The Thompson/Center Contender earned its reputation by letting shooters swap barrels and tailor one platform to very different jobs. That flexibility makes caliber choice the whole game, whether you want a pleasant range companion, a serious hunting setup, or a bit of both. These seven chamberings stand out for their usefulness, availability, and the kind of shooting experience they bring to the classic single-shot design.
.22 Long Rifle
If you want a Contender barrel that is easy to love from the first shot, .22 Long Rifle is the obvious place to start. It is inexpensive, low recoil, widely available, and perfect for getting comfortable with the platform’s trigger, grip, and balance without any drama.
A .22 LR Contender is also just plain fun. It turns the famously adaptable single-shot into a relaxed plinker, a small-game option, and a trainer that rewards careful shooting. For many owners, this is the barrel that gets packed most often because it makes every range trip feel simple and satisfying.
.22 Hornet
The .22 Hornet gives the Contender a step up in reach and energy while keeping recoil pleasantly mild. It has long been appreciated by shooters who want a light varmint and small-predator round that feels refined rather than overbuilt for the job.
In a Contender, .22 Hornet often shines as a precision-minded choice for field use. It offers a flatter trajectory than rimfire options and brings centerfire reloadability into the mix. That combination makes it appealing to handloaders and careful hunters who enjoy stretching distance a little without turning the shooting session into a punishment.
.223 Remington
Few cartridges balance utility and familiarity like .223 Remington, and that carries over neatly to the Contender. It is accurate, relatively easy to source, and capable enough for target work, varmints, and a lot of practical range time with a setup that still feels manageable.
What makes .223 especially appealing is how modern and versatile it feels in a classic single-shot. Shooters who already load or stock it for rifles may appreciate the convenience, while newcomers often like the clean, straightforward performance. In the right barrel length and with the right optic, it can turn a Contender into a serious precision field piece.
.30-30 Winchester
There is something undeniably appealing about chambering the Contender in .30-30 Winchester. It brings one of America’s classic hunting cartridges into a compact, single-shot handgun or carbine format, creating a combination that feels both traditional and surprisingly versatile.
In practical terms, .30-30 offers proven field performance and broad ammunition availability. Recoil is noticeable, of course, but many shooters find it worthwhile for the cartridge’s credibility on deer and similar game. If you like time-tested rounds with a strong hunting pedigree, this one gives the Contender a big dose of old-school confidence.
.357 Magnum
The .357 Magnum is one of the most practical Contender choices because it covers so much ground. With lighter loads, it can be comfortable and enjoyable for range use. With heavier hunting ammunition, it becomes a legitimate option for close-range field work and medium game where legal and appropriate.
It also benefits from flexibility in ammunition selection, including the ability to shoot .38 Special in many firearms chambered for .357 Magnum, though owners should always confirm safe use with their specific barrel. That broad utility gives this caliber a steady charm. It is approachable, capable, and easy to understand, which is often exactly the right combination.
.44 Magnum
If you want your Contender to feel unmistakably like a hunting handgun, .44 Magnum makes a strong case. It delivers the kind of authority people expect from a big-bore revolver cartridge, but in the single-shot Contender platform it often feels more stable, more deliberate, and more purpose-built.
This is not the softest-shooting option on the list, and that is part of its personality. For many enthusiasts, the appeal lies in its confidence at practical hunting distances and its long-established reputation in the field. A .44 Magnum Contender has presence. It asks for respect, but it gives back a lot of character and capability.
.45-70 Government
The .45-70 Government is the dramatic choice, and in a Contender it delivers exactly the kind of larger-than-life appeal you would expect. It is a historic cartridge with serious power, and pairing it with a single-shot platform creates a setup that feels bold, specialized, and memorable.
This is not the barrel most people choose for casual afternoons at the range. It is the one that calls to experienced shooters who appreciate heavy-hitting performance and the challenge that comes with it. For the right owner, .45-70 transforms the Contender into a conversation piece with genuine hunting credibility, especially when the goal is maximum authority in a compact package.
