I have a bid on a 45 Win Mag contender barrel and was wondering if any of you all have any experience with this cal on a contender. Thanks

tommyn,

I have absolutely NO experience with this caliber whatsoever.

But I didn't want you to feel all alone out here

I'd suggest contacting Mike Bellm regarding potential rechambering options [make a good 45Colt maybe with a rim counterbore and creative throating?? I suspect the existing throat is already too long for this, but Mike will know for certain]if you were so inclined, OR if you like it as is, just figure upon good and creative loads for it as is.

Have you shot it with any factory ammo or personal handloads yet?

Also, what lenth etc is the barrel?

I don't have it yet. I bid on it and it closes tomorrow. I checked Hodgon's load data and with a 5 inch barrel 1300 plus with 250 Nosler. The barrel is a 10 inch. Rechambering without shooting isn't for me. I got try them first. I don't believe a 45 colt would get much more vel. Thanks for your answer.

tommyn

The 45 win mag should be very close in performance to a 44 mag in the same barrel length.

I think I have some 45 win mag Contender load data in one of my load books if you want more specific info........

Gents,
As my Handle implies I am a 45 caliber enthusiast.
The 45 Win Mag is plenty potent out of the contender. My 454 Super Redhawk just barely edges out the 45WM in felt recoil. The SRH has Hogues and a scope to help while the contender is a bare bull wearing Pac's. I bought out a closed stores stock of 45WM ammo then got a barrel....Your method may vary but a 10" Contender in 45WM leaves nothing on the table. My 45-70 Barrel is a 16" unbraked terror also :> Go for it ! No fear! Only your range buddies will know the difference between a 454 and a 45WM. 45nut

Years ago, a gent at the range had one of the Grizzly Semi Autos in this caliber. The gun looks like a 1911 on steroids with beefy looking sides on the slide and such.

He let me fire it and it was a handful and shucked the cases half way down the firing line but what a beautiful piece of work that pistol was. Heavy too if I remember correctly.

Anyhow, not much help to you all but just relating an experience.

Regards

I have only had mine for couple of months but so far it is a great barrel.I have been playing with 265 grain lbt from cast performance over 25 gr of H110.It will average 1670 fps and 1 1/2" to 2" group at 75 yards.I still have t/c sights so it will be used for short ranges this deer season.Barrel also likes 17 gr of blue dot under 225 gr speer bullet.