Contender: Getting the 7-30 Waters going….

[nksmfamjp]

Well, I'm up this morning thinking. No better time than today to get hot with getting my 7-30 Waters going.

First, fireforming…..my method:

COW Fireforming recipe

I thought I posted this somewhere else, but I did not. First: The formal instructions https://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2017/02/how-to-fire-form-brass-without-bullets/ Found this reference for starting charge weight...

www.longrangehunting.com

…and then we cannot forget the misfire lessons learned with the 30 Herrett:

Contender firing pin not hitting primer consistently

95% of the time it fires. About 5% of the time it doesn’t fire with no primer dent or about half the normal dent. What could cause this? Ideas? Trigger return spring is lightened, but nothing to the hammer or firing pin block. Hmm

www.longrangehunting.com

For bullets, I have 120gr V-max and 140gr VLD Hunting. Both are in the right weight range, just need to pick one. Thoughts? I have no idea what velocities I'll get. I'd like to get 2300fps out of whatever I take to the field, but the barrel is only 14" and Contenders are prone to being damaged by chasing velocity.

For primers, I have CCI large rifle. For powder, I'm thinking h4895 or H322, but not sure what else there is. I like the temp stability of H4895 or H322.

Any advice?

 

[Rosebud]

Try a 120 hammer hunter for hunting. No need to make it blazing fast. 2600 hundred fps from the muzzle is good. Then use your V max to practice with.

 

[nksmfamjp]

How do I get a 14" 7-30 Waters in a Contender to shoot 2600fps with any bullet? That sounds like 150fps faster than the 24" barrel data I've seen.

 

[Rosebud]

How do I get a 14" 7-30 Waters in a Contender to shoot 2600fps with any bullet? That sounds like 150fps faster than the 24" barrel data I've seen.

Hammers are faster than comparable weight bullets. They require less engraving pressure, so you use a faster burning powder. Waters is based off the 30-30 Winchester case that can push a 170 grain bullet around 2200. Don't see any real issues in getting around 2600 with hammers.I can get 2700 plus with a 99 hammy in a Grendel using 32 grains of powder. Also the hornady loading manual shows 2500 fps using120 Vmax. That's in a 14 inch barrel!

 

[WV Hitman]

I had a friend that hunted summer crop damage with me. He used the Waters. First year he used 140 gr. BTs. Poor performance- deer ran, not a lot of internal damage. Next 2 years I got him to switch to 120 gr. BTs. World of difference. Dead deer quickly, more internal damage.
Just my thoughts.

 

[Buttermilk]

I had a 14" 7-30 Waters back in the day. I shot primarily Sierra 130 SSP @ 2300 fps and Nosler 120 BT @ 2500 fps. (Just under actually).

If I were to get back into a 7-30 Waters I'd pick the Nosler 120 BT and Varget powder. I got excellent accuracy and good velocity with that combination. That bullet works well on deer and hogs too.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Any thoughts on a 120gr Vmax going 2400fps on mule deer? The other option is the 140gr Berger going 2300fps. Trajectory is too close to call.

 

[nksmfamjp]

Hammers are faster than comparable weight bullets.

I have not found that in my other rifles or looking at Quickload.

 

[nksmfamjp]

I'd pick the Nosler 120 BT

Those are a bit hard to find right now. I've found the 30cal 125's, but not the 7mm.

 

[Rosebud]

I have not found that in my other rifles or looking at Quickload.

Talk to Steve from hammer bullets. He will help you if you're interested in them. Not sure there is a data base for the waters, but there is load data for thier bullets here on the forum. I'll try to find something to help you.

 

[Rosebud]

Check out the load data on the shooters preference web site. There are several load for120 bullets that will work for you. I believe lever evolution powder will be the ticket for your hammer bullets. Fill the case to the shoulder and seat the bullet about 85 thousands off the lands. Shoot over a chronograph. If the action is harder to break open than normal, back off or look for another powder. I load for and shoot contenders. They are wonderful hand guns.

 

[Rosebud]

My .357 Mag barrel. Bought the frame from old friend who was looking for extra cash for another build. As you can see it has a great trigger. Red dot sight has been replaced with a 2-7 Burris.

 

[nksmfamjp]

My .357 Mag barrel. Bought the frame from old friend who was looking for extra cash for another build. As you can see it has a great trigger. Red dot sight has been replaced with a 2-7 Burris.

Very cool. I love getting the Contender some action!

Seems like you too have figured out the triggers.

 

[Rosebud]

Very cool. I love getting the Contender some action!

Seems like you too have figured out the triggers.

Set screw in front of the trigger. Back it off until the hammer won't cock. Then screw it in till you're happy with the feel. I like a very light trigger.