Gary Reeder
yes but would watch for pressure signs and would
Monday, February 19, 2018, 17:04

ease up to these loads a grain or two at a time. Also the 500 grain solid might be too long for the 1895 action. I recommend the 350 grain Hornady soft point bullet as it has done very well for me. I used the 350 grain loads in a Ruger #1 up on the Arctic circle for caribou and shot completely thru both animals.

I also shot an Australian water buff with almost the same load with the 350 grain bullets. They were about 2 grains less and in a Contender. The bullet hit him in the left shoulder, broke it and embedded in his off shoulder.

The 350 grain loads are right at max and not too bad but again I do recommend easing up to these loads a grain or so at a time. I also shot a bison in Utah's Henry mountains with this load in a Contender, again breaking the left shoulder and ending up in the off side. I had to wait until he got past the herd of cattle that he was hiding in before taking the shot.

These critters were each taken with the Hornady 350 grain soft point which did perfectly. The loads I am trying now are the 500 grain solids and in an Encore they are rough. I don't recommend them in a Contender. Also remember all the Contenders used were standard barrels, no porting and no muzzle brakes.