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Thompson Contender and 45-70 twist rate

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tejas View Drop Down
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Joined: March/08/2010
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tejas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Thompson Contender and 45-70 twist rate
    Posted: August/14/2010 at 09:39
    First, let me say this, I have several rifles and pistols, most built for different purposes. For me, the Contender was built for fun. To be able to shoot respectable groups at 100 yds with a pistol, then change calibers and do it again is a blast. 
    Lately, Ive been thinking about taking it on my next hog hunt. The biggest caliber I have is 30-30. Thats probably adequate, but barely if its a big boar at long range. I dont handload so I would probably use the Hornady 160 gr Lever Evolution ammo. It shoots good out of my contender. Or, should I step up to the plate and get a 45-70 barrel?  I suspect my Contender will NOT be as fun to shoot in this caliber. I have several rifles I use for hog hunting and have never even taken the Contender with me so its not like I need one. Just think it would be fun.
    To the point, in a 16-18 inch barrel (I want over 16 so I can use it as a carbine too) what would be the best twist rate for 300-350 grain 45-70? More specifically, for Hornady Lever Evolution 325 grain? The Thompson factory 14 inch is 1 in 14 inches, but I would probably order a custom barrel so I can get what twist rate I want. The last 2 or so inches of this barrel could possible be muzzle brake the rifling may only be 14-16 inches.
    Thanx
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Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 11:35
I don't think 30-30 is adequate for big hogs.

I own a 45/70 handi-rifle, I like it, but it's slow to reload.  Granted, anything that takes a 400-gr round should go down, but I've seen things run from a 45/70 hit.

The 45/70 Contender would be a nice gun, but if you plan to get into hog hunting, not sure a single-loader is the best option.

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tejas View Drop Down
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Joined: March/08/2010
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tejas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 12:03

Rancid Im a long-time hog hunter. I usually carry my Armalite AR10 with Trijicon, and will continue to at night. Once in a while I see a decent hog right before sundown when Im "corning" the senderos. I think they get used to the sound of ATVs and associate that with food. I know the deer and the smaller pigs do, because I can look behind me and watch them walk out of the brush before Im even out of sight. Its at those times when i might be interested in trying my luck with the Contender. Im with you though, think the 30-30 is a bit underpowered, and it kicks hard enough. A 45-70 is going to be worse for sure. I had to put a limbsaver on my Marlin guide gun.  That round from a pistol may hurt me as bad as the hog.

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