onlybrowning
New member
I am wondering if anyone is handloading this for a 14" Contender. I see Hornady has a 180 grainer designed for the single shot pistol. Anyone have their favorite load to offer, or what has worked best on deer?
.35 Remington Contender barrel
- Thread starter onlybrowning
- Start date
I never could get the 180s to shoot with any accuracy out of mine. Here's some data for you:
20.0 grs SR4759-158gr JHP Winchester bullet- .75" group at 50 yds
25.0 grs 2400- 158 grs JHP Winchester bullet- 1.5" group at 50 yds
39.0 grs 748- 200 gr Remington bullet- .5" at 50 yds
33.0 grs IMR 4064- 250 gr Winchester bullet- one hole group at 50 yds.
The 748 load has a brilliant muzzle flash
so be aware. The 250 gr Winchester bullets I don't think are available to the reloader anymore.
From the Thomson Center reloading manual:
32.0 grs IMR4198- 158JHP Sierra- 2195'ps max load
32.0 grs IMR4198- 170 FMJ Sierra-2307'ps max load
27.5 grs H4227- 200 gr Sierra RN- 1959'ps max load
I have never seen a 170 Sierra but it's in the book. The velocitys listed are for a 14" barrel. Yes, the data for powder is the same for the 158 and 170 bullets. Hope this helps.
Trapper
20.0 grs SR4759-158gr JHP Winchester bullet- .75" group at 50 yds
25.0 grs 2400- 158 grs JHP Winchester bullet- 1.5" group at 50 yds
39.0 grs 748- 200 gr Remington bullet- .5" at 50 yds
33.0 grs IMR 4064- 250 gr Winchester bullet- one hole group at 50 yds.
The 748 load has a brilliant muzzle flash
so be aware. The 250 gr Winchester bullets I don't think are available to the reloader anymore. From the Thomson Center reloading manual:
32.0 grs IMR4198- 158JHP Sierra- 2195'ps max load
32.0 grs IMR4198- 170 FMJ Sierra-2307'ps max load
27.5 grs H4227- 200 gr Sierra RN- 1959'ps max load
I have never seen a 170 Sierra but it's in the book. The velocitys listed are for a 14" barrel. Yes, the data for powder is the same for the 158 and 170 bullets. Hope this helps.
Trapper
crowbeaner
New member
I tried the 180 Speer over H335 and the load was fast but not very accurate. I had to go to the 200 gr. Remington and IMR 4064 to get decent accuracy. Try some IMR 3031 and 4895. They make good velocity in the shorter barrels and most loads are quite accurate. My $.02. CB.
onlybrowning
New member
Thanks guys. Seems that Hornady designing that bullet for the Contender isn't the hot ticket I assumed it might be. I am hoping to get good accuracy out to about 100 yards with this cartridge. I will try your suggestions.