I have a 22lr contender barrel that I really don't shoot much anymore. Has anyone converted a barrel into something a little more interesting? I'm thinking that twist rate and the rime fire cut out might be a limiter. Anyone do anything like this before? What are the options?

Contender 22 LR barrels have a 1:15 twist rate. If rechambering to a centerfire cartridge, the RF cut out wouldn't be a problem. Though I've not don't it myself, I've heard that conversion of 22 LR barrels to things like the 22 Hornet work well.

In my opinion, you would be best off selling your 22 LR barrel and investing the funds in a barrel you think you'll use. Contender 22 LR barrels do fairly well in the resale market. By the time you go to the expense and trouble of a rechamber and counting the money obtainable from a resale, you would probably have as much in your 22 LR barrel as you would in a new barrel.

I use my 22Lr barrel as an inexpensive to shoot understudy for my more powerful center fire barrels. It is not too loud and there is little recoil so it is a very useful barrel looked at in the proper way.

I would second the advise of getting a new barrel for your purposes for the above given reasons. Also, not all 22Lr barrels are the same inside diameter as the center fire barrels are, which could create pressure problems with the bigger .224 center fire bullets if you re-chamber the barrel. Take some measurements before investing if you decide to go ahead with your project to see where you are. I believe some 22 Hornet and 218 Bee bullets are still being made in the .223 diameter...Rusty.