Thompson Contender barrel for deer??

XArmy55 · 09-03-2009, 12:35 PM

Hey guys. My grandfather gave me an original, never been shot Thompson Contender (not a G2) with 3 barrels. .44mag, .22wmr, and .45/.410.

I want to put a scope on it and hunt deer with it. I already have a Ruger Bisley in .44mag I take hunting occasionally, so I want to put a rifle caliber barrel on the Contender to get longer range out of it.

What are your recommendations for a caliber to use? I was thinking 6.8 or 7mm .08 if they made it. Any insight???

Thanks!!!!

handloader1 · 09-03-2009, 01:06 PM

Go to www.tcarms.com and see what they offer. Good luck.

XArmy55 · 09-03-2009, 04:57 PM

I'm aware of thier site, I was wondering what people thought was a good long range caliber for deer. Also Midway USA has a ton more barrels listed than the TC site.

Ridge Runner · 09-03-2009, 05:27 PM

7mm/08 won't work, too high of pressure chambering. I'd go 7/30 waters, 35 rem. or 309 JDJ.
RR

aomregcik · 09-09-2009, 06:35 AM

Can't go wrong with the 7-30 Waters. Great accuracy, downrange performance, if you plan on reloading brass is cheap to form. Have had mine for several years now, stainless super 14 with muzzle tamer and a 2-7x TC illuminated reticle scope. Handloads with 130gr sierra single shot pistol bullet off the bench groups under 1" at 100yds all day, better than some of my buddies high power rifles.

aomregcik · 09-09-2009, 06:43 AM

Forgot to mention, for deer hunting I would recommend using a bullet designated for use in a single shot pistol. Had too many deer run a long long way when hit with a standard rifle bullet. The single shot pistol bullets have a thinner jacket designed to open at lower pistol velocities. Everyone hit since switching to the Sierra 130gr SSP has dropped where they stood.

Ron Duval · 09-09-2009, 07:12 AM

removed by RD

skb2706 · 09-09-2009, 12:32 PM

On a Contender frame it matters alot whether you handload or not. If not 7-30 Waters or the 30-30 are excellent and lend themselves to more pointed bullets quite easily. I shoot a 7-30 Waters alot and its the real deal on deer out to 300 yds.
If you handload and want to venture down the "wildcat" road the possiblities are endless. I have a 6mm 30-30 AI that works very well, the fore mentioned .309 JDJ and all sorts of others are great.

kaileybear · 09-10-2009, 04:04 PM

I have most of the Thompson made barrels and the one I keep going to for deer is the 300 Whisper. A lot nicer shooting than the 7x30 or 30-30. hard to find tho.