who hunts coyotes with a thompson contender?

oldmanhunter

New member
I was thinking the 221 fireball in a 14 inch barrel would be real good out of a short barrel. Or would I be better off with a 223? I really would NOT like any more muzzel blast and noise that I really need? I don't reload and don't wish to, remington still has factory ammo in 221FB.
Any thoughts; right now I have a 22 hornet and a 44 mag barrel.
 
For what you want the 221 will be much better than the 223.
It is a shame you don't reload because the "Blue Dot" loads in the 221 have almost no muzzle blast.

Jack
 
I shot a couple with a .222 ten inch contender last winter,but I hunt with a long gun most of the time.Most of my shots are in shotgun range and thick cover so I don't tote the handgun much.I would think the fireball would work well as long as you know it's limit's and have the patience for proper shot placement.As for muzzle blast I don't know if the fireball would be that much better with factory ammo.
 
Don't know much about a .221 Fireball, but you can get some insight on the .223 in Handguns from at http://www.handgunhunt.com/tech/t12/index.html

I would have a hard time deciding which is my favorite in Contenders for Varminting & Coyotes, the .223 Remington or the 6mm T/CU. I have used both with success, and like both equally well.

If I remember correctly (without looking it up) the various commercial reloads (Black Hills Shooters Supply, Ultra Max Ammo etc) loaded with 55gr. Bullets have averaged between 2800 to 2850 FPS out of a Super 14 .223 for the most part. In handloads I have achieved 3300 FPS (with certain loads) with 40gr. Nosler Ballistic Tips or Hornady V-MAX.

One of my favorite bullets is offered by Ultra Max Ammo in their remanufactured ammo line for the .223. The bullet in question is the 52gr. Speer Flat Base Hollow Point Hunting Bullet. I have shot a bunch of Prairie Dogs with this bullet and it is very devastating. A buddy uses this bullet for Coyotes with great success. I have shot the Ultra Max Ammo loaded with this bullet, but don't ever remember chronographing it. I do remember that it shot quite well, and the bullet performance was on par with my handloads with this bullet.

As to which one to chooce, that would be a tough choice. In terms of Performance the .223 is going to have an edge on the .221, but in terms of les recoil and muzzle blast / flash the .221 is going to have the advantage over the .223. On a different note most of the commercial reloaders use AA2200 Powder or something similar. This powder is known for lots of muzzle blast / flash in these small bore cartridges.

I am also quite sure there are more different brands and types of ammo available for the .223 if that is a concern. I guess in the end if it were me for Coyotes I would opt for the .223 as the added velocity / energy may be needed at times.

Larry
 
I use a .221Fireball in TC made it into a carbine 16" barrel, it a great turck gun as I call it, nice and small and has a heck of a punch/knock down power on coyote one shot one kill. I also have the same barrel in 6" I use in handgun mode to.
 
OK... I ADMIT IT! I am a Contender user! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I use a 22mag 10" octagonal with a 30MM Red Dot. This barrel will make you cry, it can shoot groups so small it is shocking. The best loads through it is the Remington Premier 33gr V-max. I love hunting with my Contender, I also have a 30-30 14" SS that I use on deer and yote. I shoot 135gr SSP Sierra for deer and 110gr HP for yote. You said you have a hornet barrel... I would stick to that one but, if you are looking for something a little more. The 221 is a fantastic choice, the 222 and 223 are great rounds that works well in the Contender.
 
Have used a T/C Contender off and on for 15 years for hunting. My favorite barrel for coyote calling is my 22 Hornet barrel with Win 46-gr HP. This load is reasonably quiet in the 10" bbl. and has virually no recoil. It shoots into 5/8"@ 50yds & 1-3/4"@ 100yds, which for me is really good, I'm not a fantastic pistol shot. I've taken 12+ yotes with this combo from 15yds to 80 and it has put them down very reliably. Try your Hornet barrel. You'll be suprised at how well the "old dog" performs on coyotes. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Last edited:
I have a 30-30, 30 Herrett, 44 mag, 22 Lr on the pistol frame, I have a carbine stock and 21 in Hornett barrel.
I have taken several yotes with the 30 herrett barrel and all bang flop. hunting them with a pistol does add another demension to the game. Randy
 
I have the same 16 1/2" setup that doubles as either a short .221FB carbine or a long pistol. Many confirmed hits on pds out past 300 yds. and several coyotes.
 
SKB, My 30-30 barrel is the 14 inch with a 2" muzzle break. this makes it legal to put the carbine stock on it. I did, big mistake. it was fine at the range using ear muffs. I shot a coyote with it and couldnt hear for 30 mins /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif it is now relegated to my pistol grip only. I got my first carbine when my boys were about 4 and 8. bought the youth stock and it was a great learner for them.
 
I guess you could say I hunt everything (except elk...and I'm working on that) with a Contender. My young son does too....we have other rifles but pretty much the TCs get all the work.
 
Back
Top