Questions & Answers

I’ve got an, ”original” Contender. I also have a 338 JDJ#2 (444 Marlin necked down to 338) barrel that I’ve had for many years (I took an antelope with it a long time ago). For whatever reasons, i haven’t shot it in a long time. I’ve got more appropriate barrels for what I’m shooting or hunting, and there aren’t a lot of 338 bullets that look good for that velocity range.

Anyhow, I keep thinking it might be fun to shoot it again. However, it seems like most or all of the barrel vendors now only chamber 444 Marlin based cartridges in the G2 Contender or Encore.

Obviously I used to shoot this barrel on that frame (it’s the only one I own), so it, “used to work“ (as in, the world didn’t end). I can guess the reasons why G2 is preferred (pressure & back thrust on the frame) but I’m curious about what people think.

in the end, it’s up to me to decide, but I’d like to hear what people have to say.

thank you -mike