7-30 Waters or 7-08 for Thompson Contender........

M

Mark204

New member
I am finally at the point in my life when I can get the T/C I've been wanting since the '80's. The kids are grown and out of college. Back then I always wanted a 7-30 Waters super 14, but now with the 7-08 out there I'm kinda scratching my head. Some may bring up the issue with finding brass, I can fire form my own, that has no bearing on which one I purchase. I would like some thoughts on the two cartridges. I'm leanibg towards one more than the other, but I'd like to see if my thought process is heading in the same direction as others. I plan on using it on deer out to 100 yards max, that and B/R shooting.
 
If you are talking about using a Contender frame the 7-30 Waters is going to be your only choice as that frame is not suitable 7-08 pressures. This really doesn't matter too much if you are going to limit your shots to 100 yards as the 7-30 Waters will smack the living daylights out of a deer at that range. Really, with the right load and a decent scope I would go for twice that far if need be.

And as long as 30-30 Winchester brass is available, and it will be for a long long time, you will be fine. Fine and dandy even.
 
I have, and still use a Contender in 7-30 Waters that I bought in about 85. Back then it was pretty much a handloading proposition. Now there is some great factory ammo available. For deer inside 100 and a little BR for fun either will serve you well. The 7-08 obviously has more factory ammo options if that is important to you. Go with the one that is most practical (cases, bullets, etc) for you and never look back!

P.S. Rusty is correct that it will depend on your frame selection. I have taken deer out to 190yds. Mine has a Leupold 4X EER in an SSK 3 ring base.
 
Like others have said out of the 2 the only option for the contender frame is 7-30 waters. That is probably my favorite contender barrel. I can shoot 1/2 MOA and less on a good day with my handloads and a 6x handgun scope. I also did a trigger job on both of my contender frames and I know y'all may not agree with me but here is a trick I have found. After you polish up the trigger components I took the trigger spring out and replaced it with a "Bic" ink pen spring and my trigger on both of my frames are just under a pound. Like I said I'm no pro but it has worked great and I haven't had a single issue with either of my frames
 
S rap bot of those ideas. The kids are gone. There is a ssk 375jdj in the classifieds. Deer, and elk to 200 will be no problem. 223 barrel for the bench and vamints as far as you can hit them. I went contender exclusive for 15 years or so. 22lr,223,35 remington. If you insist on one gun I would go 7/30 and find a flat side frame with the safety on the hammer.
 
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Originally Posted By: RustydustIf you are talking about using a Contender frame the 7-30 Waters is going to be your only choice as that frame is not suitable 7-08 pressures. This really doesn't matter too much if you are going to limit your shots to 100 yards as the 7-30 Waters will smack the living daylights out of a deer at that range. Really, with the right load and a decent scope I would go for twice that far if need be.

And as long as 30-30 Winchester brass is available, and it will be for a long long time, you will be fine. Fine and dandy even.


Fine AND dandy? George Karlin questioned whether that was possible.
 
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