I've been thinking of getting a carbine barrel for my contender to use as a loaner/backup rifle. Now I just need to figure out what chambering would be best. I want a pretty potent chambering that can handle 200yd shots on deer and bear. I'm an avid reloader, so wildcat chamberings aren't a problem. I'd love to hear what you all think. Thanks.

375 jdj seems to be the way to go.

The 30-30AI would cover most situations..from varmints to medium big game quite well. The 7-30 Waters is a good carbine chambering as well. Both offer plenty of performance and reasonable trajectories out well past the 200 yard mark. Easy to load for and a wide variety of components.

shortgun

I have one in 30/40 Krag that does great! Accurate as can be too.

For an off the shelf chambering as well as the availability of ammo quickly and cheaply, the 30-30 would be my pick.

Excellent caliber for deer, pigs, sheep, bear etc.

http://www.cliffsgunsmithing.com/Catalog_TC_G2_B23.htm

-Spencer

There is not ONE.
That is why there are so many.
With the TC you can enjoy several different calibers at a reasonable cost.

My vote goes with the .357 maximum. Load it from 38 spl. levels up to 35 rem. levels for whatever you need.

another good choice would be 6.8 spc