[kestak]

Greetings,

1 - I am a man of few powders. I see in my reloading books a powder with AA and a number (i.e:AA4100). I am assuming it is Accurate Arms. Am I wrong?

2 - I see a whole section and different loads for the TC contender:
a) Why exactly do they do that?
b) Can you use those loads in a normal revolver? Of course starting from the lower end of the data...

Thank you

[halfded]

Can't answer the first one, but as for your second question:

The loads are listed differently because the T/C Contender and (most) Ruger revolvers are built to WAY higher pressure limits.

"They" do that so that these high pressure loads don't end up finding their way into a gun that wasn't designed for the mayhem.

No you can't use these loads in a normal revolver even starting from the lowest data you can find. Stick to the standard stuff, or buy yourself one of those heavy duty guns that will safely handle the pressure.

And last but not least, it is still possible to blow up a Ruger and/or a contender. A lot of people seem to place a lot of faith in a little extra metal, and I"ve heard plenty of stories about Blackhawks going Ka-boom.

Good luck and happy shooting.

[Steve Marshall]

yes, it means Accurate powder. No, you can't use TC data in a normal revolver.

[oneounceload]

Loads for the Contender are just that - loads for THAT gun, NOT a revolver - DO NOT shoot TC loads in your revolver

[Jeff H]

DO NOT shoot TC loads in your revolver

unless your revolver is a Blackhawk or Redhawk in 45 Colt

[rcmodel]

Dangerous advice there pard!

T/C Contender loads are not safe in any revolver, including Rugers of any model.

They are for use only in very strong single-shot actions.

rc

[Kernel]

One of the reasons Contender loads are so different is because you can typically load to a much longer cartridge-over-all-length. Seat the bullets out farther. This can transform a cartridge. Not only can you get more powder in the case, you can use a slower powder - you move up the powder speed chart. It's all due to the increase in powder capacity that results from the longer COAL.

Consider my .375 Winchester Contender barrel, for an example. SAMMI spec for the .375 Win is a COAL of 2.560. But in my Contender I can load to over 2.800. That allows me get an "extra" 7 grains of powder in the case, and an additional 150 to 200 fps at the muzzle. And the kicker is - this can be done with NO significant increase in pressure.