Like I need another project! Got a couple of gun shows coming up and I know there will be some 41 mag, 44 mag, and 45 Win Mag barrels there. Need you guys to recommend a possible rechamber to a Big Bore for Elk, Bear, & Moose size animals. No I don't want to leave whichever barrel I get alone. I already have the 41 and 44. Looking for your experiences with such big bores for big game (ie; 405 Win - if possible, 411 JDJ, 444 Marlin, etc.). What works the best. Thanks all...RW

With the reintroduction of the .405 Win bullet selection should improve for the .411 JDJ and .405 Win. I owned a .411 and while it was very accurate I could see little advantage over the .375 JDJ in a rechamber - the twist rate is too slow to stabilize heavy (over 300 gr.) bullets. It was magnaported and was relatively comfortable to shoot though, and for deer I imagine the handgun bullets would be devastating.

Rob, I was reading some of my back issues of the Sixgunner (Handgun Hunters International publication) and read that it looked like the new 405 Win load would work in a Contender. I wonder if a 41 Mag Super 14 could be rechambered for this round and get acceptable accuracy with this load. And really would I get enough big game performance to justify it over my 358 JDJ. Really just want a big bore to play with. I started out thinking of getting a 22, 6mm or 25 barrel and rechambering for a 10" barrel/red dot set up for yotes and fox. But that's after a trying a big bore. Again, any suggestions welcome....RW

I would take that 44 you have and Make the ULTIMATE Hand cannon. Have it rechambered to a 444 Marlin....Just watch the over zelous reloading.

Fireball

Lots of real cool big bore calibers are available for the contender. If you want the ultimate call Dave Van Horn. I think he will chamber for 450 Alaskan and I know he chambers for 50 Alaskan because I own one. Reloading is a prudent matter as the pressure on a cartridge with a case head of this size applies tremendous force to the frame. Reeder also chambers the 450 GNR which is basically a 450 Alaskan (.348 necked up). I shoot 435 grain cast bullets from my ported 50 Alaskan; it is a kick in the pants to shoot. I know that lots of experts don't agree with cartridges of this magnitude in a contender but I have had no trouble (I am a very conservative reloader). I also own a 444 marlin rechambered by Bellm and it is extremely accurate and equally as fun to shoot. SSK chambers the 475 JDJ (45-70 necked to 475) and the 416 JDJ (444 necked to 416). I have never shot the 475 JDJ but my 416 JDJ shoots as accurately as I am capable of achieving. Decisions, decisions!!!!!!!!

A litle of the subject but what price range are you finding used contender barrels at gunshows? They all seem to be in the $ 175.00 in my area. Pretty steep as far as I am concerned. Lone Hunter

Lone Hunter, in my area I have seen good used barrels go from a low of $145.00-$165.00 for 44 Mag/357 Mag 14" barrels to highs over $200.00 for 256 Win, 45/70, 221 FB, and match 22 LRs. Lots of talk about the 10" barrels being discontinued and the prices on these are steadily climbing on these. Lots of choices to make for a big bore. I've really narrowed it down to 444 Marlin, 405 Win (if possible), and 411 JDJ. Looking for experiences with these and maybe other cartridges that barrels can be rechambered to like the old express BP rounds, 40-65, 45/90, etc. Good shooting. Teddy Rs old 405 round still sounds good.

Ravenwolf, I am thinking of rechambering my 10" 44 mag barrel to 445 SM. Don't know if it would be worth it or not. Better speed out of the 10" but probly a whole lot more kick. Lone Hunter

Ravenwolf,
There is a guy by the name of Glenn Fryxell that had an article on Sixgunner.com about a .41 he had rechambered to 405. I tried to find the article and post the link here, but it seems Sixgunner is down right now. I do have his e-mail if you want to chat with him.
G.E.Fryxell@worldnet.att.net
He is a really nice guy and I have e-mailed him before about Contender stuff.

Andrew, thanks. I will e-mail him and see what his experiences with the 405 were. I'll have to check my back issues of the "Sixgunner" and see if I can find that article. To all who replied; thanks for your input. Decisions, decisions, decisions....Good shooting....RW

One of the members on the TC list has a 405 Win JD Jones did for him. He says it is one of his favorite barrels