Last week, I decided to develop a varmint load for my TC Contender, chambered in 6.5JDJ. This has always been a superbly accurate rig using big game Ballistic Tips, but for this test, I was trying 90gr TNT, with two or three new powders.

Alliant 10X really got things cranking. The load development process was to set up my chrono just outside the shop, load and shoot, load and shoot, mike the case, etc, until I was in the ballpark. Then set up and shoot at 100m.

Imagine my surprise, when touching off an upper end load, the case bopps me in the center of my chest. And the action is open!

I checked the action over and it looked fine. As did the cases at first glance. Figured it must have been a fluke, and it didn't repeat right away, but my concentration wasn't what it was, I can tell you.

About ten rounds later, another case whacked me again. Weird enough, both pills did OK on the target. But there was no way I would stand behind that thing again until I figured out why. This had to be the best flinch-inducer I've ever seen.

It might have been the resizing die. I was resizing and reloading the same 10-15 cases over and over during the load workup. In most bottle necked cases, I have the resizer set a little high, partially resizing. I had not loaded the JDJ ever since switching to this new press about three years ago. Anyway, with a Contender, the neck must be totally resized or the case protrudes just enough to prevent complete lock-up when you close the action. I was right on the edge. It would seem locked, but the sliding foot evidently would not engage completely. Turning down the die a little more than a quarter turn (about .019) made the difference.

All I can say is I'm glad it was a handgun, with about 24 inches of eye-relief.

[ 05-27-2003, 20:27: Message edited by: Rod@Acrabond ]

Hi,
That's pretty scarey stuff. I remember that happened to my Contender in 30 Herret. I don't think the T/C is supposed to go off if the action isn't completely closed. I would guess that you have problems with your frame. I sent mine back to the factory and they replaced it. I'm no expert by any means but it might be worth looking into. That 24" just isn't far enough for me and that JDJ is quite a beast.
Good Luck,
Jeff

[ 05-26-2003, 18:31: Message edited by: Jeff57 ]

Rod---

There are some aftermarket barrels around with the locking block recess cut at the wrong angle and/or the locking block return spring too light.

I'm working a case now on a TC that caused "......catastrophic rupture of the right eye and socket....." with a 7 Rem Mag case.

The Contender has a disconnect that will not allow the the hammer to reach the firing pin if the bolt is not engaged. If your barrel is from SSK they usually install a stronger bolt spring than TC. If you were shooting from a sandbag it is quite possible that the action was opening after the shot as the triggerguard tang was hitting the bag as the gun rotated in recoil. Try keeping the bag out under the forend away from the guard. I suspect this was the cause.

KevinNY: I'll bet you just drilled the "X-ring". I could not find my pistol rest, so I was using rolled up rags (and my leather cloves) as a rest - directly in front of my hands. The barrel is indeed from SSK, built back around 1990. It has thousands (no exaggeration) of rounds through it. This rig is the only firearm I own that has not changed POI since I've developed the load back in 1991.

Jack: 7mm Rem Mag! In a Contender? OR Encore?

[ 05-27-2003, 20:24: Message edited by: Rod@Acrabond ]

Same thing happened to me so I called T/C. They shipped me a new recoil lug assembly. It worked for a while but started doing it again. Another call and they said to ship the frame back and they sent me a new one in only days. I can't say enough about their excellant customer service. I have had a few problems with my Contenders all were fixed without question. Even when I screwed up they would not take any money. Say that about Ruger,Remington,and Winchester.

Mr. Belk,

As soon as you are allowed to post the specifics, I would also be interested in the particulars of the 7RM "case"....

Thank you,

Bill

Here is an article that addresses the subject from Mike Bellm's website:

http://www.bellmtcs.com/FAQ/barrels_that_unlock.htm

HTH,

X

X-caliber: Great little article. Perhaps Kevin and I were both right. BTW, when the pistol rotates with recoil, the cases do NOT go over your head. Both hit me dead center, three inches above the sternum.