7-30 Waters loads for T/C Contender?? - HuntingNet.com Forums (2024)

Join Date: Oct 2006

Location: Penns Woods

Posts: 1,628

Hey Fellas,

I'm a newbie to reloading and would like to know if any of you have a favorite load for the T/C Contender (Super 14) chambered for 7-30 Waters that I could try. I have brand new equipment, RCBS all the way...just have not pulled the lever on it yet.

BPS

Join Date: Oct 2005

Posts: 1,618

not shoot a Contender , i shoot a encore it likes 35 4064 and 140 gr noslers

Join Date: Jan 2004

Location: Eastern PA

Posts: 12,748

BPS - I forget what load I used in my 7-30 but I do know that I used Hornady 120 gr SSP (Single Shot Pistol). I shot 2 buck with those bullets and they really did a number on them. But I was careful not to hit the shoulder because of their thinner jackets.
Also, you can run 30-30 brass into the sizing die and then use a light load to fire form the shoulder and have them formed to your chamber.

Join Date: Aug 2007

Posts: 749

I hunted with a guy that. Had a contender pistol and rifle.in 7-30 he killed a handful of deer. I think he used hornady ammo in it. He since passed away so I can't ask him.

Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: Eastern wv

Posts: 3,664

http://www.reloadersnest.com/frontpa...?CaliberID=294
RR

Join Date: Sep 2010

Posts: 1,834

I shoot a 7mmBR in my Lone Eagle with 14"barrel and it really shines using Re7 and 120 Horn SSP and AA2230 with 120grn Nosler Bal. Tips. Both loads shoot sub MOA at 100yds. I also shoot a Lee130grn handcast with gascheck. I have not shot any deer with this weapon, but I have layed the lead to some hogs and coyotes with it!!!!!! I really like the Noslers on the hogs. Handcast is a shoulder shooter!!!

Last edited by SecondChance; 12-14-2013 at 08:25 AM.

Join Date: Nov 2013

Location: Winfield,Illinois

Posts: 139

Hey BPS, I had the same gun. Also I use to reload them.
7-30 waters is a great cartridge. If your looking for RCBS dies
and fire formed shell cartridges, I have them and I'm looking to sell them dies (cheap). I just don't have time to reload anymore. I sold my Contender with several barrels. Not too many people even know of that cartridge even exists. Glad to hear that your shooting it. I just have memories of that gun a deer camp.
I'll get back to you on the loads. My Nosler book has a great one

Last edited by Rob1969; 12-14-2013 at 01:31 PM.

Join Date: Oct 2006

Location: Penns Woods

Posts: 1,628

Thanks Rob,

But I bought RCBS dies for the gun back when I bought the Winchester model 94 XTR rifle chamber for that round for my wife. She has taken several deer with it but prefers her bolt action .243 to the lever gun. Sad thing is, because Winchester chambered that round in the lever gun, all you can buy factory loaded are flat nose bullets. I have read a lot about the accuracy potential of the Contender in 7-30 loaded with a more aerodynamic style bullet and figured that would be a good round to start with. I have three empty boxes of factory brass and a near full box of factory loads so I'm OK there. I shot a big doe with the Contender back in '03 and she dropped in her tracks so I know it's quite a potent round.

BPS

Join Date: Nov 2013

Location: Winfield,Illinois

Posts: 139

Hey no problem, my wife's uncle got me reloading the 7-30 and then he stopped reloading and gave me all of his 7-30 stuff, bullets, fire formed shells, etc. I've got too much.
I've heard of that Winchester in 7-30 but never saw one.
I love my Marlin TK-30 lever in 30-30
Good Luck reloading.
Rob

Join Date: Oct 2009

Location: Ridgelines of the Roanoke Valley, VA

Posts: 64

Federal loads a nice 120 gr. It's $32 for 20 premium from Cabela's: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Feder...er/1213682.uts
I shoot 140 gr. Spitzer BT over 33 gr. of IMR-4895 w/Federal 210 primer for around 2200 fps. Plenty fast!
More shooters have been won over by the 7-30 Waters chambering in the Contender than any other caliber.

Last edited by gemihur; 08-26-2014 at 10:26 AM.Reason: specify source