Contender reloading

[nksmfamjp]

I have a couple new to me Contender barrels I'd like to do some reloading for….

The first step in my process (after brass forming) is to pressure test to determine a max load.

So 2 questions…..

When I FL size, how much should I bump the shoulder? Fired cases measure +0.012" plus to the barrel face, but the barrel closes on a 0.003" feeler gage max. I'll recheck and post again later.

What are the pressure signs before frame stretching? This is a Contender not G2. Hard to open? Primers? Other?

 

[Ernie]

When you Full-Length resize, you want to bump it 2 thou.
Note: Your first firing will probably not fully form your case.
For your first load, I would jam the bullet into the lands so it pushes the head of the case all the way back into the frame.
Chamberings?

 

[Ernie]

 

[nksmfamjp]

30 Herrett….already have fired brass.

7-30 Waters….need to form. Probably follow COW method to avoid using the bullets

 

[scott0303]

Home | BELLM TCs LLC

www.bellmtcs.com

 

[scott0303]

From Belam's article.

 

[Pilsner]

Anyone have a source fro brass for 30 Herrett?
Got a T/C chambered in it and havent even fired it yet due to lack of ammo. Ive got a reloading set up out in the shop and dies sitting in my MidWayUSA cart.

 

[59FLH]

30 Herrett….already have fired brass.

7-30 Waters….need to form. Probably follow COW method to avoid using the bullets

I COW'ed my 7-30 Contender, it seemed to work fine. I would caution against jamming a bullet until you determine your chamber pressure is suitable to allow for it.

 

[Ol' Red]

Anyone have a source fro brass for 30 Herrett?
Got a T/C chambered in it and havent even fired it yet due to lack of ammo. Ive got a reloading set up out in the shop and dies sitting in my MidWayUSA cart.

Size 30-30 brass in the full length dies and trim to length. Fireform and I would recommend annealing the brass. I lost a lot of cases to split necks by skipping this step.

 

[just_jon]

30 Herrett….already have fired brass.

7-30 Waters….need to form. Probably follow COW method to avoid using the bullets

I think the thick loose leaf Sierra manual has both listed in their pistol section. Believe contender was used to develop data. I'll post copies of .the data when I get back in the shop tomorrow AM.

 

[just_jon]

Sierra 6th Vol data for 7-30 and 30 Herrett. Both were shot in 10" contenders.

 

[Ernie]

Awesome Possum @just_jon!

 

[WV Hitman]

I stretched the frame on an Encore in .416 Taylor (by SSK). Shot a sable that needed a second shot. The Encore DID NOT fire! Finished him at 120 yds. with my Ruger SuperRedhawk- .454.
I used mostly AFrames getting ready for the hunt. My friend, JD Jones gave me the devil for using AFrames. Their manufacturing process greatly increases chamber pressures. Sent it to Thompson. They'd seen very few stretched Encore frames. Sent me a new one!!
I don't use AFrames in my single shots. When used in revolvers I reduce the load a few grains.

 

[Ernie]

The original Barnes all copper bullets created more pressure as well. I had a bad experience with them back in the day with a 338 Win Mag Encore pistol.