I just ran across a 12" octagon Contender barrel in .38/40 made in limited numbers for the T/C Collectors Association. Never knew these existed and couldn't resist. Anybody have one or have played with one? I'm hoping to load it up pretty stout with a 180-200 gr XTP or Gold Dot and point it at a deer. Wondering if "rifle" level loads would be safe in the Contender. Thoughts?

Interesting find...now you've got me looking for one of these

I've tinkered with loading the .38-40 (aka .38 WCF) for my "cowboy" guns. I think any of the published rifle loads will still be on the mild side (in respect of the Winchester 1873 and 1892 rifled guns in use) and should be OK for the Contender

I have 2 ruger blackhawks in 38-40 and Taffin has loading data for them. You can load the tender every bit as stout as the blackhawk and then some.
Love his articles.
http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt3840.htm

Thanx for the link. That Contender data is exactly what I needed. I should really be able to reach some serious velocities considering mine is a 12" barrel and that data is with an 8". Deer beware! BTW, I've got one of the .38-40/10mm Rugers too and need to drag it out of the safe and shoot it some more.

Remington makes a nice 200 gr bullet just for the 38-40 that can be bought in bulk a lot cheaper then the 40-10MM pistol bullets. It's a flatpoint soft nose that's very effedctive on game and short enough to leave plenty of room for bulkier powders. In fact, it looks like it was an old design left over from black powder. Good bullet, though.

Montana Bullet Works makes a very nice 200 grain LFN bullet for this round. 14.0 grains of HS-6 will launch this one from my 5.5" Bisley at 1,300 fps. It will knock a plug out of a deer.