Has anyone shot a Contender in 250 Savage? I have a lead on a 14" model and would like to hear from anyone who has one or who has knowledge of the performance of this cartridge in a Contender. Thanks for your input! Dave

Is it an SSK barrel? Most custom barrel makers will not chamber the Contender in .250 or .300 Savage. JD is one that will, at least he used to, I am guessing he still does. Anyone know of anyone else willing to make Contender barrels in .250 or 300 Savage?

You do have to be careful with this one. The .250 IMP is actually more prevalent than the standard .250 Savage chambering as the increased volume allows for attaining standard .250 performance at lower pressures, and nearly-straight case walls are better suited for use in the Contender.

I really like this chambering, but in pistols, I've only worked with it in XPs and an Encore barrel.

Cokdnloded,
It is in fact a SSK barrel as you noted.

Dave

I didn't have time to get into more detail earlier, but in the 14" Contender, you can expect to safely attain 2550 fps with 100 grain bullets and 2750 fps with 85-87 grainers. Exceeding these velocities is possible but certainly is not prudent as you can stretch a frame.

The Encore or XP can beat that by a bit, but it's not that significant. My 15" barrels would top out right at 2700 fps with 100 grain Ballistic Tips and just under 2900 fps with 85 grainers. Re-15 proved to be the best powder in all of my .250s, including a Ruger M77 rifle.

For deer, it's hard to top the performance of the 100 grain Ballistic Tip. Some swear by the 85 grainer, and I have used it on deer and exotics with good results, but the 100 grainer seems to put the game down quicker and is quite reliable about leaving a nice exit on broadside shots.

I also used it in the .257 JDJ with excellent results.

Davit_M,

I have to say that I think you should get the barrel, if it is at a reasonable price. Find out if it is an SSK rechamber of a factory or an SSK from the beginning. The latter is the more expensive barrel, obviously.

If you pass on it, I might be interested. :>

Greg-
You're getting excellent velocity. How are the groups so far?

In the Encore barrel I had in .250, simply changing the seating depth would vary group size quite a bit, and contrary to what is usually the case, deeper seating actually gave me the tightest groups.

Bobby

The groups are not so good so far. The H4895 stays at 2 1/2 " at 100 meters for 5 shots. A very low velocity load using IMR4350 gave me 1.5" with 4 shots in 1", but velocity was only 2140 fps.
I've loaded some up with RE15, hope to try them soon.
I'm using an OAL with the Hornady 100 gr. of 2.53". I haven't played with that too much yet.

Greg

I have a SSK 250 savage contender. I am getting about 2630-2650fps with the 87gr bullets and BL-c(2) powder. I only load to about 2350fps when using 100gr Nosler bullets. It is very accurate and will shoot much better than I can hold. This is one of the contender chamberings that can get you into problems if you don't adhear to the max seed/presure limmits of the contender. Load up to the top velosity, and no more. It is a great varmit and deer chambering.

I used to own an SSK 14" Contender barrel in 250 Savage Improved. I wrote up an article about it that was published in the Varmint Hunter mag. Lots of load data.
You have to load it a little milder than in a rifle, and it pays to keep the chamber dry.
T.D.

Thanks for all the input gentlemen. Though I would really like to buy the 250, I will not as I really can't afford the expense at this time and the wife would have a cat fit .

Cokdnloded, I am sending you the contact info.

Dave