jsh]

I won't say you can crowd one, but won't say no either. Just use listed loads for data. I think you will be pleased.
Anything you know or think you know about bolt or lever guns, as far as loading does not apply to the TC platform.
Watch bumping the shoulder to far back on the 35 Remington. Or any bottle
neck as far as that goes.

 

[mikld]

Some reloading manuals list separate "Contender only" and "Ruger only" load data (Lyman's 49th?). Yep loads are "hotter" than loads for other guns, but for a new reloader always start low, you may find you don't need a wrist breaker, magnumitus load...

 

[Three50seven]

Thanks guys,
I don't normally load to top-end for my Blackhawks, so I probably won't for the Contender either. I guess I'm more concerned with rifle calibers and whether the short barrels will leave a lot of powder un-burned and if there are some powders that are preferred over others for the Contender and variants? I typically use Reloader 7 and H335 for .223 and 30-30, the only rifle calibers I currently load.

 

[Jim Puke]

Money well spent...I have the, yellow, first edition and it is pretty good.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/672709/loadbooks-usa-thompson-center-contender-volume-2-reloading-manual-calibers-30-m1-carbine-to-45-70-government

 

[jsh]

If you have a pet load for 223 it will probably work well in the TC as well.
The unburned powder is some what of a myth. Also the old thoughts of having to use "pistol" powders in handgun length barrels has been disproven over and over again.
My TC's, XP's and BF's all shoot as well as most rifles.
I like 748 and H335 in my ,223's and 6x45. Yes it is blasty and I deal with it for what it gives me on paper, speed and performance.

The max, I have only had one and it was factory chambered. Did a chamber cast and sent it down the road. Bellm pushes the 357 max more than anyone I know of today. Worth a look at his site for that.

 

[Three50seven]

The max, I have only had one and it was factory chambered. Did a chamber cast and sent it down the road. Bellm pushes the 357 max more than anyone I know of today. Worth a look at his site for that.

I had an H&R in Max awhile back and I really wanted to like the rifle, but the trigger was junk and I couldn't hold a decent group regardless of what powder or bullet I tried. Of course I sold all the brass I had accumulated...

 

[Jim Puke]

I have the Max in a Contender and there is nothing really special about loading for it...it shoots like gangbusters...likes 180gr bullets. Now, I am into hunting with my guns...so I am not looking for benchrest accuracy...but the Max is good to go out to its maximum effective range, in my opinion, 150yds.

 

[PO2Hammer]

The Lyman #49 reloading manual has an Encore/Contender section with both of your calibers, and the velocities listed are for 14" barrels.

H335 is my shooting buddy's choice for 30-30 and .222 Rem in 10" Contenders. I think he uses some old HS-7 in the 357 Max. I've shot his pistols many times, really enjoy the .222 Rem with H335. Lots of fire and fury, but actual recoil is mild and accuracy is incredible. I would imagine .223 would perform just as well. 30-30 is fun too with a lot less recoil than you would think.

 

[Three50seven]

The Lyman #49 reloading manual has an Encore/Contender section with both of your calibers, and the velocities listed are for 14" barrels.

H335 is my shooting buddy's choice for 30-30 and .222 Rem in 10" Contenders. I think he uses some old HS-7 in the 357 Max. I've shot his pistols many times, really enjoy the .222 Rem with H335. Lots of fire and fury, but actual recoil is mild and accuracy is incredible. I would imagine .223 would perform just as well. 30-30 is fun too with a lot less recoil than you would think.

H335 and Rel7 are my go-to powders for .223, so sounds like I should be in good shape there.

 

[contender]

I happen to have both barrels,,, as well as several others. Loading for them is usually a separate section, listed with the Ruger only. I use my Contender in 7x30 Waters, (a rifle caliber,) and I do not have issues with unburnt powder.
Just follow the manuals,,, start low, & build up, & find the accurate loads.

 

[powder smoke]

Lyman Reloading Manual has a Contender section. ps