I am getting a new t/c contender barrel this off season. I am either going to get a 7x30 waters or 30-30. It will be for deer hunting. What are your recommendations and experiences with either or both? I'll probably get a 14" barrel, so what kind of velocities could I expect? Any and all advice is welcome. Thank you in advance.

Brewtcl: The 30-30 is a good round with the lighter bullets in the T/C. However the 7/30 is even better. Shoots flatter and is rare that one will not shoot an inch or better at 100yds. Expect 23-2400fps out of the 14" barrel. Shot a Mule Deer (225# field dressed)at 127yds. One shot dropped in his tracks. I feel it is the best all around factory round for the Contender. Check out Greybeards web page for more information on the 7/30....Roy

I own both in super 14"'s. I've shot the 30-30 a bunch and got so-so results(It'll probally end up a 309 JDJ). The 7-30 is awaiting the arrival of a Burris 3x9. On an other web site(graybeards) the 7-30 Waters is one of the most favorite of all the contender guys as far as the best all around deer cartridge. I've got 80/rounds of factory ammo(Federal) to burn up before I start reloading. Their favorite bullet for the 7-30 is 120gr Nosler BT.

Brew,

I own a 7x30 in the hunter barrel. This cartridge is one of the best factory offeriongs in the T/C. I have taken deer, javelina, coyotes, and bobcat.

My standard load is with 130 gr. bullets with RL15 & H414. I like the Speer, Barnes X, Seirra SSP and Hornady (139 interlock) bullets. you can expect between 2300-2400 in velocity and get 1 inch groups all day. My barrel is not particular regarding powders or bullets.

Get the 7x30 you really like it.

Just my .02 worth.

I have not used a T-C in .30-30, but I have one in 7-30 in a 12" Hunter barrel. I really like it except for the noise. If I were to buy another one, I would buy a barrel without the muzzelbrake and put up with a little more noise.

My favorite bullet for antelope is the 140 gr. ballistic tip. I feel the 120 gr. is too fragile. The Hornady single shot pistol bullet is also good for antelope. I used it on a big mountain lion with the 140 gr. Nosler partition. I hit it lengthwise, with the bullet going inside the shoulder next to the neck. We couldn't find the bullet, but the lion died instantly. It didn't even quiver. I have had the best luck with Win. 748 powder. I have formed a lot of brass from .30-30, but the best brass is Fed. 7-30. It lasts so much longer in my barrel that it makes up for the additional cost.

I can't think of a caliber I would rather have in a handgun for deer/antelope size game than the 7-30.

I had both the 30-30 BBL 12" It was not bad it shot quit well. Then I got the 7-30 Waters in a 12" BBL it is one of the best shooting barrel. I would go with the 7-30 Waters

I have a Brown 14" 7x30wat. bbl. and a 16" Thompson bbl. in stainless and I use the carbine every year on one FED. hunt and it allways does what I ask of it. If you use 130 gr. bullets and limit your shots to around 100yds., you should like the results. If you use Federal Premium 130gr. factory ammo [use these to break in your barrel] and neck size only, you will get much longer case life. The recoil is very mild for this type of handgun and it is fairly accurate. Just don't expect it to be a "308" or something. Good Shooting

thank you all for your replies.
I think i am going to go a head and get one.

Have any of you heard of the 7 mm GNR? Gary Reeders improved version of the 7x30 waters.

He claims it will do 250 fps more than the regular. Just wanted to see if others have had any experience with it.

thanks

Brew,

Since Gary is here in my home state. I have talked @ length with Gary regarding the 7mm GNR. Its a great cartridge basically a super improved version of an AI chamber. Uses a short neck and a long throat. Solves the problem of case stretch in the 7x30.

Gary has given me load data and will be rechambering my 7x30 later this year. Its only about $50 dollars to rechamber but the dies are pricey.

I would recommend using the standard 7x30 then have it rechambered if you are not happy. It has taken me about 2 years to decide to have mine rechambered because I am reluctant to take it out of service.

Good luck

BD

I finally got a scope on my 7-30 Waters. I put a 3x9 Burris on my factory super 14" w/brake. The first handloads I put together shot a 3-shot group @ 50yds a dime will cover! And this was doing it in a hurry because of fading light! Win. 748 and 120gr. Sierra's. I've never came close too that with my 30-30 and I've tried a BUNCH of different loads in my barrel.

Get both and try for yourself ! I did so and really don`t know which I prefer , although the 7-30Water is a little more accurate and has better ballistics too !I had mine rechambered in 7-30 Waters Imp. by Fred Smith(Bullberry) it was a 7 TCU in 14" , 5 shots in 1-1,5 " is not uncommon if I do my part (at 100 meters)

Since you are not limited to flat nosed bullets, and it is obvious you are going to load your own, what is the difference?

Ihave a friend who has a 7-30 in a 24 " mod 94 . He is impressed vs his mod 64 30-30.

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Originally posted by brewtcl:
I am getting a new t/c contender barrel this off season. I am either going to get a 7x30 waters or 30-30. It will be for deer hunting. What are your recommendations and experiences with either or both? I'll probably get a 14" barrel, so what kind of velocities could I expect? Any and all advice is welcome. Thank you in advance.

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THE ONLY THING 30-30. DOES BETTER YOU CAN FIND ANMO ALL MOST ANY WHERE!!!

I have been shooting a 7x30 14in. contender for 10 years. Use a 120 Nosler BT for deer and on't look back. It's effectiveness on game is far superior to what its paper ballistics would suggest.

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3-7-77

I would question what 250fps is going to get you? 50 to 70 yds.? What I know the improved will get you are pricey dies and nowhere to buy ammo if you have to have it and can't roll your own. But that's just my opinion. And you know what they say about them :]
Enjoy your QUEST!