contender pistol for deer?

I know the 35 rem works. My dad has one and has taken a few deer with it. shots are short range in our woods. any of the 3 would work for our style of hunting. the recoil is a little snappy, neither of us likes to shoot it many shots in a row.
 
ive used a .243 15" a 6.8 10" a 30-30 14" and this year tried a 13" muzzy 50 cal. (no luck LOL)

they are all very fun, and capable of taking deer as long as you put the practice in.

of the 2 I think the 35rem would be my choice. the 270 in a handgun just seems pointless to me, too long and in that short of a barrel its just wasted energy to be honest, but im no balistics expert, its gonna kick and be loud!!

Id handle the encore and the contender, both different frames, contender for lower pressure chamberings and the encore for the higher.
btw, a 45/410 barrel is a must, way too much fun!!!!

PS you may wanna check out specialty pistols forum, lots of info, if some of the fancy rigs they got dont push you over the edge I dont know what will
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Good luck!!
 
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I use a super 14 7-30 waters and it is accurate right around 1" or less groups @ 100 depending on me, from bags and a 2x7 burris. It is pleasent to shoot with mild recoil. I load 120gr sierra and it works great on deer. If I had a good rest I wouldn't hesitate 200yd shots.
 
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12" 445super mag in a g2 contender it shoots a 240gr xtp at 1900 fps with very very nice groups. the group shown is load work up at 100 yards. dropped two does this year with it. first one at 127 yards double lung shot and 25yard recovery second at 15 yards double shoulder shot drt would be an understatement.
 
Originally Posted By: DANNY-LI use a super 14 7-30 waters and it is accurate right around 1" or less groups @ 100 depending on me, from bags and a 2x7 burris. It is pleasent to shoot with mild recoil. I load 120gr sierra and it works great on deer. If I had a good rest I wouldn't hesitate 200yd shots.

I like the 7x30 Waters also, manageable recoil and just right for deer .
 
Agree, 7x30 waters has been great caliber and also have produced 1" groups at 100yds with this round. Recoil is not bad and does a very good job on deer. Also used a 44mag to take deer as well.
 
Neither the 243 or 270 are suitable for the Contender frame. They are Encore cartridges. For a Contender the 7-30 Waters, .30-30, 6.8 SPC, 35 Rem are good to go. I have a 30 Herrett that shoots great and there are all kinds of other suitable barrels out there, but they may be hard to find.
 
Neither the 243 or 270 are suitable for the Contender frame. They are Encore cartridges. For a Contender the 7-30 Waters, .30-30, 6.8 SPC, 35 Rem are good to go. I have a 30 Herrett that shoots great and there are all kinds of other suitable barrels out there, but they may be hard to find.
 
I have 2 XP-100s and have thought about having one of those rebarreled to a .243. My area I hunt has some 200-250 yard distances plus I could use the gun for coyotes also. The .35 I feel comfortable with at 100 yards but it limits me on my ranges possible.
 
I used to hunt a lot with a Contender. My barrel was a 30 Herret.. My bud used one in a 35 Rem.. If I were to do it over again i'd also go with a 35 Rem.. The Herret was a PIA to reload for. The 35 Rem is plenty for deer and works great in a Contender.
 
I shot 5-6 deer with a Super 14 in .223. Range from 60 to about 120yds or so. All shot in the boiler room, all died very quickly. Just used factory 55gr soft points...
 
cools thanks for the input. the pistol is already a 35 rem. it is my grandfathers and he has taken many deer with it. my father is about to get it. and was just curious as to what would be ideal for that that pistol. I think he is going to stay with the 35
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The Contender is not available in .243 or .270. It only can handle lower pressure chamberings. If you want to step up to the big boys you will have to buy an Encore pistol.
 
My dad has shot countless deer with his 35rem, but over the last couple of years he has been using his .357maximus.

35rem is hard to beat for deer.

Jim
 
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