Can anyone tell me about the 7-30 Waters Cartridge in a Contender Carbine with 120 grain spitzer bullets?
1. Accuracy
2. The contender for trigger pull and accuracy
3. Favorite Loads
4. Has anyone used this on elk sized game?

I am considering a stainless with composite stock.-------Thanks--------Chainsaw

Accuracy in my 15 inch barrelled contender is excellent

Contender trigger is adjustable

I prefer 120 grain nosler ballistic tips and reloder 15

I think this is too small a caliber for elk. Far better ballistics available from encore carbine than contender. Contender also available in 30/30, 35 rem, and 45/70, may be more suitable for elk.

Chainsaw
I am shooting the 7x30 waters in a T/C Contender (14"). I can recomend the cartridge, but not Nosler Bal.tip's.
They were my choice in 140gr at 2250fps, but even on Impala sized game, and without hitting any bone whatsoever, they will completly come apart.In fairness the lead cores usually do manage to squirt through the off side, but I like a bullet to stay together, especially at such low velocities.
I have shot 3 Impala's and 2 warthogs ( the last Impala was gut shot and got away - very sad business) and all bullets broke up - none held together.
The cartridge is however a good one for game up to about 250lbs, with 140gr bullets. By choice I limit my shots to 120 meters.
Just my opinion, Bush baby

[This message has been edited by Bush baby (edited 09-11-2001).]

I have a 7-30 contender pistol and also love it. It's a fantastic shooter with 130 si pistol bullets.
I have read articles where the 130 grain x bullet is a top choice for tougher game.
I ran it past quickload and with a 24" barrel it looks like you could get about 2600 fps out of that bullet.
In my opionion THAT IS NOT elk medicine unless you are one heck of a careful, close range hunter. Even at that I would hate to chase that combo after a really big elk.
Just my humble opionion. D kraky