I'm looking into setting up a contender G2 system to get into longer range handgunning than my current revolvers can manage; I'm also hoping to get into sillhouette shooting eventually. I reload for .357 and .44 mag already so I am considering

1. TC custom 22 LR
2. TC custom .357 Maximum
3. TC custom .445 supermag

The maximum and supermag's would allow me to use my current dies, bullets and such like, as well as download with straight 44s, 357s and 38spls. Would these three be able to cover most everything?

I recently purchased an Encore receiver with a 15" .270 Win barrel. In looking at alternate calibers for the pistol, the only one I consider viable is the .375 JDJ (300 gr @ 1900 fps). I think the .375 is available for the G2 from SSK Industries.

1. TC custom 22 LR
2. TC custom .357 Maximum
3. TC custom .445 supermag

That will certainly cover the range of "handgun cartridges" and allow you to get the most out of each of the loads.

My 38/357 dies (RCBS ~15yrs old) are not long enough to resize 357 max, but the mouth bell and seating dies work fine, so for the cost of a sizer die you should be all set. I don't know if any die sets will handle all 3, but a sizer die isn't that expensive.

I have a 44mag barrel, but I don't load for it and probably won't until I have a 44 revolver, which will be after the 41mag and possibly after the 454 casull (those buggers are EXPENSIVE!).

I also have a .223 and a 7-30 Waters. The .223 is great because ammo is so cheap, and I don't bother loading for it. I really like the 7-30 for what it is. It shoots great, doesn't kick much (with the Muzzle Tamer), and has a wide variety of very good projectiles available.

You might want to consider the 45-70.Believe it or not they are actually very acurate.I have 2 for my contender and both shoot excellent groups.
Dave

Can't believe anyone would have a Contender and not have the vent rib .410 barrel for it. It's the most fun of the lot.

Have to pick three? Hmmm.

1) 22 Hornet (my second favorite)
2) 357 Maxinmum
3) 45/.410 Vent Rib

You can use a 22 LR insert in the Hornet, but that is almost like listing four barrels, isn't it?

Can't believe anyone would have a Contender and not have the vent rib .410 barrel for it. It's the most fun of the lot.

Have to pick three? Hmmm.

1) 22 Hornet (my second favorite)
2) 357 Maxinmum
3) 45/.410 Vent Rib

You can use a 22 LR insert in the Hornet, but that is almost like listing four barrels, isn't it?
what about a 375 Winchester? Anyone have any experience with that one?

Great choices and you can in fact load the .357 max with your 38/357 dies. There is nothing that would keep you from doing it...my size die (also 15-20 years old) works just great. For a Contender you only need to size the portion of the case that actually holds the bullet anyway. Makes the cases last longer too!!

I recently purchased an Encore receiver with a 15" .270 Win barrel. In looking at alternate calibers for the pistol, the only one I consider viable is the .375 JDJ (300 gr @ 1900 fps). I think the .375 is available for the G2 from SSK Industries.
The 375 JDJ is available for the G-2 as a factory barrel now. But from what I have heard they do not intend to chamber it in the Encore. But the 375 H&H......

My G2 has...

.17HMR
.30-30
.45/410

The 7-30 Waters or the ..30-30 are pretty good silhouette cartridges.
If I remember correctly two of the first 40 straight revolver scores were shot with the .357 Max in Dan Wesson revolvers. The max is an accurate low recoil cartridge.
The .45-70 is also rather low recoil which suprises some. The .35 Remington and .357 Herrett can be a double handful with 200 grain bullets!
Check out Forum Me,ber David White for custom barrels. The custom barrels sell for very little more than TC barrels and are worth the money.

3 barrels...hmm...

22 long rifle 10" with a 2.5x Lobo scope
7-30 Waters 14" with a 4x Weaver scope
45-70 16.25" with a 2.5x TC scope


Of course, with all things considered, your mileage may vary according to taste and recoil. :D

I have 6 other barrels that I haven't even mentioned...

44 Mag
45 WinMag
300 Savage
357 Mag
35 Rem
223 Rem


THE fun is treating them all like baseball or football cards...you HAVE to get them all. :p


D