I have a 14" contender barrel and I was wandering what bullets you liked for 30-30 for deer? I've only used factory loads. I was wnadering about ballistic tips and 130 gr. loads or if there is something you like better. Thanks ahead of time for all in put.

The 125 grain Ballistic Tip is perfect for this cartridge in a 14" tube, and the 150 grain BT isn't far behind. The Sierra single shot pistol bullet was an excellent choice but has been discontinued. The Hornady SSP is my least favorite of the lot as lot-to-lot variances have shown inconsistencies in both expansion and accuracy (some of the early lots were terrific). But the 125 grain BT will open up well, destroy plenty of tissue and penetrate more than sufficiently. In fact, you can pretty much count on an exit on most broadside presentations (on deer, antelope).

If you need to stick to factory loads, Corbon sells a hot loaded 125 or 130 grain spitzer load specially designed for contenders. Worth a try.

regards,
Graycg

Any info on the 130 grain Speer Hollow points or flat noses? These both shoot nice groups in my 14 inch 30-30 barrel and I'd like to hear some input on their use. I am going to use this gun to cull deer around Indianapolis in urban areas. The deer are pretty big 160 - 200 pounds yet I don't want an exit wound necessarily though a pretty well spent bullet mass probably wouldn't hurt anything.

every think about a 357 max? 180 grainers will slam whitetails and for 100 yds and under would be extremely accurate. Just a thought

Nosler 125gr bal tip was my bullet of choice when shooting a 30-30 contender. I got good expansion without bullet blow-up out of a 10" barrel.

Sierra offers a 135gr specifically designed single shot handguns.

hangunnr

I believe Sierra's has bullets just made for the Contender, for the 30-30 that I had years ago and 30 Herret the 125/135 grain seem to be the right weight with IMR 3031.